sugarmaple

I'm looking at these truly budget hotels in Paris for four nights, and would love opinions on each, and which one to choose. I like the locations of both, the prices are comparable, and the rooms are equally tiny. I'm not concerned about the noise at Saint Andre as they have quiet rooms at the back.

https://www.balcons.com/en/

Hôtel Saint-André des Arts |

Thanks, as always!

kerouac

Wow, if that is your concept of "truly budget hotels" I am a bit aghast and can offer no advice.

Macross

There is a Marks&Spencer close to the first one. I think it would be quieter at night.

isabel

I have stayed at Saint Adres des Arts and would again.

Also stayed here: Hotel Marignan, 13, rue du Sommerard

TDudette

Not familiar with either hotel, but just looking at location, des Arts looks closer to the Seine by a bit. I would really look at what they offer and look at room photos. Not knowing your situation, but you might also look closer to the St Germain des Pres metro for hotels in that area. For me, the closer to the Seine the better!

Christina

I'm not aghast because St Andre is only a 1* hotel with rooms a bit above 100 euro in one of the priciest quarters of the ctiy. So yeah, I'd call that budget.

YOu used to hear a lot about the Balcons as a budget hotel in that area, I think it was a favorite of Sandra Gustafson in her excellent old Paris hotel book. But it isn't really that budget, I'll agree, although I think it is only a 2* hotel, but I see rates about double those of St Andre, around 200 euro in May, for example. That shows you how expensive St Germain is.

I don't know, I haven't stayed in either. I'd probably go with which one gave you a bigger room. I'm surprised you say the prices are comparable, though as the Balcons was double the other when I checked. If so, I think the Balcons would be a better deal. I'm not a fan of that timber stuff in the rooms of the St Andre or stone walls. I think those timbers may be fake painted, not sure. But the Balcons rooms dont look that charming either.

elberko

We stayed at the Balcons on our very first trip to Paris nearly 20 years ago. I remember it as being simple but good, but of course, it's been 20 years. I think we stayed there because it was highly recommended here on Fodors at the time.

sugarmaple

justineparis

Depends on when your visit is.. but no way would I choose a hotel without ac in june, july, august or september.

I am paying less and staying at the Hotel Diana.. have stayed there before,, excellant location.. good ac.. nice staff. Paying 135 euros per night in june..

If cheaper is better look at Hotel St Pierre ( on rue des ecoles du Medicine ) .. also excellant location and ac.. but rooms are tiny.

I ve stayed in both..

Hotel Balcons looks nice.. but for my same dates the rates are 170 and it doesnt seem to have ac ... so its a no for me. Plus I do not consider 170 euros that cheap..

justineparis

PS did you read the review about the quiet rooms at the back.. they are up four flights of crooked winding stairs.. pack light.. lol .. no elevator( at Andre Des Arts )

sugarmaple

Pepper_von_snoot

Another budget hotel in a great location is Hotel College de France. Metro Stop: Maubert Mutualité.

Thin

vegzet

Check out Hotel Jules Cesar, near Gare de Lyon

sugarmaple

Thin, I had a look at Hotel College de France, and it looks great! Thanks!

It's a toss up between that and Balcons, they're the same price, the same area and both have lifts. Hard, then, to make a decision.

kja

I was extremely pleased with the Hotel College de France! It's been a while (2013), but the reviews still look good.

ToujoursVoyager

I liked l'Hotel des Grandes Ecoles, in the 5th. No air con, but I don't want it, so it was perfect for me.

sugarmaple

justineparis

sugarmaple .. when are your dates..

sugarmaple

justineparis

I think thats a great choice.. I like the location ( havent stayed there yet as we seem to always visit may-sept and I need my AC , but you should be fine without it for october!)