Hotel Bellevue et du Chariot d'OrEditor's Pick

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One of Paris’ remaining Belle Époque grande dames, the Hôtel Bellevue et du Chariot d'Or still holds court along the lively rue de Turbigo in the central Marais, near the Musée des Arts et Métiers. A former palatial residence, the two-star gem has been a favorite of ours for years, as it gives a whiff of old-fashioned Parisian glamour, without the stink of generally high “glamour rates.”

The stairwell is decked out in flocked wallpaper, but the hotel’s 59 rooms generally lack the charm found in its public spaces. Furnished with basic beds, desks and built-in closets, they are also equipped with a TV, telephone and safe. (Stay tuned for renovations.) Rooms with balconies are available, but light sleepers should request one of the courtyard-facing rooms or pack earplugs (windows are not soundproof).

Decked out in pretty, retro pink-and-white floral tiles (circa 1950), the private bathrooms offer shower-tub combos. Most also come with bidets.

Downstairs, the Bellevue’s lobby, lounge and café make a profound impression (especially on incurable romantics) with antiques, wall candelabras, gilded mirrors, stained-glass windows and other architectural traces from the past. In fact, only the Internet station, flat-screen television and fat stack of magazines looked out of place! In other new news, the hotel has recently added a spacious (talking!) elevator, and free Wi-Fi throughout.

Breakfast is available in the charming, old-fashioned dining room (complete with red table cloths!) for €7.

» Theadora Brack

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.