First timer in Paris: looking for a good hotel

It seems like you not hung up on it but I would eliminate your last item. It is highly unlikely to be an option at a hotel in Paris. That being said, the best AC I ever experienced in Paris was at the Pullman Gare Montparnasse and they had a very hearty breakfast buffet, including, of all things, chicken wings. It meets all your requirements other than the windows and maybe the budget. I have tried to open the windows so I don't know if they open. It's been renovated since I stayed there but when I did it was generic. You'll need to check the price. I paid way less than your budget but that was 6 years ago. Your budget is a touch low for a triple in Paris but who knows what prices will be next year.

Use kayak.com for hotels and backup with TripAdvisor where you can use the map feature to pick location.
You don't need a four star hotel to have good lodging in Paris.

The Buffet breakfast may not be a viable option with COVID-19.

I am going to agree with the previous posters and suggest any American chain hotel.

Parisians do not eat eggs, bacon and sausage for breakfast and local cafes would not offer it. These would be found in American style hotels. With Covid-19, buffets may be a thing of the past. You would need to check with the hotel to see what they are offering.

Only older hotels still have the "leave your key" policy. Most newer--and American--hotels--give out key cards that you can keep for your entire stay.

Triples are harder to find. But some hotels have two room suites where the sofa in the living area folds out to a bed. In April you will probably not need air conditioning.

I stayed at the Holiday Inn-Notre Dame a few years ago (on points) and it should meet your needs. They do have one suite that looks nice. (I've been to Paris a few times and the other hotels would not meet your needs.)

https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/paris/parnd/hoteldetail/hotel-room-rates#

In case an in-hotel breakfast doesn't work out for you, it might be helpful for you to know that there are a lot of places in France selling individual quiches to take away. I don't know whether it's typical to be able to have them heated; I just buy them and go. I don't like to pay hotel prices for breakfast (and believe me, you are paying even if the cost is rolled into the room rate), but I try to have more than just bread for breakfast.

You might check booking.com for travelers' reviews of hotels you're considering. You can't leave a review on that website unless you've actually stayed at the hotel. I use those reviews to check on the reliability of hotel Wi-Fi, air conditioning, etc. The website also will allow you to screen for hotels offering triple rooms.

In Parisian hotels we have been charged for breakfast, a coffee and a croissant which was perfect.

I'll second (third/fourth...) the recommendations to choose an American chain hotel. They often don't get a lot of love on these forums because they don't offer the cozy/quaint atmosphere that many posters are looking for, but with requirements like yours they are by far the best choice. (I want to emphasize I am not "judging" your requirements, nor those of posters who are looking for a different thing -- everyone wants something different when they travel. It's good to know what you want, as long as you are also realistic about the requirements.)

I've stayed twice at the Holiday Inn St-Germain-des-Prés and can testify from personal experience that it has:

• decent wifi (wasn't trying to do nonstop Zoom calls though -- just for basic research)
• functional AC (I kept my room at a glacial 15C/59F)
• no leave the key at the front policy
• proximity to the metro
• safety and quiet noise
• a buffet breakfast with, indeed, scrambled eggs and hot meat (and I'd echo other posters who've noted that a hot breakfast is not a very French habit, so it's not very common, and of course who knows what the post-COVID situation will be)

However, I don't think the windows open -- I suspect you may find that the presence of strong AC is somewhat mutually exclusive with the possibility to open windows.

And finally I'm not sure the hotel would meet your budget (I used points to book so I'm not totally sure). Hotel prices right now are often very inexpensive, but with a resumption in travel demand I would also expect hotel prices to rise slightly.

One other thought: The strength of the in-room Wi-Fi can vary a bit with room location. I book nearly all my lodgings through booking.com and always include a comment about needing good Wi-Fi in the "Comments" section. I have no idea whether that helps, but it cannot hurt. A few hotels have mentioned that comment to me as I checked in, so at least I knew they had read it. A major chain hotel is likely to pooh-pooh any suggestion that its Wi-Fi isn't perfect everywhere, but that is not necessarily going to be true. I stayed at one chain hotel (maybe an Ibis) where I couldn't connect at all in my room. They didn't believe me, so they sent someone up to my room to check. When they found I was right, they happily moved me to a room closer to the router.

Wherever you stay, the first thing you should do when you arrive in the room is try to connect. Do that before you start unpacking! My Wi-Fi experiences have been far from perfect (and I don't stream videos), but I stay mostly in budget-level hotels.

We really enjoyed our stay at the Hotel des Grandes Ecoles in the Latin Quarter. There is no AC, but we did not find it necessary in April.

Take a look at Hotel Relais Bosquet. It is in the Rue Cler neighborhood that Rick Steves highly recommends. A metro station is close and there are many cafes nearby. The windows open, which I also always want. The wifi gets great reviews from some and mixed reviews from others.

Hi Phil,

The hotels we have stayed at in Paris are that price for two people except for one that I wouldn’t recommend. I would suggest going on Booking.com and enter Paris City Centre and enter your dates and number of people. Then you can select filters on the left column, such as your cost per night range, etc. I would bring the map into the view of just single digit neighborhoods and sort by best review.

As you’re looking through reviews, don’t worry too much about ones that mention the room is small. All of the hotel rooms in Paris tend to be small! The photos would give you huge benefits to see if the rooms have the nice large windows that open - some with a tiny balcony. I should add that if you want your windows open, you will probably have some noise. The city stays up late! If this is your first time in Paris, try to stay near the center (single digit or the lower teens number), so you’re not wasting time riding the metro into the area where you really want to be for your days there.

We love Paris! Hope you have a wonderful time!

You may have to entertain a little cultural attitude adjustment. You are not headed to New York City.

As others have indicated you probably with be best service by a large, American brand hotel since your requirements are more aligned as what American chain hotels provide. If you are willing to step out of your box a bit your might consider Etoile Saint Honore just a couple blocks off of the Champs Elysees and near the Arc. It is a boutique hotel with a very nice benefit. They belong to a collection of boutique hotels scattered across Paris. On checking in they give you a list to the other hotels and locations. Show the business card from your hotel and you can use that hotel's restrooms. Since this is your first trip, you have no idea of the value to this benefit. As to your other requirements ---
Budget: no more than US$250/night --- it was in that range the last time we were there.
Strong, consistent Wifi -- Worked fine for us using an Ipad for email. Didn't try streaming movies
Functional air conditioning that won't take too long to cool the room down. ---- Definitely not needed in April. Don't know when air condition is permitted in Paris but it is possible it would not be turned on in April.

Window(s) that can open (we like our fresh air) ----- That could be difficult since that is probably a security issue as much as anything. Plus a lot of hotel windows do not have screens and many Americans object to the bugs.

NO "leave the key at the front" policy (a must!) ----- Not sure what your problem is with that practice but we have done it for years with no problems. That was the practice when were there two years ago but it could change. Have noticed more hotels are going to electronic keys so that is changing. They may have changed. In almost every hotel requires a plastic card in a slot near the door that turns on all the power to lights and AC. You removed the card when you leave the room and all power is shut off.

Close to the Métro ---- Absolutely all along the C Elysees
Safe in the room --- Don't remember as we don't trust or use room safes.

Quiet on the inside ---- No problems. You might ask for rooms away from the street.
Buffet breakfast with scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausages would be nice, but we can also opt for a nearby café or bakery for breakfast. ----- Remember you are in Paris and France and that is not common even at local cafes. You can get your fill of white sausage, beans, scrambled eggs, white bread while in London since that is a typical English hotels. Their breakfast was great pastries, fruit, yogurt, etc. Some cafes may offer "American or English" breakfast but generally poor quality. Eat like the locals, you might enjoy it.

Another benefit this hotel had was the afternoon tea in the bar. If you don't like tea, they provide some bubbly. A nice touch with great small pastries and cookies. Differently one of our favorite hotels.

As others have hinted, I think your budget is a little lite for Paris. If you're willing to forgo some of the Parisian charm and need a little more space than 151 sq ft. Look at these 2 Aparthotels.
Both are in good locations with easy metro access.

http://www.booking.com/Share-rxGVBS

http://www.booking.com/Share-mLrN0q

Edited to add. Closer to Seine a bit more $$.

http://www.booking.com/Share-UXt2cf

For your American-style breakfast, you can head to Breakfast in America
https://breakfast-in-america.com/menus/

I went there on my last trip to Paris when I arrived mid-morning, jet lagged and wanted a place I could sit for a while and get coffee and eggs. It is diner style.

Laura beat me to it, Breakfast in America will have the breakfast you want.

French cafés do have omelets, or scrambled eggs, and OJ, but bacon/sausage maybe not.

Hotel Relais Bosquet.
Good air conditioning, location, breakfast.

Thank you all so much for your quick replies and suggestions! I once came across an older topic that was also about looking for a hotel in Paris, but it had no replies and was already closed. I felt bad for that poster because nobody answered him/her, and I hoped that my topic wouldn't have the same fate. I'm glad you all replied so quickly. Thanks again!

Frank, I tried looking up Etoile Saint Honore off Champs-Elysées and near the Arc, but I couldn't really find it. Maybe they closed down or got renamed.

About the key policy: I read in a review of Hotel Relais Bosquet (the one about a nightmare experience, if I remember correctly) on this site that someone wasn't always available at the front desk to take your key when you go out or give you your key back, so I thought that this rule might be inconvenient. He also said that at one time the front desk gave him the key to someone else's room, and that someone could potentially get the key to his room, thus creating a security issue. From that review I got a not-so-good impression of the key policy. Other than that, I can't say too much about it because I've never heard of this policy until I read reviews about it.

Also thanks for the suggestion on where to go for an American breakfast in Paris, Laura and Susan. But yeah, because I'm going to be in France, I think I should go to cafés and try something French there.

Looking forward to the day when we no longer need masks or social distancing.

I tried looking up Etoile Saint Honore off Champs-Elysées and near the Arc, but I couldn't really find it.

It has changed names to the Pley Hotel.

https://www.hotel-paris-honore.com/en/

https://www.booking.com/hotel/fr/sthonore.html

Nigel, thanks for the update. It looks like it has been rehab a bit since we were there. The bar/breakfast area look very different. It did not have a roof top terrace when we stayed there. With the remodeling I am guessing the key system has probably been upgraded so dropping a key may no longer applied. I am guessing the prices have increased but still a nice location.

Just for others who might read this. The drop key is not a big deal. Often there is a drop box at the desk you simply put the key when leaving. Unless you are returning very late at night (often then there is a buzzer system) there is always someone at the desk to give you the key. You have some obligation to make sure you received the correct key by looking at the number. That is pretty easy. Hotel room theft potential from outside the hotel or getting the wrong key has to be close to zero. So that, at least on our list, is an extremely low concern if at all.

Congratulations you are going to Paris!!
As suggested by others, you can try an American chain, but that's not what I would do. You are not traveling to Orlando you are going to Paris. Don't you want an authentic Parisian experience? Get the hotel with a small bathroom, the key to leave at the lobby, and croissant and coffee for breakfast. Have an experience that is different from home. Whatever you decide, I hope you have a great trip!

I think you should pay some attention as to where the hotel is, as much as what it is. Services in the neighbourhood such as cafes or what we would call convenience stores affect the pleasantness of the stay. I head for Place de la Republique for its ease of access, a short Metro or taxi ride from Gare du Nord and the central square is served by five different Metro lines, making it very easy to get around. A variety of restaurants offer (or at least used to offer) plenty of choice.

Lately I have settled on the Ibis chain, which runs two hotels there. Ibis sells efficiency rather than charm but generally can be relied on for WiFi, door access by card not key, a.c., cable TV, and at some locations a decent buffet breakfast (but not cooked). And prices are lower than your max. You can always e-mail a hotel to verify its amenities.

I agree with Southam and gave up on quaint years ago. I want functional. You don't need an American chain; the French know how to run chains, too. The Ibis chain has comfortable beds, clean, decent choice at breakfast, good wifi, soap in a wall dispenser. I like the one on Ledru Rollin street because it has a big garden in the back and is also on multiple Metro lines. It's air conditioned and the windows open. One step up in the same corporation is Mercure and Novotel. Their breakfasts are twice the price for not much more. Toiletries are in little bottles. Most places have small rooms. They might have triples.

I've stayed in a couple of Ibis hotels and they've been fine. Some just have bars in the lobby instead of a full restaurant. I also stayed in a Timhotel in Paris, and it was fine, too. All the mod cons, a good price, and good locations.

All very interesting! I was about to ask a similar question, but travelling next June with two 18 year old grandkids! We definitely need a room for 3, AC and a bathroom. Dont care about the key — have surrendered keys many times with no issues — or breakfast, since I find hotel provided breakfasts to be rather expensive at times, and I much prefer a visit to a local cafe for pastries and coffee. Would love some decent wifi — teens after all—but not essential. Does anyone know about the Hotel Boneparte? It was listed in Rick’s books, but the newest reviews I can find are from 2011. What about Air B&B or VRBO? Are these a safe option? I know Paris has been cracking down on the rules, and some people have been canceoled at the last minute. I really need a place that is close to museums and sights, secure and safe. I would never go to Europe and stay in an American hotel. Anyone have more ideas for me?

hey hey jan
think it's best to start your own post. answers will be more to your concerns, instead of phil's.
what are your dates and budget in euros? pros and cons about airbnb's and vrbo. thanks
aloha

Phil, this one is in budget and has a balcony which should satisfy your need for fresh air.
Good location, easy walk to metro with some very good restaurants in the area plus the Bastille market.

http://www.booking.com/Share-jrqBge

gerri, that apartment looks great.
Good location too.

Thank you all so much!!!

I have found that the Aparthotel Phillipe August at the corner of Rue de Repos and Rue Pierre Bayle has been ideal for me and a few people who have come with me on four trips over the last ten years. Price varies with the day of week - I have booked directly and did not pay anywhere near $250 U.S. per night Your mileage may vary, but keep in mind that you are really staying in a room for a night and not the day.
Elevator is available.
Large floor plan is available with one bedroom with double bed, a kitchenette and bathroom with tub and shower. The common area will have a couch that converts to a sleeper for two so you can get four people in to sleep.
Wi-Fi is available.
You keep your key through your visit, you will only need it for the front door.
The last time I was there the windows opened, which brings up the air conditioning question - the weather is not very warm in April though it does get humid getting into May and June, so I didn't go looking for it.
A boulangerie is close to the Metro station - get a couple of baked goods and eat as you go along.
The Metro stop Phillipe Auguste is a minute walk out to Boulevard de Charonne.
I don't remember a safe n the room but then I don't take anything really valuable like diamonds and gold jewelry on vacation.
Pere Lachaise cemetery is right across the street, so there aren't any loud parties going on Friday / Saturday nights.
You can get a cold cereal / pastry / yogurt buffet breakfast in the hotel, but I like to go to the boulangerie and get eats there - it is somewhat lower cost and the variety is greater.
Paris is a walking city and the Metro goes everywhere - it is possible to make your way to and from the rail stations and airports on public transit.

Good Luck with it. My vacation was erased this year and it looks like next, but hope springs eternal.

The thought of eating an American breakfast in Paris makes me so sad. With bakeries on every street literally competing for who makes the best croissant, try a few! For 2 or 3 euros you can get a coffee/tea/hot chocolate and a couple baked items (viennoiserie). Still hungry? Stroll down to the next crepe stand and get a ham and cheese crepe. There are always breakfast options at cafes, but the typical menu is similar: juice, hot drink, assorted baked items, a hunk of a baguette with butter and jam. I think my husband ordered bacon & eggs in addition.

....The thought of eating an American breakfast in Paris makes me so sad...... I agree but everyone have their preferences. I am reminded that a couple years back someone posted this recommendation for Paris. "French coffee is awful so if you want a good cup of American coffee in the morning you need to bring instant coffee with you and fix it in the room." And I mistakenly thought that both Italian and French were superior to Am drip coffee. Our first exposure to Italian espresso was in 93. Came home and bought whole beans, a grinder, tossed the Folgers, and never looked back. A year later bought our first espresso machine.

I love French coffee!!
If you need protein with your croissants, stop and get some yogurt. I love to sit in a park and have yogurt and croissants to start my day. Cafés always have omelets as well, don’t know any that have bacon though.
Also, there are produce shops all over Paris, you can get fresh squeezed oj in a small, medium or large bottle, which is very nice with a breakfast picnic.

Phil, have you decided on a hotel yet?
Might be very possible to go in April with the vaccine news.

I'm one who likes to include some protein in my breakfast. Many of the places selling croissants, etc., also sell mini-quiches. I don't know how often it's possible to have them heated; I've never asked about that.

I stayed in 2018 at the hotel Quai Voltaire in a triple room on the first floor. Directly across the street from the Louvre. Between the Pont du Carousel and Pont. Royale. Our room was facing the street, with large Floor ceiling doors that opened up to a Juliet balcony. But when closed there was no sound. Older hotel, very historic. Super convenient. Bus stop for number 69 right across the street. Definitely under your price range. Concierge at the time was very helpful. Highly recommend. Hôtel du Quai Voltaire.