Hotel Emile le Marais — Hotel in Paris

Due to location, some of the reviews, photos, breakfast availability and rates, I decided to book a one week stay the beginning of May. First, location was great. Can walk to subway across the street, the neighborhood is historic and walkable to the Seine, Notre Dame, etc. I can only speak for my room which looked out to the side street (not the boulevard or "nice view") on the 5th floor. The street level has a restaurant with outdoor seating..I believe the cigarette smoke wafts into my room since I smelled cigarettes. But in ALL the hotels I've stayed at around the world, I've never had a bathroom where the shower area is together with the wash basin and open to the room without a door. Therefore, you cannot leave anything around the tiny sink or a towel as it will get wet, nor can you use the wash basin area after a shower because the floor is wet. You must brush your teeth before or during the shower since you will not be able to walk on the floor afterwards, nor wear shoes so not to dirty the floor as you will be barefoot there to shower. Only the toilet has a private separate area with a door. The windows open to what I believe was the original roof but which they call a "terrace" (I believe sometime in the past the higher floors were added), hence a communal accessibility which anyone can walk out their window onto the roof/terrace and freely access any room as there are no partitions. I saw someone walk by, and was thankful my window was closed, but quickly closed my curtains. The noise of garbage trucks at 5:30-6 am awakened me a few times during the week. About 7 stairsteps to the elevator, but the staff is accommodating to help carry your suitcase to the "tiny" elevator--only one person and a suitcase can fit (or two people without luggage). The breakfast is a coffee machine, juice and some pastries. They must specify "continental" rather than "breakfast". My room was tiny, and it took some furniture arranging to put my suitcase somewhere. Although my room had two twin beds put together, I cannot see how two people can comfortably stay in that room, walk around, or shower. I was thankful I had a clothing rod for my clothes. When you're escorted to your room first so you can decide whether you want to stay or not as they will charge you UP FRONT rather than when you check out, you know there could be issues. And after a long trip, are you going to find another hotel in the last minute?? Would I stay there again? Not if I have to worry about my window being open, awakened by garbage collection, or a wet floor after showering and not going back into the wash area to wash my hands after using the toilet until the floor is dry, and not wear...

Honestly so bad that it’s disastrous and my advice is steer clear! We love Paris but we have learnt our lesson to spend the money for your hotels and we beat ourselves up in our 5 nights there for not doing that.

The only saving grace is Gwenel and only reason why this ‘hotel’ deserves one star. She also unfortunately only turned up in our third day there as she was on leave. She was the only person who would listen and empathise or try to at least help and provide some ‘service’ as you expect from a hotel albeit a basic one.

Firstly lift is so small that it barely fits one person and one luggage - but that’s typical of many hotels in Paris. Then aircon was not working upon check in, it worked again somehow in the evening but then it got turned off… second night it was not at all working and this horrible employee who is rude and doesn’t listen to any word had told us the technician is coming the next day - which of course that didn’t happened. Subsequent third day to the last of fifth night we didn’t have any air condition or air circulation… we had bad sleeps and I recall one night we had to wake up to call the reception for help cos we were so desperate. We were told to live with it or open the windows (which my room is facing the road and at the easily accessible if someone wishes to climb over the balcony). By then we had stop complaining and was just looking forward to going home.

Final night I had again the horrible man doing his shift. I had asked him for the invoice that Gwenel had said she would prepare for us so we can make payment (as we have any early flight next morning) He profusely refused and demanded we foot the bill before he showed us the breakdown of the bill invoice. I had retorted the bill is incorrect…He refused to listen and told me to wait till I see Gwenel tomorrow ?!?!?? He was basically pushing work to his colleague! Anyway Gwenel being an angel got it sorted… and I was surprised to hear that she had prepared the invoice the night before and had specifically given instruction to this horrible colleague that we will be asking for it to settle our bill!! Not sure what is up to this man for not passing us the invoice but he’s definitely not kind and seemingly out to make lives difficult for customers - clearly hospitality is not for him.

Aside, similar to many hotels room and shower space is so small that even for two Asian women, we found it tight to walk around. I feel for those who are bigger or taller! Best to check and lookup the sqm before u book. I have overheard many people at the reception complained about their room sizes or at least two from what I can recall.

In any case just invest in a better hotel if...

The hotel is located in the very modern and safe Le Marais and it’s very easy to get to. There is a Metro Station just across the road (Saint Paul) where you can easily get to all locations within Paris. ||We were welcomed by the fabulous Gwendolyn who from the get go really enhanced our stay with her cheery chatty personality. She was like our own tour guide, full of recommendations and advice on getting around Paris. For our first time here, we couldn’t have asked for better service. ||We were upgraded to a larger room, one that included a bath and views of the side streets. We stayed in room 45 and found the room to be perfect for our visit. Large comfy bed, mini fridge, bath tub and toilet which is in its own room. We found the open bath tub to be quite funny and added to the romance of our Parisian stay!|There is a small lift just big enough for a person and suitcase but again if we’re spending a trip exploring the city you get used to climbing the stairs!||A continental breakfast was included in our stay which included a variety of fresh pastries and bread, with a range of condiments. There is also fresh juice and a hot drinks machine. It was a great little start to our days of exploring the city. ||When coming and going from the hotel, you leave your room key at the front and there is someone working there 24/7. There’s a supermarket across the road to get any extra supplies and you’re close to lots of lovely shops, restaurants, bars and coffee houses. A very modern and trendy area.|I suggest getting the Metro travel card which can be pre loaded for 1 or 2 days. It’s a cheap way of having unlimited travel when out and about. ||I would highly recommend staying here at Hotel Emile and booking directly through their website. |Thank you again to Gwen for...