Help with two Paris hotels
 

We're looking at two hotels in Paris and hope the experts have an opinion or two:

Hotel Le Tourville - 16 avenue de Tourville
Hotel du Cardan - 10 rue du Champ de Mars

They're both in the same area and both lokk like good choices. Any help in making a decision?

Thanks again.....

I've never stayed at either hotel. But from what I understand they are two different types of hotels. The former is more like a boutique type of hotel, the other one not.

I don't know about that (boutique hotel), I thought they were both about the same level and general ambiance in that regard--they are both fairly small hotels of less than 50 rooms, for example. That's all boutique hotel means to me -- small hotel, not part of a large chain (oh, I suppose I wouldn't call a real basic cheap hotel a boutique hotel).

I haven't stayed in either, also, but would probably chose the Tourville just because I think I've read more mixed reviews on the Cadran--either here or on Tripadvisor. I also like the location better on ave de Tourville. Rue due Champ de Mars is a very small street leading of rue Cler and I just don't like that as well myself although I know many people would. It's too close to rue Cler and all the tourists and people in that area. Of course, ave de Tourville wouldn't be dead quiet, it's just sort of my personal feeling towards the two. They aren't far apart, though, and that wouldn't be a big issue in my decision.

The Cadran is a 3* and the Tourville a 4*, but I don't know if that reflects anything of interest to you. I find the decor of the Cadran rather boring (on their website, anyway), and I wouldn't choose it because they put TVs high up on the wall on a metal thing like in a hospital and I won't knowingly stay in a hotel that does that as I hate it and it usually means very small rooms. I just don't like it as it is ugly and not good for viewing the TV. don't see that in the photos of the rooms at Tourville, but you never know (I think I do see a TV higher on the wall rather than on a table, but on a shelf in one photo).

On the other hand, Cadran has a working fireplace in the lobby from what I understand, and that would be cozy in the winter. I'm sure the higher level room you book in either, would be better. YOu might also look at the Duquesne Eiffel in that area, or the Relais Bosquet, at about that level.

I did a heck of a lot of hotel research & ultimately booked rooms at Hotel Le Tourville for an upcoming trip. I was very impressed with what I'd read on-line (reviews on TripAdvisor.com) and I was most impressed with the emails I received from the hotel. I sent an inquiry or two, and the responses were so friendly and answered everything in great detail. Everything I've read says the front desk personnel are absolutely wonderful & seem to truly enjoy what they do. Judging from my correspondence with them, I'd say that's true. I encourage you to get in touch with them.

Have stayed at the Cadran (not Cardan) a few times and give it thumbs up. As noted by Christina, the lobby salon with its fireplace is very cozy. Isabel at the front desk is always pleasant and helpful.
The rooms at the Cadran ARE small; not a place for travelers with a lot of luggage. On the other hand, they are well designed and make good use of the space available. Beds are *firm*--some may find them too hard. The bathrooms are nicely tiled (faux marble). Ask for a nonsmoking room on the 5th floor, preferably with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
We don't stay there anymore; we usually stay at Le Parc Sofitel in the 16th, between the Place Victor Hugo and the Trocadero. We like the area better, it's a definite step up in quality, amenities and room size, and we can usually find rates on the Internet that are only slightly higher than the Cadran's.