I am searching for a hotel in Paris for my family of four-- our first visit to Paris this June for four nights. I'd like a family suite or two rooms, spending around $200/night. Some two-stars look wonderful, but I'm leary of the relatively low rating of just two stars-- don't want shabby, dark, dismal. I've read and researched other fodors threads, and have contacted:
Hotel du Champs de Mars,
Hotel de Gobelins (looks too simple, though),
Lux Hotel Picpus,
Hotel Sunny,
Port-Royal-Hotel (looks great).
Anyone have direct experience with these two-stars or have any recommendations for a great one?

I checked out Port Royal on my recent trip. I just saw a room--I didn't sleep there. The room I saw was definitely not dark and dismal. The hotel seemed like a good value, but it overlooks a huge McDonalds. Big turnoff for me, but for a family, that could be a plus! In that general area, also check out L'Esperance. It's right off Rue Mouffetard, the street market, and the people at the front desk were very friendly. They didn't have a room to show me, though. I'm assuming they were booked, which I take as a good sign in mid Feb.

The star ratings can be a little confusing, but basically, a 2-star generally means that there is no elevator or air-conditioning and often means that there are no meals served (continental breakfast). Other then that, a number of 2-star hotel are excellent for those on a budget, or who don't mind walking up the stairs with their luggage.

One excellent 2-star that we’ve checked out a few times to see if they where consistent, is the Hotel de Nevers Saint Germain, 83, rue de Bac, in the 7th (Metro – Rue de Bac). This is an excellent small hotel in a great location with very good rates.

http://wwwlhoteldenevers-saintgermain.net

Their email address is: [email protected]

i've been researching paris hotels
there are some 2-star hotels that have elevators. i don't think a/c is required in a 3-star because recently someone here wrote about a 3-star that doesn't have it

Hi M,

The number of stars has nothing to do with the quality, only the amenities.

You can often get good 2* for less than equally pleasant 3*.

We stayed at Champ du Mars two years ago and would stay there again. We had a quiet room in the back with a window overlooking a tiny atrium area. There was a window box which was a great place to store wine & cheese. The room was recently redecorated and cheerful and the hotel has an elevator. an it was very clean. We paid the equivalent of $78 which is a bargain. Nearest metro: Ecole Militaire. Have a nice trip!

Thank you all. Don't know how I'd plan a trip without fodors threads! So don't fear two-stars, I'm hearing. Any other specific hotels to recommend? I'm awaiting e-mails from the ones I listed re: their availability. One good thing is that with a two-star we can budget for two rooms and thus two baths (big plus with two teens!). Can't wait to see Paris!

Hi M,

Is your budget per room?

It is my understanding that the star system is from the 1980's in an effort to bring the hotels into some type of system rated on amenities such as a full-scale restaurant. I believe they even measure the size of the entry foyer to determine stars. It has nothing to do with cleanliness, decor, staff professionalism, etc. I hope this helps in your decision.

I guess I've misunderstood the star system. Good to know how it works. The Hotel Champs du Mer is full, and I'm still looking for other good two-stars. I think that's the best route since I could get two rooms. My budget is totally pulled out of the air-- it can be whatever I want to spend. I was just saying $200 as a point of reference. If I can spend $250/night for all four of us, I'll be happy. And that looks perfectly do-able in a two-star. Even the 3-star Hotel de la Bourdonnais has a quad for $222 on Expedia (except I don't like to pay it all in advance on Expedia), and the 3-star Citadines Louvre has a one bedroom w/balcony for $246. So I'm happily searching away (some might call it an addiction to travel planning...). More thoughts from you world travelers?

Jocelyn P just mentioned the Hotel L'Esperance, rue Pascal. It is a bit out of the movement. But just in front of it there is a very good bistro "La Forge" with very good food, good prices and lovely owners M. Dario and Mme. Nicole.
Enjoy your trip.

Sorry to hear Champ du Mars is full for your travel date. You might check on hotels in the Rue d'ecoles area. I hve a friend who goes to Paris often & loves that area. I think she has stayed in a hotel called Grand Rue d'ecoles. That area is known for reasonably priced hotels.

June can be a bit warm and if you're used to a/c pls consider it.

I didn't factor in te fact wemight not have a breeze. Our room was lovely, looked down on a court but because we were surrounded by other bldgs as tall or taller than our room, no cooling breeze.

I think the stars have a lot to do with quality as most people probably think of it. Sure, you can have a good quality one star hotel for that level in comparison to other one star hotels, but it will not be the same as a good quality three star hotel, even aside from amenities. I don't know what else one might rate "quality" as being if not the facilities, but on average, 2* hotels will not be the same as 3* hotels in my opinion. I'm not sure what others mean when they say that about quality, though. I would say 2* hotels are often shabbier than others, and more dismal in my viewpoint meaning less comfortable and attractive and cheaper furniture, smaller rooms, etc, just less nice. I don't think dark is an issue related to stars, though.

I think the Port Royal is actually only a 1* hotel. AC is definitely not required in 3* French hotels. I think for competition, around half or more of 3* Parisian hotels have it now (more so in the expensive areas like St Germain). All 2* hotels I've stayed at in Paris or read about had elevators, although I do think it is not required for 2*. You can always find out about that, though. A full scale restaurant isn't required even of a 4* French hotel, so I don't think that is a major issue in the ratings.

You may not be interested in it, but I don't feel the same way about the view from the Port Royal as someone did above. It is across from a McDonalds, but I only wish McDonalds looked like that where I lived. In Paris, McDonalds is often very reasonable in trying to blend in to the surroundings and had unobtrusive buildings. that one looks like a regular cafe to me -- it doesn't have a Ronald McDonald statue outside it or anything, and I don't think any large signs or lights like in the US. Actually, I think it looks better than many other chain or fast food restaurants in Paris, which are all over the central area, so a lot of hotels may be around one. I personally wouldn't give that a second thought. Also, that is a very pleasant, broad boulevard with trees on it, so it's not like a big neon M is right outside your window or anything.

Christina, thanks for clarifying the McD questions regarding Port-Royal Hotel, because that hotel does look very nice on the web and has been written up in Elle and the New York Times. But they can't be reached except by phone, so that's a bit of a hindrance. The McD described as 'huge' does concern me-- in my neighborhood everyone is posting "I'm NOT Loving It" signs in their yards to protest yet another McDs coming in down the street. So not too wild about being in close proximity to one all the way in paris, but your more detailed description helps.
Anyway, the Hotel de la Bourdonnais is looking best so far: $222 sale on Expedia for quad room, has larger rooms per tripadvisor.com glowing reviews, rooms with balconies and views of the Eiffel Tower, near Champs de Mars, etc. Anyone stayed there lately?

I booked the Hotel de la Bourdonnais with Expedia. I'll report back next June when we return. Hooray-- finally get to see Paris! Thanks for all your help.

Christina--I will agree that it is more likely that a 3 star property will be cleaner and have better service than a 1 or 2 star property, but there is no guarantee of this.

Many 1 and 2 star properties have excellent service, are not gloomy/dreary, and are superior in just about every way, except perhaps not have on-site parking and conference rooms.

And there are many dreary, gloomy 3 and 4 star hotels in France.

4 stars would almost always have concierge service (though 2 and 3 stars in France often do as well), elevators, (though 2 and 3 stars often do as well), catering facilities and meeting rooms (less often in lower star propoerties).

In addition, fewer stars mean a lower tax rate for a hotel--this makes it better for some hotels to apply for a lower star rating than they would otherwise qualify for.

Bottom line--you really have to look at the individual hotel.

with regard to the last posting, i'm not sure i agree that a three-star will be cleaner. "Clean" is a given, or should be, and I don't think any legitimate room for hire should be dirty.

I'm sure there are some very good one- and two-star hotels, but 'superior' to what?
Other one- and two-stars? Yes.
Superior to some poor-value three-stars? Doubtless.
But, for the higher prices they charge, three-stars ARE supposed to be better than one- or two-stars. When they are not, they are bad values.

I agree that gloomy and dreary can happen just about anywhere, but I absolutely wouldn't tolerate it for one second if I were paying four-star prices, whereas I might be more tolerant if paying one-star prices.

In my research, it does seem that (based on travelers' reviews) room size is a differentiator between two-star and three-star hotels in Paris. That's one reason I chose the three-star Hotel de la Bourdonnais-- many reviews speak of the larger sized rooms and baths.

Also, if anyone is interested in the details, I found this definition on Expedia, as to how they use the star system:

HOTEL CLASS
A hotel's star rating is an indicator of the general quality of a particular hotel, and is wholly dependent on the data available. The descriptions below indicate what you should be able to expect from a hotel in each of the star classes. These descriptions provide general data, based on the many sources of information. Circumstances such as ongoing renovations, overbooking, and specific guest needs can affect the quality of your stay.
* Economy:
A one-star establishment is expected to offer clean, no-frills accommodations with minimal on-site facilities for the budget traveler for whom cost is the primary concern. Guestrooms generally are small, functionally decorated, and may not have a private bathroom, in-room telephone, or amenities. On-site dining is usually not available. Public access and guest reception may not be available at all hours.

** Value:
These limited-service establishments are expected to offer clean, basic accommodations. These properties may offer some business services but generally lack meeting rooms, baggage assistance, and full fitness and recreation facilities. On-site dining is usually limited to coffee or Continental breakfast service. Guestrooms generally offer private bathroom, telephone, TV, and limited amenities.

*** Quality:
Three-star establishments place a greater emphasis on style, comfort, and personalized service. They generally feature on-site dining room service, a pool and/or fitness center, a gift shop, and may provide baggage assistance. Conference rooms for meetings and extended services for business travelers are usually offered. Guestrooms offer more extensive amenities and more careful attention to decor and comfort.

**** Superior:
These upscale establishments usually offer a fine-dining restaurant, lounge, and room service with extended hours. Service features usually include baggage assistance, concierge service, and valet parking. A conference center with up-to-date technology and full business services are usually offered. Public spaces and guestrooms are thoughtfully designed and constructed with high-quality materials. Guestrooms generally offer stylish furnishings, high-quality bedding and bath products, and a wide array of amenities.

***** Exceptional:
The finest hotels in the world. Five-star lodging is characterized by luxury appointments, superlative service, and the highest standards of comfort. Five-star hotels offer originality in architecture and interior design, high-grade materials in construction and décor, and such special touches as fresh flowers and plants in abundance. These properties also maintain a high staff-to-guest ratio, gourmet dining, and 24-hour room service.
Guestrooms offer ample space, the finest furnishings and decor, premium bedding, and luxury bath products. Room amenities generally include high-speed Internet access and CD and/or DVD players. Five-star resorts may offer additional recreation facilities such as tennis courts and golf-course access. On-site spa services, a top-notch fitness center, and a pool are generally available, as well.

it does help with some detail, but hotel star ratings are given out by government agencies and differ by country.
Just for one example, French hotels go up to 4-star L hotels, but Italy uses up to 5 stars. I am certain that nice amenities like fresh flowers and the name on the bath soaps are not part of the government ratings. More measurable criteria like, number of rooms with private bath, elevator or not, lobby size, whether or not there is a restaurant on the premises, etc are what the gov'ts use

I agree that more-expensive, more-stars hotels are more likely to have larger (by average) rooms than are less-expensive, fewer star hotels, but that is a matter of expected value for the price.