HOTEL LUCIEN & MARINETTE, Paris

All rooms are soundproofed and equipped with double glazing to reduce street noise. Each has a private bathroom with either a shower or a bath (the superior triple room adds a jacuzzi bathtub), a flat-screen TV with free channels, a mini fridge, electric kettle, and a safe. Complimentary bottled water is provided on arrival; tea and coffee are supplied. Air conditioning is available but centrally controlled - it can only be set by reception. Some rooms have an inner courtyard view, which tends to be quieter. The fit and finish are clean and modern, though room sizes are typical for central Paris - compact, with limited closet space (no wardrobe in some rooms). Families should note that the triple and family rooms can have two or three beds. A lift is present, but it stops between floors, meaning you will need to climb a short flight of stairs to your room.

The breakfast (14 EUR, optional) includes scrambled eggs, sausages, bread, pastries, a choice of cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurt, cold meats, cheese, juice, and coffee. A continental, vegetarian, and gluten-free buffet is available. Breakfast starts at 06:30, with a takeaway option for early departures if requested. The breakfast room is small and can become crowded during peak hours. The hotel does not have an à-la-carte restaurant, but the surrounding streets are filled with restaurants and bistros within a 3-minute walk, including the popular Chez Marius next door. For self-catering, each room has a mini fridge and electric kettle, and the Marché Saint-Quentin across the street offers fresh produce, cheese, and prepared foods.

The only wellness facility at the hotel is a hot tub / jacuzzi, which can be used at an extra charge. For a full spa or pool experience, guests will need to look elsewhere. The hotel's sun terrace provides an outdoor space to relax. The compact nature of the hotel means leisure options are limited to the jacuzzi and the immediate neighbourhood.