Le Patio Bastille

It’s easy to miss the inconspicuous entrance to this fairly old chain hotel, which is generally elegant but also dated in parts. The bright and spacious lobby has high ceilings with skylights, pleasant framed prints on a mix of wood-paneled and plain white walls, and attention-grabbing purple velvet sofas -- but the green tiled flooring looks dated. The high-fronted tan-wood front desk is finished with a stone top. Simple, bright hallways have white walls and prints depicting Parisian attractions, and outdoor walkways are framed with flowers in attractive window boxes. The old-fashioned breakfast room has large, white-clothed tables and black high-backed chairs. In the relaxing courtyard, cobblestone pathways wind around the greenery and pleasant outdoor seating. Guest rooms in the three separate buildings look out onto this outdoor space, giving it the homey feel of an apartment block rather than a hotel.

Set between other residential and commercial properties on a busy, local-feeling street, Le Patio Saint Antoine occupies a non-touristy neighborhood in Paris’ 11th Arrondissement. It’s well located for public transportation connections, with the metro, plus local restaurants and grocery stores, just a short walk away.

• Five-minute walk to Nation metro station
• 16-minute walk to Gare de Lyon train station
• 20-minute walk to the Père Lachaise cemetery (five-minute drive)
• Five-minute drive to Place de la Bastille (13 minutes by public transit)
• Eight-minute drive to the Picasso Museum (20 minutes by public transit)
• Nine-minute drive to the Marais (22 minutes by public transit)
• 10-minute drive to the Notre-Dame Cathedral (25 minutes by public transit)
• 15-minute drive to the Orsay Museum (27 minutes by public transit)
• 18-minute drive to Orly Airport (75 minutes by public transit)
• 22-minute drive to the Arc de Triomphe (19 minutes by public transit)
• 22-minute drive to the Eiffel Tower (41 minutes by public transit)
• 25-minute drive to Charles de Gaulle Airport (90 minutes by public transit)

The 89 rooms at this Best Western are pleasant enough, though they’re generally compact and look dated in parts. Comfy beds have old-fashioned tan-wood headboards and built-in bedside tables with dated lamps. (Beds in Executive Rooms and Junior Suites are more modern.) There are wall lamps on paneled or papered accent walls -- other walls are painted plain white -- while patterned blue or purple bed linen matches curtains over the large windows. Rooms include small wooden tables and chairs, but no proper work desks. Executive Rooms offer a bit more space compared to entry-level Superior Rooms. Junior Suites add slightly old-fashioned patterned sofas that fold out into bunk beds, and extra tables and armchairs -- but, without separate living rooms, these aren’t really suites. Bathrooms have white-gray floor and wall tiling, white vanities with metal frames, and shower/tub combos with power showerheads, plus individual toiletries and hairdryers. But numerous guests report that the hot water can run out quickly, and it takes a while to replenish.

A welcome perk is that all rooms have small kitchenettes, complete with single electric stovetops, microwaves, and sinks, plus coffee- and tea-making facilities, sparsely stocked refrigerated minibars, and a small selection of cookware. Other standard amenities include air-conditioning and old-fashioned heaters, plus large flat-screen cable TVs, phones, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Connecting rooms are available. Some rooms can be a bit dark, and some suffer noise from either the street or the courtyard. Note, too, that some rooms are reached via tight spiral staircases, which could be a problem for those with mobility issues.

As a straightforward mid-range hotel, the Best Western Le Patio Saint Antoine offers little in the way of amenities. There’s a pleasant breakfast buffet, but it’s not included in room rates and is fairly pricey. A cheaper continental breakfast is offered to those leaving early or waking up late, and room service breakfast is also available for additional fees. The front desk is open 24 hours, and a dry cleaning service is available. The hotel has two meeting rooms that together can accommodate up to 70 guests. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Parking is available for a fee.