Jessica L.
Yelp
The location:
I was concerned that the hotel would be too far away from the touristy things one must do on a first trip to Paris, but found that the Hotel-Republique is very well located. It's a snap to get to the tourist attractions by walking or via the Metro, and it's all only minutes away.
When the hotel says 2:00 PM check-in, they mean it. Not 1:50. It seems we were punished for asking by a young male reception clerk when, exhausted, we (politely!) inquired 10 minutes prior if our room might be ready yet. He assigned us an exceptionally small and ill appointed room (we saw that he had changed our room number from the one originally assigned), and we *still* had to wait until 2 PM. We were later able to change rooms, thanks to a wonderful reception desk woman (Kahina!) who is delightful, resourceful and genuine. She more than made up for the mean guy and made the rest of our stay a great experience.
The rooms:
They're clean.
Be aware that beds are narrower and that rooms are generally smaller than American hotels. That said, our (new) room was spacious and well appointed, and the bed was comfortable. It overlooked the lovely courtyard and was much quieter than the room facing the street. Our room was appointed with small LED spot reading lights as well as regular bedside lamps, a useful touch.
There are real hangers (wood, regular hooks) in the closet; also a safe. The cheap-looking iron provided does a surprisingly good job.
A desk insert provided plenty of outlets for electronics (don't forget your converter), and there are more outlets bedside.
There is a mini-bar in the room. Unlike stocked ones in the US, they leave some space for personal stuff - enough for three or four bottles of water and some cheese.
Wifi is outrageously expensive at this time, although there are rumors that it will be free in the future. (C'mon, Holiday Inn! 3 euros/hour is robbery!) You'll find free wifi in the lobby.
In the bathroom: Ours was spacious - white tiled, wide counter and a useful magnified, lighted make-up mirror. It can be treacherous getting in and out of the shower. The tub walls are high, the tub floor is a different height than the bathroom floor, and the tub walls are narrow and pitched. The grab bar helps. Once you're in without breaking your toe or your neck, the shower itself is one of those cool adjustable-height jobs, and very nice liquid soap is provided from a wall dispenser. There are large thick towels, and there is a good hair dryer if you need one (your American one will blow a fuse anyway).
Avoid drinks at the bar if you can- they are outrageously priced. The hotel's restaurant is very good for dinner especially after you've arrived tired and hungry, and there are are good restaurants nearby (try Leon's across the street for great mussels and a wonderful Belgian beer; or Chez Jenny, across two streets on Rue de Temple - you can see it from the Hotel's front door).
We were not big fans of the big, expensive American-style breakfast buffet provided in the hotel. If it's your thing, though, you can have omelets made to order, breakfast meats and lots of rolls and pastries served cafeteria style. Coffee of various sorts comes from a machine. We preferred to have a croissant, fresh fruit and coffee in room (in bed!) before we set out. The coffee made with the coffee machine in the room was strong and delicious for in-room coffee. For groceries, there is a small grocery store a block from the hotel - turn left outside the front door; it's on the same side of the street. We found good croissants in an unlikely stall just at the bottom of the stairs to the Metro - turn right from the hotel door and look for the Metro entrance a few steps away).
Bring lots of Euros no matter where you stay. Exchange rate at the hotel is 10%.
The concierges are amazing. There is often a line; worth the wait.
We'll stay there again.
(Cross-posted on Trip Advisor)