Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais

"Take a step back, and describe this hotel for us.Set among the museums, galleries, and boutiques of the buzzing Marais neighborhood, and just a few blocks from the Seine, this boutique hotel both transports you back in time and envelops you in a decidedly French theatrical fantasy. Inspired by the works of the 18th-century playwright Caron de Beaumarchais—in particular, “The Marriage of Figaro”—the eponymous hotel has an entry that feels a bit like a stage, with a tableau of an antique piano forte, harp, and card table in the floral parlor. Interesting. And who else is staying here?Travelers looking for an affordable option with plenty of character cite this as a favorite pick. Got it. How fluid was check-in, check out?A homey, guesthouse vibe helps makes check-in warm and painless. Excellent. Now, tell us all about the rooms. What do they look like, and how are they arranged?The 19 rooms are set either in the front or back of the building; the former are slightly larger, save for the two small sixth-floor rooms that happen to have the best views. Front-facing rooms have vintage, French-style décor; those in the back are more sedate. All have touches like wood-beamed ceilings, chandeliers, and antiques, along with both tubs, showers, and minibars. The technology is fairly standard—think high-speed Wi-Fi, bedside USB ports, satellite TVs, and air conditioning. Windows are double-glazed to keep out the sounds of the Marais. Give us the lowdown on the F&B.Breakfast (extra on top of the room rate) includes pastries, coffee and tea, juice, eggs, yogurt, and fruit. Otherwise, there's no on-site restaurant—but there's plenty of spots nearby. __Good to know. Tell us what we missed—are there any features you'd like to shout out? __ Guests regularly cite the staff as one of the best things about the hotel, noting their eagerness and warm and welcoming attitude. Bottom line: Worth it, and why?This hotel is a gem with affordable rates, an excellent location, and an intimate setting. (Just don't expect the amenities and facilities of a larger hotel.)" - Sandra Ramani