Hotel Flor Rivoli

It’s hard to find a hotel more central than the Hotel Flor Rivoli, a simple two-star sleeper located steps from the Châtelet Metro stop, half a block south of rue de Rivoli. And given its prime spot, the hotel’s rates are very reasonable.

Quick read

Pros: Unbeatable location in central Paris. Clean rooms.
Cons: Plain, dated furnishings. Small rooms and elevator. Smoking is permitted.

The hotel

The Flor Rivoli’s central location means that things are a bit tight in the hotel, in the downstairs lobby, the (tiny) elevator and upstairs in the 20 guest rooms. Don’t come looking for charm, but do expect clean, somewhat dated and cheap rooms.

Bedrooms are unpretentious, with pink or paneled walls, utilitarian beds and prefab desks and chairs. It’s a bit “'80s,” which isn’t a bad thing, especially as it’s quite clean and well preserved. All rooms are equipped with a small flat-paneled TV, telephone and safe. Free Wi-Fi reaches the rooms.

The private bathrooms sport gray tiles and hair dryers. Most are equipped with showers, but there are some tubs available (ask ahead).

Breakfast costs a reasonable €6. Note that smoking is permitted (or at least tolerated—we saw a few ashtrays when inspecting the rooms).

Location

The Hotel Flor Rivoli’s chief selling point, however, is its prime location, a few blocks east of the Louvre, just off rue de Rivoli’s shopping and seconds from the Metro (Châtelet/Les Halles, with an RER line that goes directly to Charles de Gaulle airport). The Place du Châtelet and the Seine are two blocks away.