Me and my friend came for a flying visit to Paris Monday - Wednesday and wanted somewhere cheap, accessible but still fairly nice. Bastille as an area is lovely, really busy, full of life and lots of places to eat and drink - during the day it's a great place to be - however at night, away from the main streets - it's not the best place to be walking round on your own, or with small children. Groups or couples - absolutely fine. We had no trouble, but the place can be a little intimidating if you're not used to big cities.

So, the staff at the hotel were very friendly, one receptionist wanted to come dancing with us (not sure if that's a compliment or just wierd) - they all tended to just smile and nod, with the occasional grunt, but nothing rude about them at all.

My pillowcase had some funny black marks on, looked like they were stains that had not come out in the wash - took them to reception and they were swapped no fuss. Anything we needed they were more than happy to help with all the time.

The room was a decent size, the bed was surprisingly (for the price we paid) very comfy. The rooms have double glazing, but being in a busy city like Paris, you can hear cars outside - something we were completely not fussed about!

This hotel is great if you are any of the following (preferably all!)

- Not expecting 5* service when you pay 2* prices
- Don't mind using the smallest lift in the world or going up lots of spiral stairs
- Don't mind a bit of street noise on a night
- Want somewhere cheap and cheerful

I would strongly reccomend NOT coming to this if you are any of the following

- Have small children
- Not good with stairs or small lifts(!)
- Don't want to walk up 6 flights of stairs with minimum light
- Want a reception with concierge and room service
- Want peace & quiet at night time
- Expect too much for your money!

I've seen some reviews of people absolutely slating this place, fair enough - but we paid £107 for 2 nights here, and for the brilliant location, I think it's superb value for money.

Friendly, patient gentlemen at the lobby desk. Delicious continental breakfast for a great price. Adequate room size, with free wifi access and an ample shower. Very clean, neat, modern. Perfectly situated - close Metro stations, close Monoprix (which has almost everything you'd ever need in life), close traditional boulangeries, and some of the best nightlife hotspots of Paris. Bastille is a hub of activity!

The hotel itself is perfect for budget travellers. Good location and it has a lift! we found the staff friendly and helpful. There is a continental breakfast available in the morning. Nothing fussy. No restaurant on the premises, but the area has a lot patisseries, bars and restaurants. The hotel is close to Voltaire metro station and Bastille is also quite accesible. You have to leave the key at reception every time you leave the hotel, which is a negative as we found we were missing money out of my partner's wallet.... We did not accuse anyone in particular and we gave the staff a chance to rectify this delicate situation. We knew exactly how much money we had and we know someone has taken the money. The hotel staff refused any liability and when we asked them where the police station was so we can report the theft, they sent us to the general direction of Voltaire, however the only police station in arrondisment 11 is the exact opposite direction. We eventually found the station and reported the theft. We were extremely disappointed with how the situation was handled and we would not stay there again or recommend it to any of our friends. If you stay there, please keep your cash on you. A small amount was missing, but little by little it can add up to a lot of money...

Excellent small hotel, clean, unpretentious, well-sited, good value for money. Good-sized, comfortable room with en-suite. Free wi-fi which actually worked!