PrairiePaddler
Google
I've been to Paris a number of times but this was our longest stay, and in a different part of le Marais, and I'm now a big fan of this hotel. Let me tell you why.||We anchored our 5-night trip to Paris at Hotel Caron based on its prime location, price and reviews, and it proved an outstanding anchor for our stay, surpassing all of our expectations. It is tucked away on a quiet one-way street just off a major boulevard, minutes from Place des Vosges, and steps away from the major Metro line. This puts you in walking distance of the city's major sights and in the heart le Marais, its most historic and most interesting neighborhood. A Monoprix grocery, an excellent boulangerie, fine cafes and a lovely park are just outside the door; and the Sunday Bastille market, Musee Carnavalet, and fine restaurants like Bofinger are just minutes away. We were on the go all week but only a few distant Left Bank and Montmarte destinations weren't in ready walking distance of this hotel and were easily reached via the subway. Hint: it's a lovely walk across the Seine to the Ile San-Louis where you will find some of best, authentic restaurants popular with locals and off the tourist track.||There are three rooms of nearly the same size per floor; the two end rooms each have one window, and the slightly smaller center room on each of the main floors has three windows. As you've read, most buildings in le Marais date to the 17th-century or beyond, space is limited, and hotel rooms here are almost universally small. That said, here they are well appointed, comfortable, quiet and clean. The hotel has a tasteful, understated modern vibe. The L'Occitane toiletries, complementary snacks and (non-alcoholic) beverages in your mini-fridge, and lovely continental breakfast buffet (bakery items, charcuterie, fruit, yogurt and cereal) help set this hotel apart from the others.||Above all else, the staff at Hotel Caron is fantastic. They are not only gracious and welcoming, but will be enormously helpful in answering your questions about directions, logistics, and attractions.||Official cabs to the hotel from Charles de Gaulle cost a flat fare of 56 Euros (look for a service guide in a red vest near the baggage claim to direct you to the cab stand and away from scalpers). We returned to the airport using Uber, which cost slightly less.||A disappointing or overpriced hotel can be a real buzzkill. Hotel Caron is smart, classy, a great deal, and a fun hidden gem tucked away in the very heart of this great city. I highly recommend it.