This is an unusual hotel, but while acknowledging that not everyone will love it, we did. It's a converted rectory for the church next door and all the rooms are funky, unusual and interesting. We were able to view about 5 rooms and every one was different. We really enjoyed our room (a Superior Double). The furnishings are "vintage", but the bathroom is modern. The location is perfect as we walked right out the front door and were shopping and eating in the Marais district. It was perfect for us as we wanted to be close to the action.

It has a lot of stairs (circular). If you are on a higher floor and you don't like stairs, might be a problem. Our room was right on the street and it was somewhat noisy due to the partying in the street and the surrounding restaurants (again, this didn't bother us, but might bother others). Also garbage pickup in the neighborhood is early and those trucks aren't quiet (to be expected in an in-city hotel). We loved the hotel, but if want a standardized hotel and you're sensitive to noise, you might want to rethink staying

Do you want a funky hotel in a great location at a reasonable price in Central Paris? Then this is the place for you -- complete with a winding star and a gothic atmosphere. However, if you need everything with sharp edges and hospital clean, this is not for you. Also, accept that you're in the heart of Paris and it's not going to be quiet. You will need to find church bells on Sunday charming (not annoying) if you're going to stay. Top-floor suite great for parties etc. Not for those who can't sleep with a little noise and light though ... I had a great time with a bunch of friends, but if the picky husband who wakes up if a mouse sneezes three floors away had been there, it would have been misery. Stayed here with a group of friends for a friend's 40th in October 2011.

We spent two nights at the St Merry in mid-September. We stayed in a double room on the top floor which was very comfortable with a nice view. No elevators though so be prepared for a steep climb up several flights of narrow stairs. The private bathroom was large and spotlessly clean. We arrived and departed from Orly airport which has good connections to this part of Paris via RER line B. Take the Orlyval shuttle to Antony station and then the train into Paris to the Chatelet-Les Halles stop which is five minutes walk to the Hotel. As the streets around the Hotel are pedestrianised this is just as convenient and cheaper than a taxi. The Pompidou Centre is just around the corner and the Marais district, the Louvre and the Ile de la Cite are within easy walking distance. There is a great little restaurant, the Grizzli, and a wonderful Boulangerie, the Julien (for breakfast pastries), in the street in front of the Hotel. We found the staff friendly and helpful. We had a great stay.

The St. Merry is acceptable overall, even pleasing. Rooms are shabby, but clean and the service is gruff, but caring. The price was relatively high, but the location is wonderful. Electrical service in the rooms is antique. A serious downside was the itchy rash that I woke up with on the second morning there. On the way home from the airport, I stopped at a sauna and baked my luggage and everything in it for about two hours. Yes, heat kills bedbugs. And yes, I would stay there again.