We (party of 3) will be in Paris the first week of November for two nights. We're looking for a hotel on the Rue Cler, but our first choice, Hotel de Champ de Mars was full. Has anyone stayed in Hotel de Turenne or Hotel Kensington? Any other budget recommendations for that area? Thanks!
You can try Hôtel Relais Bosquet which is a block from Rue Cler and a few blocks from the metro and bus. We stayed there a year ago and loved it, so much so that we are staying again next May. Short walk to everything and real nice staff. Rooms were larger then other rooms we have stayed in. You can check their website for email and phone numbers (they respond real quick to email)
I've stayed at H. Turenne several times and it is now my favorite rue Cler hotel. It's a few blocks from rue Cler, but close. Their rates are good, they have a generous-size public area near reception at street level. I've only stayed in a single room, but found it to be clean. The bed was comfortable; desk personel are pleasant and speak English if needed. There is a taxi stand a few feet away, a laundromat and Paribas bank across the street. The Metro entrance is maybe 5 min away (Ecole Militaire). Napoleon's tomb is about 5 min the other direction.
I agree that the Hotel Relais Bosquet is a great hotel. The breakfast is not included in the price though. It is a great and friendly place. We liked the black-out roll down shutters. We're staying there again next spring.
You could try Hotel du Cadran, located on rue du Champs de Mars next to the corner of Rue Cler. I was there 6 years ago.
We stayed five nights at the Kensington in May 2010 and thought it was just great. We were very impressed that when there was a slight issue with the sink backing up, they were not only very apologetic, but had it fixed by the time we returned for the evening. I remember the bathroom being very clean with modern fixtures, too. One of the best thing about traveling with Rick's books is that he is almost always right about hotels. Very, very rarely have we had even the slightest issue - if there are caveats Rick reliably tells you what they are.
I have stayed their 2 separate times. the location is excellent, rooms are very clean, elevator is a big plus. Howver the staff can be quite impersonal, front side rooms can be noisy so reqwuest the back. Also there was no air cond when we went a few yrs back, which can become uncomfortable if you are there in summer months. The value I thought was vg. The website shows a very drab and sad exterior. Try to dismiss that as the interior and rooms are basic but ensuite and beds are comfortable enuf. Most other hotels in Rue cler are much more per night.
If the price is right for you and you do not need ac then it is a gd option.