It was my first time visiting Paris and I had no idea where to stay. After a bit of research, I knew Le Marais, Montmartre, and Pigalle would suit my interests. They looked close enough to walk to or ride the subway to everything a first-time visitor like myself would want to see. So, on a whim, I chose to stay at Les Plumes in the 9th Arrondissement on the right bank. A mix of working class, offices, and ethnic food restaurants, I felt like I was "home" in the heart of it all. 

The ACCOMMODATION

Les Plumes was kind enough to upgrade me to a king room with a balcony upon arrival. The masculine decor of the room (and the hotel, overall) was a welcome change of pace from the kinds of places I usually stay.

The bathroom had a separate toilet room and a large shower with rain head.  

A mini fridge in the closet was enough to keep my water and cheese fresh. The simple slippers were a nice added touch.

The real highlight of room 502 was the balcony. It was so nice to be able to sit and watch the city come alive at dawn each morning - I didn't want to leave! Other rooms face the street or an inner courtyard - so ask for rooms 502, 501 or the upper suite. 

The staff at Les Plumes were very accommodating and attentive to a first time visitor such as myself, offering up restaurant suggestions, asking how I'd fared when returning from my days spent wandering the streets of the city.

Dine

I didn't dine on breakfast in the hotel but sat in the small lobby area to have a coffee upon my arrival. From what I could overhear (and the reviews I read online), the other guests seemed to really enjoy their breakfast.

Near the hotel, there are plenty of options for dining - everything from French to Italian to Japanese and even, empanadas.

DO

Not only were there plenty of cafes, shops, and restaurants to browse in the neighborhood. Most of all, I enjoyed wandering the whole city on foot for hours on end. The hotel is within walking distance to the trendy Pigalle nightlife, the Sacré-Cœoeur, Folies Bergères, and the sights of Montmartre. The Opéra district and the The Boulevard Haussmann and its department stores were also not far. 

Further afield, I found myself a quick subway ride from the cafes of Le Marais, The Louvre Museum, Notre Dame, Luxembourg Gardens, the Châtelet, the Pompidou Centre and the lively shopping area of rue de Rivoli.

Perfect For

Business travelers and couples looking for a chic, centrally-located hotel to call home while exploring Paris.

Location

Les Plumes Hotel is located in the 9th Arr. It's 2-minute walk from the Cadet métro station, 1 km from Gar du Nord, and 2.4 km from le Musée d'Orsay. Metro line 7 (at Cadet) will take you close to the Louvre, Le Marais and Notre Dame. After wandering through most of the Left and Right Banks of Paris, I decided there was no arrondissement I would have rather have stayed in during my trip.