Esmeralda Hotel

At first glance, this historic property steps from Notre Dame Cathedral is a dream Parisian escape. Built in the 1600s, the property has an Old World feel that comes across in the building façade and the rustic interiors. Stone walls give the lobby a cavernous feel accentuated by dark wood furnishings and heavy draperies and textiles. Combined with select antiques, the space is warm, welcoming, and distinctly Parisian. But once guests make it up the impressive -- though a bit rickety -- winding stairwell, rooms can be a bit underwhelming. Basic and somewhat bland, the highlight here is surely the location; Views of the cathedral are to be had in several rooms and some of Paris' most iconic stops are just steps away. If you can forsake amenities, the location and natural charm of the Hotel Esmerelda is a solid choice in Paris' Left Bank.

This hotel's location has a perfect mix of proximity to tourist sites and local flavor. It is steps from the Notre Dame Cathedral (as well as the Sorbonne and Luxembourg Gardens) and it offers some extraordinary views of the Seine. It's on the edge of the Left Bank, right in the heart of the Latin Quarter, so when guests have had their fill of tourist sites they can explore historic streets and discover booksellers, theaters, and a number of restaurants and bars in the area. For public transport, the Mauber-Mutualite or Saint-Michel Metro stations are nearby helping to make it easy to travel throughout Paris.

There are just 16 rooms at the Hotel Esmerelda, and each one is distinct. Decorations may vary but the vibe remains: bland and a bit outdated. Some rooms have a splash of color or an interesting piece of antique furniture, but overall the spaces are basic with simple furnishings. Rooms here are meant as a space to sleep, not to indulge. But the views -- of Notre Dame and the Seine -- certainly elevate the experience. There are no amenities to speak of, except for private bathrooms that are spacious for Parisian standards.

There isn't much in the way of things to do at the Hotel Esmerelda. The hotel clearly leans heavily on its location. In the vicinity there are plenty of restaurants, museums, and galleries to keep visitors busy beyond the hotel grounds. But without an elevator, restaurant, or other facilities on-site, some guests may wish for more. Wi-Fi is free.