Trying to narrow down accommodations in Paris. I like the Rue Cler area, and it looked like this hotel was a good bargain. It seems that it's located on a busy street. Has anyone stayed here recently? How did you like your stay here? The other hotel I'm looking into is Hotel du Champ de Mars which seems to be pretty popular and well-liked. I'd like to stay in the 60-80 Euro range so if there are other suggestions... Thanks. And sorry for posting yet ANOTHER Paris hotel thread.

I want to know more recent feedback about the Royal Phare as well. There were a few comments but they're kind of dated now.<BR>The street it is on is a 2-way street but I don't think it's going to be that noisy, as nighttime traffic wears down. But it won't be as quiet as hotels that are on those little 1-way side streets, either. Also, it's close to rue Cler, and supposedly the trash men and then the people setting up the morning market can be noisy.<BR>So - what's the latest on Hotel Royal Phare? (I think it's across the street from Hotel Muguet, right?)...

no, it's not across from the Muguet, which is on a different street near there (Chevert). It's at the corner of ave de la Motte Picquet and ave Bosquet, right at place de l'Ecole Militaire. It's not far from the Hotel de la Motte Picquet, which is at the corner of rue Cler and that avenue.<BR><BR>I think the Royal Phare is recommended in Rick Steves, but I'm not sure, so you might check his web site.

Yes it is recommended in Rick Steves. But I actually got a better rate at Hotel Champs de Mars on Rue Cler, which comes pretty highly recommended by Rick Steves and Fodorites. so that's where I've made my reservations. Thanks for the responses.

OK, it's good you have a room, Champ de Mars is mentioned quite often...<BR>but I still want to know how Hotel Royal Phare is, if anyone has seen it in the past year or so. Thanks!

I stayed there a while back and although the accomodation was modest, we had to admit it was a good deal for the location and price. The owner was a sweet gentleman and one of the front desk guys, Kamel, was just the best. There's no real noise that I can recall.<BR><BR>However, a couple years ago my sister stayed there and found that the hotel had been sold. The service was indifferent, and she could no longer recommend it. <BR><BR>I passed it last year and it looks like the front area has been renovated, it looks newer. I'm not sure about the rest of the hotel, though. I also would be interested to know if the service is better!

Was looking up some info on hotels in Paris and came across the website for the Royal Phare- in case you haven't got it:- hotel-royalphare-paris.com

Just back from Paris and stayed at the Royal Phare. The service was very good, after all! A lot of people on tripadvisor.com rave about a front desk guy named Emmanuel, but I wasn't too hot about him. I thought Rashik was by far better and nicer. But it was all good. and the location....really, you can't beat it! It is so close to the metro and places to eat &amp; shop....not to mention the Eiffel Tower and the rue Cler.

Thanks for that update..

Melissa
May I ask what you paid?

I paid about 80-85 Euros for a twin with shower. We wanted an outside room so we could hang over the balcony!

Also you can order breakfast for an extra charge, but why bother? The rue Cler is right around the corner, you can get a quick cheap crepe from Ulysees.

Also, did your room have a minibar? I didn't think they were offered, but a post somewhere (Tripadvisor?) said their room had a minibar..

Interesting to hear that...merci, Melissa. I stayed at the Royal Phare for a few nights on my second trip to Paris, back in May 1994 -- in part because I wanted to see what the Rue Cler area was like -- and while it wasn't a hotel I'd rave about, it was pleasant, had friendly people working there, and was a good value.

Yes! There is a mini fridge in the room. however, you have to ask to have the key. They don't give it to you automatically upon check in. (Not sure why.)

Yes--it's a pretty good value if you don't need luxurious trappings or anything. The location is just sooo good!

OK. I'll bite Mels...just what was being hung over the balcony?

You weren't having NOLA flashbacks were you? :-?

Okay, if Melissa says the service has improved, then this could be a good bargain. The location, as she mentions, is great. It is right above a metro stop (Ecole Militaire) and around the corner from Rue Cler. Book a room on the street, though. These rooms will be brighter than the ones in back.

Yes, the window really added to the charm. I loved hanging out of the window to get fresh air or watch the world go by.

Kal, no flashbacks here! Just looking forward to a future fivesome!!!