Hotel Bellevue Saint-Lazare

Right in one of the most expensive districts in Paris (8th arr.), just minutes away from Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Opera Garnier and Eglise de la Madeleine – you can’t get a much better address than this in the City of Love. Certainly not at this price point. Facing the Gare Saint-Lazare, Hotel Bellevue is as good as it gets, whether you want to explore the lovely Haussmannien neighbourhood by foot or you want to visit other parts of Paris by public transport (RER, metro or buses). For shopaholics and culture enthusiasts alike, 8th arrondissement has much on offer. Our good experience with this hotel started even before we set foot there. While the hotel already offers a 24-hour checkout noon-to-noon (who does that!), we had requested an early check-in, at least for one of our two rooms, due to the early arrival of our flight. To our great surprise they agreed to give us both the rooms at 10:30 am. When we arrived, the rooms were ready. The hotel does not have a restaurant of its own and the rooms have no coffee machines/kettles and the like. We had requested them for a kettle. And we got two! The hotel has a distinct family-run feel, thanks to its aged proprietors at the reception and even some of the senior staff, who seem to have been working there for ages. They are warm people and run the place professionally. Remember, that not all of them speak good English. So, the communication could be a bit slow and halting. Both our rooms (as well as bathrooms) were of decent-size, by Parisian standards. Each had a small balcony overlooking the street with a view of Gare St Lazare and the neighbouring 19th century buildings. On offer were comfortable beds, hot shower, air conditioning and a strong wi-fi. There is no coffee-maker or kettle in the room. But, you can ask for one at the reception. The superior room even had a small ante-chamber. The double-glazed windows keep most of the noise out from the busy streets below. A simple breakfast is served at a little dining area near the reception for Euros 7 or at a slight premium as room service. There are dozens of eateries dotting the area, serving different types of cuisines, as well. You could choose to try some of them. For the charming hosts, excellent neighbourhood and comfortable rooms, we would stay here again.