In March I visited the awesome city that is Paris for my third time. Previously I had been there with large groups, one being a school trip and the other a Contiki tour and I had never had the opportunity to choose my own accommodations. This time however I was traveling with my sister who was visiting for the first time and it was up to me to decide where to stay.
Our parents had visited before and always raved about staying at a hotel in the Latin quarter, but blogger friends of mine like Chris from the Aussie Nomad chose a hostel in Monmartre as being his favorite. Being that there are 20 Arrondissments in Paris (districts / neighborhoods) there are many places with many recommendations and each having their own unique style and way about them. A good way to choose is to either grab a map close your eyes and point your finger or maybe even just try to find a place to stay somewhere near the attraction that you want to visit/enjoy the most without of course spending all of your millions on accommodations.
On my two other trips I had stayed at an Ibis hotel and at a small hotel called Hotel Bellevue. Personally I would not recommend a chain hotel like the Ibis while staying in Paris. When visiting a city with such culture and fine tastes I think the best way to experience it is to stay in the smaller hotels and experience life more like the Parisians do. The Ibis was located very near to the Moulin Rouge and I could see the Eiffel tower sparkling at night far off in the distance from my bedroom window but the chain hotel just wasn’t for me. I had loved the Hotel Bellevue with its tons of character and short walking distance to many things like Notredame or Monmarte but this time I wanted to try somewhere new.
My sister and I were looking for an affordable place to stay however we wanted more than what a hostel could offer. Still looking for suggestions I contacted another blogger friend who frequents Paris, Gray from www.Solofriendly.com. I was immediately in touch with contacts of Gray’s and was excited to be staying at Hotel Sophie Germaine, located in the south part of Paris I was curious to explore an area that I had yet to spend much time in. As our trip got closer and a few dates changed we sadly found the Hotel Sophie Germaine to be booked up but were then told about Hotel Annexe.
Hotel Annexe was located near Hotel Bellvue and as much as I had been excited to stay in a new area I was also excited to now stay in a familiar area. I always like visiting a city for the second (or third) time and seeing how things may or may not of changed over the years but also I enjoy knowing were things are and touring people like my sister around to some favorite spots of mine.
We arrived in Paris by train from London and after a 15minute walk from the station we turned right onto Rue Taylor and tucked away on a tiny street a few blocks in we found our home for the next 3 nights Hotel Annexe. The friendly front desk staff checked us in, handed me the room key attached to a bear keychain and off we headed in the tiny barely-enough-room-for-two-people-typical-Parisian-elevator for our room.
I don’t think I have ever stayed in a hotel room as pretty as the room I had at Hotel Annexe in Paris. The pictures might not even do it justice. Recently renovated and updated there aren’t too many places in Paris that you will find that look like this for the awesome price that it was. Even the washroom was brand new and sparkling clean. The Hotel Annexe is definitely a place to stay for the solo traveler, couples, friends, sisters your name it. Maybe you are just passing through Paris or you have been Euro-country-hopping and are tired of a hostel every night, the Hotel Annexe is a great place to recharge your batteries. I was thrilled with the prettiness of the bed while I think my sister was most excited about the free coffee.
In the morning there was a full European buffet style continental breakfast with croissants, meats, cheese, cereal, yogurt, pain au chocolat, coffee, juice, we were in heaven. The hotel did not have its own restaurant or bar but that didn’t matter as we googled away on their free wi-fi while eating breakfast we saw there were various restaurants of different cuisines no more than a 5minute walk away in either direction perfect for grabbing a late night bite after our exhausting action packed days of touring around.
Located no more than a 30 minute walk to many sites in various directions the Hotel Annexe was also conveniently located in between two metro stations which could take you on 6 metro lines in various directions. The neighborhood seemed quiet and safe and the Hotel Annexe is definitely a place I would return to if ever in Paris again. Hopefully that will be sooner than later!
All opinions and views expressed are those of my own. While in Paris I was invited to stay at the Hotel Annexe for one night however I liked it so much I stayed and paid for the extra two nights. To find out more info about their Hotel and rates please check out their website online www.annexe-paris-hotel.com
6 Comments
Ana
February 9, 2016 at 5:09 pmIt looks quite good an option to stay in Paris. I will consider it next time i travel to Paris. Thanks for the review
Hannah
July 22, 2014 at 6:48 amThanks for a great post and I completely agree that when visiting a city such as Paris that is brimming with culture, the best way to experience it is to stay at a boutique hotel. There are so many to be found in Paris and there is something for everyone. Even your stay becomes a unique experience. It is great that everything seems to be in walking distance. The hotels are always really well situated.
How great was 2011? | Cailin Travels
December 30, 2011 at 12:57 pm[…] bug and a bit more of over seas. We took the chunnel to Paris (bucket list check), we scored a sweet boutique hotel, explored the Catacombs, went to the top of the Eiffel tower and a whole lot more. This was my […]
Bob Crunch
August 8, 2011 at 12:50 pmGreat article! The Hotel Annexe sounds like an awesome place to stay.
carles
July 6, 2011 at 11:56 amI never heard about this hotel I must check it.
Alouise
July 3, 2011 at 6:47 pmI love Paris, and this hotel looks fantastic. I’ll definitely have to look into it for my next trip to Paris.