Hotel Paris Louis Blanc

The Hotel Paris Blanc is situated in a five-story white corner building with arched window accents. Built in 1990, the hotel underwent a major 2014 renovation in the lobby and rooms (though not the bathrooms). The lobby, with its sightly quirky furniture, is the chicest part of the hotel. The minimalism of a gray reception desk, white walls, and simple wood floors are countered with bright geometric wallpaper and electric-purple lamps. Furniture has an updated mid-century modern vibe, such as the loveseats with tapered wood legs, gray seat cushions, purple upholstered backs, topped with apple-green accent pillows. The breakfast room is equally stylish, with wood floors and green-and-white molded chairs. Another standout is the courtyard garden, where tables and chairs are set out under a pergola on a nice wood deck with trellises. The hotel draws a wide swath of travelers, including tourists -- couples, families, and solo travelers -- and business travelers too.

Hotel Paris Louis Blanc is situated on a busy street, which it shares with restaurants, shops, and a police station. The Louis Blanc metro station (lines 7 and 7B) is across the street. The Saint Martin Canal is a short walk away, and is a "happening" area with trendy bars and restaurants. The Jaures metro station (lines 2, 5, and 7B) is a six-minute walk away. Most major tourist sights, such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Musee d’Orsay, are reachable via public transportation in 30 minutes or less. Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est, which are major transportation hubs, are also in walking distance.

• Three-minute walk to Saint Martin Canal
• 10-minute walk to Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est
• 18 minutes to Moulin Rouge via public transport
• 20 minutes to the Louvre via public transportation
• 22 minutes to Sacre-Coeur via public transportation
• 25 minutes to Notre Dame Cathedral via public transportation
• 25 minutes to Luxembourg Gardens via public transportation
• 30 minutes to the Arc de Triomphe via public transportation
• 30 minutes to Musee d’Orsay via public transportation
• 45 minutes to the Eiffel Tower via public transportation
• 40-minute drive to Charles de Gaulle Airport
• 40- to 45-minute drive to Orly Airport

Renovated in 2014, the Hotel Paris Louis Blanc's small guest rooms have wall-to-wall carpeting and bright fabric accents such as teal coverlets, lime-green drapes, and mauve dust ruffles, which pop against the white walls and coordinate with colorful geometric prints on pillows, lamp shades, and artwork. Bathrooms weren't included in the 2014 renovation -- they're somewhat cramped with stucco walls, beige and gray tiling, wall-mounted sinks, and shower/tub combos (tubs are small). Wall-mounted hairdryers and toiletries are provided.

All rooms are air-conditioned and include desks and wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, and electric kettles with tea and coffee supplies. Wi-Fi is free, but guests have complained about a shaky signal that doesn't always reach the upper floors, and frequent sign-in demands. Rooms are mostly Singles and Doubles, with twin or double beds -- some rooms have connecting doors. The hotel's five Superior or Prestige Rooms are more spacious and add sitting areas with round tables and modern cup-shaped chairs, and have larger bathrooms with more counter space around the sinks. Nineteen of the Standard rooms face the courtyard garden, while the others face the busy street, and can be noisy if the windows are left open.

The Hotel Paris Louis Blanc, which claims to be the last independently owned mid-range hotel in the area, doesn't pack in the amenities -- there is no on-site restaurant, bar, or fitness facilities. A continental breakfast is served daily, and includes fresh bread, croissants, pain au chocolat, fruit, ham, cheese, plus coffee, juice, and tea, but it's not included in the room rate. Lounge spots include a small but modern lobby with colorful couches, tables, a TV, and vending machines. There's also a lovely courtyard garden -- with tables and chairs set out under a pergola on a nice wood deck. The hotel also has a meeting room. 

Reception is open 24 hours a day, and the staff will store luggage. Limited parking is available, for a fee, it should be reserved in advance. Wi-Fi is free throughout.