powhatangal

Hi Fodorites - does anyone have any firsthand knowledge of this Citadines? I have booked a studio there for a week in March.

Some reviews state the the rooms look tired, but the management response says they are renovating. I'm good with the location and I like having a little kitchenette but just wondering if anyone has any personal experiences to share.

Thank you for any input!

Whathello

Bastille Marais ? Sounds like not the same ... Bastille is right bank Marais is left.

janisj

uh - no. They are both on the right bank and the same area . . .

I haven't stayed there but I think you'll like the location.

JAMH

Bastille and Les Marais are both on the right bank. Perhaps, you are thinking of Montparnasse, which is on the Left Bank.

fuzzbucket

You will be right across the street from the Sun/Thurs Bastille market, which is a great thing, if you like food. Technically, you're just about a block or so outside of the Marais "proper" - not a big deal at all.

I've had friends stay here, but that was 3 years ago, so can't swear about the condition of the rooms at this point. Citadines is a good chain with simple, decent accommodations - if there is no heavy renovation going on during your stay (noise, dust), you should be fine.

powhatangal

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate your responses and am looking forward to staying at the Citadines.

DonTopaz

I like Citadines a lot, and the Marais/Bastille location is good -- be sure to enjoy the Promenade Plantée (a rail line converted to a wonderful city walk, the predecessor of New York's High Line), which begins close to the hotel.

The only caveat with Citadines is that some of the rooms in some hotels have only sleep sofas, and not real beds. These can be awful for sleeping -- check with the hotel and if possible make sure you reserve a room with a real bed.

powhatangal

Thank you DonTopaz for the tip about the bed. My reservation says a double bed, but I will confirm that with them.

Promenade Plantée is on my list!

hikrchick

Thank you for asking this question; my DH and I are just starting to figure out which Citadines we like for our mid-October trip. We bought a Streetwise Paris map the other day so we can better understand from the Citadines website which areas they're located in. This one sounds pretty good -- especially re: the Bastille market!

DonTopaz

For my money the best-located Citadines in Paris is the one on the Quai des Grands Augustins, right on the Seine, a stone's throw from Notre-Dame, the St Germain-des-Pres, Berthillon, and the RER to the airports. (But, it's also one of the most expensive.)

yeadonite

This place is not only run down, but also filthy. There is no evidence that basic cleaning is being done anywhere.

My first room ($200 per night) had rust in the bathtub, holes in the wall, soap scum around the sink, holes in the curtains, and terrible chemical smell. I immediately asked to move.

The second room was no better. There was hair on the bathroom walls, not just in the shower. It is clear that the room had also not been cleaned in a long time.

There were over 20 cigarette butts just outside of the door leading to the courtyard.

If it had been possible, I would have gotten my money back and moved. Instead I spent a sleepless night in possibly the most disgusting room I have ever rented in a lifetime of traveling.

powhatangal

Yeadonite - thank you for posting your experience. As it turns out, I cancelled my reservation at the Citadines. I decided that I didn't have to have a kitchenette this trip so I chose a hotel, Hotel du College de France, where I've stayed on other occasions. Based on your comments, I'm glad I cancelled.

Leaving Saturday and can't wait!!

yeadonite

powhatangal - Have a great trip! I have pictures of it on trip advisor, I think switching was a good choice. I am so jealous!