Timhotel Tour Eiffel

Tucked into one of Paris' narrow streets in a tall concrete-and-brick building, the Timhotel Tour Eiffel offers little in the way of public space -- or personality. Framed black-and-white photos offer a little bit of adornment to the functional lobby, which is covered in beige carpeting. Dark brown pleather chairs and a loveseat provide seating, and a little espresso-maker, doles out DIY welcome drinks. A vending machine and the hotel's one public computer are also wedged into this space. The breakfast room is minimally embellished as well. It's a tidy space done in a dark browns and beige palette. The one other public space is the courtyard out back. It's pleasant enough as an alfresco breakfast spot, but the plastic tables and chairs don't entice lingering either. The elevator and hallways are tight and show dings from struggles with luggage. Guests here are mostly tourists -- couples and families -- hoping to stay close to Paris' most famous attraction.  

Located in Paris' 15th Arrondissement, the Timhotel is just a 15-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. Being the city's most populous district, the hotel is surrounded on all sides by restaurants, cafes, and shops. There's a coop with organic food selections just three minutes away on foot, or a Monoprix is just a five-minute walk. A laundromat is across the street. For all but the most intrepid walkers, most other attractions will require a metro or taxi. The Louvre is 30 minutes away by metro, while Montmartre takes about 38 minutes. The Champs-Elysees is a 32-minute walk or a 19-minute train ride. Orly Airport is about 30 minutes away by car without traffic, and Charles de Gaulle Airport can take more than an hour to reach in a cab. Getting to either by public transit takes about the same amount of time, and eliminates the unpredictability of Paris traffic.

Guest rooms tend to be function over fashion, with plain blond-wood furniture, wall-to-wall carpeting, and built-in shelving and nightstands. Botanical prints over the beds and striped curtains attempt to add a little decor, but just emphasize their outdatedness. Wear and tear can also be spotted throughout. But some rooms have been revamped with a fresher gray-and-white color palette and trendy damask wallpaper -- so it helps to request a renovated room when booking -- and all rooms have received new bedding. Standard amenities across all rooms include flat-screen TVs, small work desks, hairdryers, tea and coffee-making facilities. Each room has a private bathroom, but they vary greatly. In renovated rooms, bathrooms have sleek dark tiles, rainfall showerheads, and vessel sinks. On the other hand, older units have crusty plumbing and fixtures, and grout between the tiles show mold. Basic toiletries are available from wall dispensers. Note that most rooms lack air-conditioning and some guests complain the fans provided are inadequate. One show-stopping feature: The penthouse room at the top of the hotel has Eiffel Tower views.

As a value property, the Timhotel Tour Eiffel is fairly low-frills. There's no full restaurant or bar. Breakfast, available for a fee, is served in a tidy breakfast room, and in good weather, guests can make use of the hotel's courtyard as a sunny dining room or lounge space. There is a public computer in the lobby, but this area is cramped and often busy. Still, guests report the free Wi-Fi sends a good signal no matter where you are on the property.