Hotel Helvetia

Hotel Helvetia is housed in a typical Parisian building, with a blue door that opens into a glass vestibule, then to a small lobby with a TV, vending machine, and three round pleather chairs. The space is cheerful, if a bit charmless, though a vintage key rack sits on the wall behind an old-fashioned reception desk, and the hotel still uses metal room keys. There's a carpeted, winding central staircase and a tiny, awkward elevator -- typical for Paris -- that makes getting luggage upstairs difficult. The only common space is the contemporary breakfast room, which offers a decent amount of seating. The hotel attracts leisure travelers, mostly couples along with some families. 

The hotel is situated just a block away from the Gare de Lyon train terminal, making for easy access to the rest of Paris -- it's just a few metro stops to the touristic center -- and beyond (the RER connects directly to Disneyland Paris from here). The immediate area isn't the most appealing and dining options are limited, but it's a 12-minute walk to the Place de la Bastille, a neighborhood filled with cafes, bars, and restaurants. The Austerlitz Bridge over the River Seine is 10 minutes away on foot, and then it's about a 25-minute stroll through more interesting neighborhoods to Notre Dame Cathedral. Orly Airport is a 20-minute drive or just over 50 minutes on public transportation, while Charles de Gaulle Airport takes more than 30 minutes to reach by car, or less than 50 minutes on the RER.

The hotel has 48 basic guest rooms with brown or gray carpeting, dropped ceilings, and largely plain off-white walls. Some walls have red accents, or artwork, and the twin or double beds have red bedspreads. Standard rooms have either one or two twin beds, or single double beds, and there are also some Triple Rooms with three twin beds. Simple wood furnishings consist of wardrobe closets, bedside tables, and small desks with chairs. Flat-screen TVs are mounted on the walls and free Wi-Fi comes standard, but there are no kettles. Small bathrooms come with minimal toiletries are generally tidy, although white-tiled stall showers could use a refresh.

The hotel has no full restaurant or bar, but a contemporary breakfast room was updated in 2009 and has ample seating. An average continental breakfast is available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.