francophile03

Any recent visits to this hotel? Earlier comments said the decor is nice, with antiques, but worn around the edges. Is the hotel well-maintained otherwise?

Bree

I stayed at the Hotel de l'Universite two years ago, and found it well maintained -- certainly not glitzy, but not shabby, either. My single room was by far the largest single I've ever stayed in in Paris, and it also had a good-sized bathroom. (I opted for the higher-priced single room; my traveling companion chose the lower-priced single, which was more like what I expect a single room in a Paris hotel to be like: tiny, but adequate.) I don't know how that translates into what the double rooms are like, but I would think it would be a good sign.

The hotel gets good reviews on Tripadvisor from a couple of people who have stayed there in 2004.

Scarlett

Hi franchophile~
A while back, we sent away for brochures from a few Left Bank hotels, the Universite was one. Everything about it seems very nice, some good sized rooms, cozy, pretty. But then I read in a review somewhere (maybe a guide book?) that the hotel is located right next door to a school and if you mind the noise of the children playing and screaming, it might not be the best hotel for you.
I took that advice, since I imagined trying to recover from jet lag with the sound of recess out the window.
*from my Access Paris*
this smugly stylish hotel in a 17th century townhouse is embellished with tapestries antiques and a small courtyard. There is no restaurant, offers 27 rooms.
Hope this helps~

francophile03

Thanks Bree. I did see the tripadvisor.com comments but wanted to get anyone's opinion here.
It seems like this hotel is good but not too popular.
If anyone else has stayed in the double rooms (courtyard side) please do share your comments. Thanks.

francophile03

Hi Scarlett, thanks, I guess it's a good choice then. They seem to offer good rates I find for such a convenient location. Only thing they say is there's no wall shower at least in the double room.

Scarlett

You are welcome
Do you have one of the Hotels of Charm and Character books? I am pretty sure there is a page on the Universite with a photo.

francophile03

Hi Scarlett, yes, I do have one and also the Access Paris book. I think the pictures don't do the place much justice-looks dark; I think it must be much nicer in person.

shellio

Francophile, the Université was our favorite hotel years ago, before we switched allegiance to the Abbaye. I don't think there have been significant changes, so my input may still be relevant. We like the location, and it's significantly cheaper than many other 3 stars in the area. I would stay there again if cost were a major factor in the decision. We're now renting apartments, so it hasn't arisen.

The lobby has wood beams in ceiling and walls, so it may appear dark in photos. At the time we stayed, the walls were covered in gold-colored velvet fabric and there were antique pieces of furniture in each room, but I never felt the rooms were dark, and that's one of my issues in chosing hotels. The baths had the typical handheld sprayers, no fixed showers.

Most of the double rooms we stayed in over the years were perfectly adequate and often large, although I recall one smaller depressing room we were given once. We moved to another one the next day when it became available. As for the school, I think I heard that it had moved, but I may be wrong. The recess noise was not particularly annoying however.

francophile03

Thanks for the comments Shelio. I think I prefer a wall shower for convenience. I know that's a small thing but it's important for me.

shellio

If that's the only reason you wouldn't consider it, please confirm with the hotel before making a final decision. I don't remember whether or not they have one of those hooks at head height, if that would do for you. It wasn't important to me, so those brain cells aren't firing.

Underhill

The Université was a favorite of our friends before they moved up to the Madison. They're pretty fussy about hotels; so I imagine the Université is quite nice.

Christina

I haven't stayed in this hotel, but I know it used to be on the recommended 2* hotel lists for many guidebooks. Are you aware the current info from Guides de Charme is available online? www.guidesdecharme.com

I like that guidebook and think most of the hotels are pretty good picks. The photo on the web site is the same photo in the hardcopy I have of the book from at least five years ago, but missing the fireplace, which adds a little to the ambience, although it does look a little dated.

They have a web site with more photos (none that attractive IMO) at www.hoteluniversite.com

I looks about like what I'd expect from a decent 2* hotel, which I think it used to be, but is now a 3*. I don't really find that location that convenient, myself, on the west end of rue de l'universite.

francophile03

The hotel says it's only a bathtub but isn't specific about whether there is a handheld shower-usually there is. I guess it's okay but still not decided.
Yes, thanks for the additional comments. I think the pictures in the books make the rooms look dark and not too attractive since the furnishings are antiques. But in reality they are probably very attractive and so is the hotel.

francophile03

Hi, I want to ask if anyone has stayed in either one of the Universite's terrace rooms on the top floor. I read that they're pretty good, spacious, nice view. But just want to verify those comments. Due to the low season, the rate for this type of room sounds good (190 euros w/out breakfast).

Thanks again.

shellio

Francophile, my parents once stayed in one of the top floor rooms. I don't recall a terrace, nor a view, but it was quite a good-sized room and had a smaller room attached, with an additional single bed. I guess that would make it a triple, with some privacy for the third person.

I think there's a picture of it on the website: curved rattan headboard and yellow wallpaper.