Hôtel Albe Saint Michel

Travelers searching for a central Paris experience at more affordable rates are in luck at Hotel Albe Saint-Michel, which has created a welcome mid-range base close to the Seine. The general decor is simple, but with nice touches. The lobby is simple and light, with some nice touches including black leather sofas, modern prints, and a whitewashed exposed brick feature wall. The vibe is relaxed and quiet compared to the bustling streets outside. As features are quite limited, don't expect much of a social scene -- most guests are out exploring during the day. With its range of room configurations -- singles, doubles, twins, and triples -- the hotel appeals to couples as well as families and friends traveling together, most looking to take advantage of the hotel's location. 

When a Paris hotel’s location can be described as ‘Left Bank,’ it’s a good one. Set one block back from the River Seine, the Hotel Albe Saint-Michel fronts the small cobbled street of Rue de la Huchette in the 5th Arrondissement. Small shops, cafes, bars, and relaxed tourist-friendly eateries that are popular with local students are in every direction. It’s just off the busy Haussmann-designed Boulevard Saint-Michel at the northern end of the Latin Quarter, where the winding medieval lanes are bursting with vibrant restaurants, jazz clubs, warmly-lit cafes, and quirky book shops. Top attractions within walking distance include the Notre Dame Cathedral (five minutes), the Jardins Luxembourg (10 minutes), and the Centre Pompidou (15 minutes). It’s also a 15-minute walk to Cafe de Flore -- one of Paris’ oldest coffeehouses that attracts various celebrity customers. There are three metro stations nearby, with the closest (Saint-Michel-Notre Dame) just a two-minute walk away, and there’s easy access to buses too. It takes around 40 minutes to reach Charles de Gaulle Airport by taxi or a direct train journey. Budget an hour to reach Orly Airport by train.

Simple rooms are done in neutral tones, but the subtle attention to detail -- attractive pieces of artwork and contemporary textiles in handsome shades like slate blue -- keeps them from feeling too bare or bland. Floor-to-ceiling Parisian-style double windows let in plenty of light. All rooms have comfy beds and modern amenities like air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The minibar is replenished every day (selected items) and a there’s a welcome tray to greet guests on arrival. Bathrooms are neat and modern, with black-tiled floors, a stall shower or shower/tub combo, and a heated towel rack. Toiletries are included. In the entry-level categories, bathrooms are a bit boxy. Room configurations includes singles (with a queen-size bed), doubles, twins, and triples. Room sizes are Parisian-small, starting at 118 square feet (11 square meters) for singles and 130 square feet (12 square meters) for doubles and twins. Many rooms overlook the old-style Parisian buildings and the bustling street below. Despite the soundproofing, previous guests still comment on some street noise. Deluxe Rooms are corner rooms that come with a balcony and views of the Place Saint-Michel and the Seine.

There isn't much to this hotel when it comes to features, and most guests are out exploring during the day. There’s a 24-hour reception deck with French, English, and Spanish-speaking staff. The cafe-style breakfast room has a shiny black floor and another exposed brick wall. A hot-and-cold buffet breakfast is served for a fee, offering a wide selection including meats, pastries, fresh fruit, and a boil-your-own-eggs station. The choices are ample, but a little expensive -- previous guests recommend opting for a local cafe. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Public parking is available nearby at a fee. For guests who can’t bear to leave their pets at home, small dogs are welcome.