One of Paris's remaining "belle-époque" hotels, the two-star Hôtel Bellevue et du Chariot d'Or provides 59 simply furnished rooms along the rue de Turbigo in central Marais. The hotel has been a favorite of ours for years, as it provides a taste of old-fashioned fun at low rates. It will appeal to romantic Cheapos more than to would-be VIPs, as the grandeur is a bit faded and the rooms are bare-bones.
Period furniture, stained glass windows, and gold-painted details make a romantic impression in the lobby, lounge, and café. The small lobby bar, like most of the ground floor, seems as if it was pulled straight from Hemingway's Paris.
Upstairs, a maze of hallways connects rooms that generally lack the charm found downstairs. They're furnished in a "tourist class" kind of way, with generic beds and desks. Walls are painted yellow or pink, and all rooms are equipped with smallish satellite TVs and telephones. Bathrooms have wall-to-wall white tiles, and shower/tub combos (four rooms have shower only). 25 rooms face the street, while another 34 look over the quieter courtyard. We'd avoid rooms facing the busy rue Turbigo, as windows are not soundproofed.
During our last visit in early 2009, we were amazed to see the hotels spacious new elevator. Unusual for Paris, the elevator accommodates seven people and even talks to you!
Note: Free Wi-Fi is available in the reception area. Breakfast costs €7.
» Tom Meyers
Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor and is recommended based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.
About the Hotel Bellevue et du Chariot d'Or neighborhood
Stretching from Châtelet to the Place de la Bastille, and from République to the Seine, the Marais is the trendiest neighborhood on our list. Its narrow, winding streets are full of funky boutiques, hip bars, and tiny bistros. The Marais is home to the city's historic Jewish quarter and is the center of gay Parisian life. Many of its 17th-century mansions house museums and cultural centers, making this neighborhood very popular for locals and visitors alike. It’s a safe and lively area for nightlife, particularly around the Rue du Vieille du Temple.
The increasing number of contemporary art galleries and avant-garde fashion boutiques in the Marais has fueled increases in hotel rates over the past decade. Nonetheless, there are bargains to be found along the quieter side streets, where visitors will find the exposed wooden beams and bonsai-sized rooms also on offer in Latin Quarter hotels.
more about Marais