Convenient location on the edge of the Marais near three metro lines
Homey, fresh-looking traditional rooms with small desks
24-hour internet corner
Espresso machine in lobby
Free Wi-Fi
Some noise and underground rumbling from metro lines
No full restaurant or bar
Breakfast costs extra
No mini-fridges or coffeemakers in rooms
The 29-room mid-range boutique-style Austin's Arts et Metiers Hotel is in the third arrondisement, which includes the quieter, northern edge of the Marais. Within an easy walk of three metro stations (Arts et Metiers and Temple are the closest) it's easy to get around but be aware that the metro trains are also a source of intermittent underground rumbling. Rooms are quaint with a crisp take on the French country look. All rooms include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. A continental breakfast buffet (at an extra charge) is served daily in a stone-walled basement breakfast room.
Scene
Traditionally styled boutique hotel with pleasant lobby
The bright-white marble-clad lobby with gold-framed photographs provides a nice first impression. Mustard-colored chairs and a couch create a comfortable lounge area below marble steps that lead to a wood-paneled front desk. Three shiny metal clocks, hanging above an incongruously placed red Coca-Cola refrigerator, conveniently tell the time in three time zones. Outside, the building's classic white facade looks elegant, even with a neon sign. Kiddos are welcome here, but most guests are couples or friends that appreciate boutique style.
Location
In the third arrondissement, along the northern edge of the Marais
On the quieter, northern edge of the Marais, the hotel is within walking distance to several metro stations. Arts et Metiers and Temple are the closest, and Republique, which connects to four other lines, is about a 10-minute walk. It's a bit of a hike to the Place des Vosges and the heart of the Marais' headier nightlife. The Picasso Museum is more than a half mile from the hotel, and the Pompidou Center is about a 20-minute walk.
Rooms
A color scheme of blue or red
All 29 rooms do a crisp, clean take on French country-style decor, using either a red or blue palette in each room. Carpets, curtains, and upholstery are color coordinated. Walls incorporate some of the chosen color, but also alternate with yellow-striped wallpaper or plain white-paint. All rooms have white nightstands, armoires, small desks, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and tea makers but no coffeemakers. White-tiled bathrooms have either shower/tub combos or small walk-in showers. There is also a single PMR (person with reduce mobility) room, but it's curiously arranged -- there's a small patio, but the door is blocked by the nightstand and the wardrobe isn't fully accessible from a wheelchair. Some rooms overlook an unappealing inner alley while others have pleasant street views. Past guests have complained about occasional rumbling from the metro.
Features
Buffet breakfast room, Internet corner, espresso machine
The small lobby provides an espresso machine and refreshments in a small refrigerator for guests. There's a 24-hour Internet corner with a single computer on a small table in the lounge area; Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. A breakfast (not included in the room rate) is served downstairs in a room with exposed stone walls and well-placed wall scones that help to mitigate the lack of windows. Continental buffet includes bread, croissants, cereal, yogurt, fruit, boiled eggs, packaged cheese, and coffee and tea.