Hotel Balmoral — Hotel in Paris

The Balmoral pitches itself as a centrally located, tiny boutique hotel. And all the adjectives in the previous sentence are correct.

The rooms are tiny. But I'm not complaining because, I guess most city hotels in Europe have small rooms.

It's a boutique hotel. Don't go off expecting amenities like gyms, pools, etc. You get to use there umbrella and their cycles. But I guess that's about it. Again, this is not a complaint but just my report of what to expect. If you are on the Champs de Elysees, you are here to take in the Parisian sights, not laze around in a pool.

Location. Location. Location. The hotel is situated in a quite back lane. The Balmoral is just a minute away from the Charles De Gaul Etiole subway station. Add another minute or two to reach the Arc De Triumph and the beautiful shopping street of the Champs De Elysees.

The rooms. The rooms are cramed with every amenity available. Soft beds you can sink into, a mini bar, WiFi, Tv, and hot water jug, luxurious bathrooms, they have it all. Again, don't go expecting majestic views and you won't be disappointed.

The staff: The front desk were extremely polite and helpful. They patiently answered all my questions even though I don't speak a word of French. Special thanks to a lady called Claire (did I get that name right...) who walked me through the metro map.

The cons: The hotel did get a few demerits from me. The breakfast selection, included in the tasted has absolutely no vegetarian options. So if you don't eat meat, fish or eggs, you need to fill up on toast, cheese and some fruit. I did talk to the server out there about this. I requested her to rustle up some baked beans that I could eat with the today. She promised to look into it the following day. But she forgot. I let it go because we had packed a lot of our own food in anticipation of this eventuality. Nevertheless, the lack of veggie options (even a salad would have helped) is the only reason I am deducting a star.

I would not place this in the budget category. Also, it gets most of the important things, right.

So, all in all, go for this hotel, if are sightseeing the whole day and need a comfy place to...

This review is way overdue.... I cannot say enough great things about the Hotel Balmoral, and more importantly, Ann-Claire and Anthony and the gentleman who helps with luggage and breakfast....they must be three of the most professional, compassionate and helpful citizens of earth that I have ever met. I've been to Paris 6 times over the last few years and stayed in a multitude of fine hotels. What sets this fine hotel apart is the people and services offered. My wife and I were offered a cell phone that works in Paris (google maps is helpful in a strange city), Fresh tea or snacks every time we went through the door, umbrellas to use at any time which is very important for Paris and a multitude of other services. They were even kind enough to hold our luggage overnight while we went to Champagne (Epernay/Reims) overnight. I cannot imagine a better place for the first time visitor or seasoned traveler.

In addition to Fantastic service, the location of this hotel cannot be beat. Right near the subway, 3 minutes from a laundry mat, 2 minutes from the Air France bus, steps to great/fast dining options etc.

Let's face it, as travelers we often have extremity high expectations and want everything right now. As for treatment, I had a rough night of sleep my first night and needed a quieter room. I likely was not as polite as I could be about it at first .....but Anthony helped us and found a suite on a higher floor that was extremely quiet. I will stay here every time my wife and I are in town, what a fantastic place and what even better staff you have that...

My partner and I spent the most wonderful time in this lovely hotel between 8, 9 and 10 of January. We were greeted by reception staff who offered a tray of fresh coffee and pastries by the fireside. Our room was available, so we could check in earlier than anticipated. Our luggage was taken to our room and from then on in our stay was stress free and relaxing. Our Deluxe room was super comfortable and peaceful. Slept beautifully. Our morning breakfast was really lovely with plenty of choice ... and the restaurant staff are there when you need them. Nothing is too much trouble and they are very kind and attentive. The hotel is perfectly located and we had supper in a gorgeous French restaurant 'Le Hide' which was seconds away from the hotel. So no travelling apart from on foot! Amazing food, service and value for money. A true 'French' experience. Hotel so close to the metro and can also walk easily to local attractions. We visited Moulin Rouge on 9th, as it was my 'special' Birthday celebration and we would highly recommend. What an experience! We travelled there by metro and back by taxi and it was around 15 euros with a tip. So not at all expensive. All in all ... the whole experience and few days away was just totally amazing and will be a lasting memory ... Very romantic and just truly a French dream :-). We would definitely recommend and/or...