Classified as a two star hotel. Our ratings (1-5 stars):
Overall: 4 stars - A great value for your money. For around 100€, you can stay in one of the most expensive areas in Paris, a few blocks from the Eiffel Tower and the famous Rue Cler market, in a small hotel with friendly English-speaking staff. A steal for the budget minded traveler who is looking for a clean, safe room to crash in after a long day of sightseeing in Paris.
Note: The Hotel Malar is classified as a 2-star hotel. Parisian 2-star hotels are "bare-bones" budget hotels. Think backpacker or budget traveler. If you typically stay in 3+ star hotels in Paris, the Hotel Malar is not for you. However, if you are a frugal traveler, looking to spend your time and money sightseeing in Paris, not on a hotel room, the Hotel Malar is a good choice for you.
Location: 5 stars - If you want to stay on the Left Bank in Paris, but can do without the late night party atmosphere of the Latin Quarter or St. Germain des Pres, the quiet, residential streets of the 7th arrondissement is the location for you. Nestled on a small street two blocks south of the Seine, in a neighborhood of stunning residential town homes on wide tree-lined avenues, the Hotel Malar is a few blocks walk to the Eiffel Tower, the famous Rue Cler street market, and a short stroll to Paris's newest museum, Musee du Quai Branly or up the Seine to the Musee d' Orsay.
For croissant lovers, stroll a block to rue Saint Dominique and sample croissants at three Parisian boulangeries known for their croissants: Patisserie Millet (#103), La Boulangerie Julien (#5) and Boulangerie Gisquet (#64) for almond croissants (while there also sample their famous black forest cake).
Style and Decor: 4 stars - Coastal "shabby chic"- the Hotel Malar's color scheme and style is reminiscent of a French Mediterranean seaside hotel. The common areas have exposed wood beams, cream white washed walls and copper curtains. The marble floors are accented with beautiful inlaid tile mosaics, and a gorgeous burl wood reception desk. Fresh flowers are delivered weekly and displayed around the property. The hotel was completely renovated in 2002. The decor of each room is very basic. A unique feature of the Hotel Malar is that each room faces an open courtyard and is accessed from the outside. Some visitor's may find this configuration too exposed to the elements and not private enough, but we found that it complemented the "open" atmosphere of the hotel. The outside stairways and balconies
are decked with flower boxes.
Staff: 5 stars - Madame Mylène Caill has owned the Hotel Malar for 15 years. She and her staff are English-speaking and eager to address any questions you may have about Paris and the surrounding area. The reception area is staffed 24 hours a day providing a secure environment at night.
Amenities: 4 stars - 2 star hotels are not known for their in-house amenities, but we found the Hotel Malar offers some nice personal touches for their guests. For backpackers and other travelers passing through Paris, there is an extensive library of travel guides to other countries that visitors can browse during their leisure time. If you enjoy your stay, leave a postcard of your hometown to add to the Hotel Malar's collection of satisfied customers from around the world.
The hotel is not air conditioned, but does provide fans for rooms in the summer months. Each room is equipped with pay per minute Wi-Fi access and cable TV with English-speaking stations like CNN and BBC. Some bathrooms contain heated towel racks. A continental breakfast is served in the flowering courtyard each morning for 8€.
Value for Money: 4 stars - For a 2 star hotel, this is an excellent choice. If you are a budget traveler, the Hotel Malar's great location in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, professional staff, proximity to public transportation, shops and eateries, make the Hotel Malar a good choice for you.
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