Ibis Styles Paris Cadet Lafayette

“A very pleasurable stay”

We had been regular visitors to the lovely city of Paris over the years but hadn’t been for a while so thought a short five-day trip was needed to see what was happening in Paris, and to see the pre-Olympic preparations. The first thing you require is a suitable hotel for your stay and hence we ca… more

We had been regular visitors to the lovely city of Paris over the years but hadn’t been for a while so thought a short five-day trip was needed to see what was happening in Paris, and to see the pre-Olympic preparations. The first thing you require is a suitable hotel for your stay and hence we came across the Ibis Styles Cadet Lafayette. Now, there are lots of hotels throughout Paris, that fit many a different budget and purpose. For us, we're looking at a base with the necessary amenities, namely a very comfortable bed, good breakfast, friendly staff and great location. So, the Ibis Styles Cadet Layfette was selected, based upon location and price. As many of our visits to Paris are by Eurostar, we like a suitable base near-by the Gard du Nord train station, with this less than a brief ten-minute stroll. Our room was a first floor (of six I believe) near the elevator. The thing to highlight here is that the lift is very small, so two people at a time is quite cosy! However, we didn’t have any issues with noise that elevators can cause. Occasionally, you could hear the neighbouring rooms, but not intrusive. The room is small, but then for us it is a base. The double bed was comfortable and large enough for the two of us. There were additional pillows, if required. The AC works well, and the window opens fully for fresh air, if required. There is ample storage for the cases and hanging space. There was a drop-down table that, when up, did not affect your movement around the room. A couple of hooks allowed us to hang up our jackets/caps, without being in the way. Side unit that you can place items upon, along with a couple of USB points and electricity sockets. A sensible sized TV that received several stations, giving insight to French entertainment. The WIFI operated very well throughout our stay, throughout the hotel. The ensuite bathroom had a shower and a wash basin, and as is often these days, each having a dispenser for soap. The toilet of course. Ample space. Importantly, hot water was always available for your shower and wash basin. The hotel had very clear signs of a recent renovation, which made the ambiance very pleasurable. Within the hotel, in the lobby you can help yourself to the 24/7 hospitality station for hot drinks and cold water. There is ample soft seating should you wish, too. Here also has access to the staircase, if you do not care for the elevator. At the end of your stay, they have secure baggage storage, should you require the service. The breakfast area had adequate space. Just take a tray, plate, cutlery, and help yourself to the options. You can select from the meats/cheese; fruits, natural yogurt; small pancakes; Pain au chocolat; various breads for toasting or eating fresh, along with a selection of toppings; cereals; egg boiling facility too. Naturally, coffee and tea (including tea leaf option) are available. Help yourself! And you can obtain your very own orange juice with the juicer machine that two oranges provide a full glass of very fresh orange juice. Nice touch! Your options therefore are varied, or have the same every day, but will give you good energy for the day ahead. Breakfast is available from 6am until 10am (11am weekends). After, we took our tray to the stacking area by the kitchen, but the staff are very prompt to keep the area clean and tidy, with freshly wiped tables after each use. Check-in/check-out are very efficient, with the support of extremely friendly helpful staff. Staff throughout the hotel do speak good English. They will encourage you if you wish to practice your French, but no problem if you are limited! Location of the hotel is on a quiet street, but within easy access to wherever you wish to visit in Paris. There are plenty of Metro stations within short distances, or you can just walk/wonder in any direction, seeing many things that you didn’t realise were there. The usual bakers and markets are almost on very corner, so getting additional supplies are easy, plus anywhere you look you are likely to find many of the restaurants and cafes that make Paris. For the price, the friendly helpful staff, the location, the cleanliness and amenities that we required, the Ibis Styles Cadet Lafayette in Rue Pierre Semard, was a very good solution. And one we shall use again; we have no doubt.

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