Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Hotel Esmeralda, Paris

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Hotel Esmeralda, Paris

Has anyone stayed at the Hotel Esmeralda in the Latin Quarter lately? I have read all the posts and I know this place isn't for everyone, but it might be right for us. We like to travel on a very low budget, but I think I have to draw the line at cockroaches! Have they fixed this problem? Is it a seasonal thing? Thanks!

I'm interested in this hotel too, as well as Hotel Suez and Hotel Les Argonauts. Anyone been to these hotels?

But these would be French cockroaches, with style and good taste! :) I'm not saying they have never been a problem there, but I've never heard or read anything about cockroaches at the Esmeralda. You're absolutely right in that it's a hotel that's not for everyone. Most older hotels with "character" aren't. Can't beat the location, though, and the price is good too.

I heard about the 'eau de bugspray' smell in the Fodor's rants and raves.

topping for a legit answer

Sort of topping for a better answer. I have visited the lobby only and found it charming. As you say it it much cheaper, very convenient to the isle and the shopping in st Germaine. Take a chance and let us know how it turns out.

Check eurocheapo.com. You'll find really thorough descriptions of great budget hotels, (including Hotel Esmeralda). I'm sure you'll find the perfect place to suit your needs.

Monique: FWIW, I, too, have heard the varying reports on this place, and have been driving myself crazy trying to get a more definitive opinion on it. (I'd love to see some pictures or something.) However, I've come to realize that that's probably just not in the cards. Sounds like it's the kind of place people either love or hate, you know? At any rate, I did find someone who'd acutally stayed there once. She described it as: old, funky, and eclectic with furniture that ranges from beautiful antiques to plastic lawn furniture. She also said it's not for everyone and would suggest that someone who's not used to the inherent differences between American and European hotel rooms not stay there their first time out as it might be too much of a shock. Finally, she said despite all of it's quirks, it is the one hotel she and her husband still laugh and talk about after several years of European travel. Her review was, mainly, positive. Personally, I tend to like old and eclectic, so I've decided to stay there when I go in Sept. As a matter of fact I called them today to find out how far in advance I need to make a reservation for Sept. (the very nice man who answered the phone suggested I call back in April--that's still 5 months in advance! They book up fast!) You don't mention when you're going to Paris, but if you do decide to stay there, I'd love to hear what you think when you get back. Good luck, Jennie

My husband and I stayed there about 7 or 8 years ago but it is probably exactly the same now, it's the kind of place that will never change. Yes, it's OLD and a bit dusty. Our bathroom was clean and somewhat larger than those in more up to date hotels. Our room was very small (but again not that much smaller than a number of other hotels where we've stayed in Paris). It had only enough room for the bed (a double, again the norm in these type of hotels), a small table with two chairs. The best thing was the view! We overlooked Notre Dame and the park at St Julien le Pauvre church. We loved listening to the bells of Notre Dame. You can walk everywhere from here. We did not like the dark basement breakfast room but you can get a better croissant and coffee cheaper anywhere in the neighborhood. I don't think the hotel had a lift and the old winding staircase is something out of a gothic novel. I have photos if you want to send me e-mail. You can also read a cute children's book called ""Linnea in Monet's Garden" that features this hotel.

Sharon, interesting to see you mention eurocheapo.com, since that's where we found the wonderful and inexpensive locanda we stayed at in Venice last April. It was funky and artistic, just what I like in a hotel. Ever since I first read about the Esmeralda, it's sounded like a place I'd like, so I've tried to reserve a room there on my past three trips to Paris but it's always been fully booked (so it obviously has a lot of fans.)

P.S. the eurocheapo.com review... The "Editors' Funky/Romantic pick" http://www.eurocheapo.com/paris/list.../esmeralda.asp

abbekit: I'd love to see the pics you have of the Esmeralda. My e-mail address is [email protected]. If you could e-mail them to me, that would be great. Are they digital? Thanks! Jennie

Monique: Here is another inexpensive hotel you may want to consider. The Hotel Jean Bart is in the 6th and just two blocks west of the Luxombourg Gardens. It is an older hotel but the rooms were clean. Last October I had a double bed with bath and shower for 55 euro (single rate) and that included the breakfast. There is an elevator but they do not have phones in the room to call out. It really helps if you speak French. Hôtel Jean Bart 9, rue Jean Bart 75006 Paris 01 45 48 29 13 phone

In any language the hotel is a dump!!!! You can do better--quirky is no excuse for rundown---I am talking peeling wallpaper etc. I love hotels with character but this hotel is many years past its prime. please--you can do better

message: Jennie My photos are from my pre-digital camera days so I will have to scan them. Will do that tomorrow and e-mail them to you. It is a funky place, don't know if it's a "dump" but it's been a number of years since I've stayed there. The last time we were in Paris a couple of years ago we stayed at the Hotel Muguet near the Rue Clair (Rick Steves favorite neighborhood). Don't remeber the cost but I know it was very reasonable. We had a pretty good size room with a very, very nice modern bathroom, plus a great window view of the Eiffel Tower (you have to request that since it is only seen from a few of the top floor rooms). I'll send you a photo of that too. abbe

I read in a guidebook that the hotel is pretty rundown and has lost a star in the gov't. rating. But it has many repeat guests. However, I think you can do alot better as there are so many nice, clean, and charming hotels in the same area. And some have nice views also.

abbekit: Thank you so much. I very much appreciate it!! Merci beaucoup, Jennie