Avalon Suites Paris Gare Du Nord

“Amazing location”

A little tricky to find the entrance at first, the hotel being on the peninsula of a junction, and approaching from the wrong side, once we got in it was clear there was some work going on, which would have been nice to be advised up front. But the staff were immediately friendly and attentive - al… more

A little tricky to find the entrance at first, the hotel being on the peninsula of a junction, and approaching from the wrong side, once we got in it was clear there was some work going on, which would have been nice to be advised up front. But the staff were immediately friendly and attentive - allaying any fears as an English traveler that the French may not like us too much! One of the ways to get up to our floor was unavailable, but the alternate route was fine - there was an elevator that is only big enough for 2 people at a time (lucky it didn't seem busy) but being an original lift it added to the Parisian charm. The room was a good size, although the bathroom was not completely separate, with the sink in the room, the shower behind a wall, and only the toilet behind a locked door. I was OK with this, but my wife would have liked more privacy from the shower - again, something that would have been good to be informed of up front. Some other amenities were lacking that you'd expect from most establishments - such as a hairdryer and basic storage like a shelf near the sink for toiletries, or drawers next to the bed. All of this loses it a star, as otherwise, it was a very pleasant place to stay. The room was nicely decorated, the bed comfortable, and throwing open the windows to the Juliet Balcony and having a glass of wine as the sun went down, or a croissant in the morning was exactly what we wanted out of our experience. Location is perfect, it's only a stones throw from Gare De Nord, and the whole area feels very trendy and lively, lots of great cafes, bars - and only a short walk from the artsy district around the Sacre Coeur, and 2 Metro Stations that can get your around most of the city. There are also a number of supermarkets and shops in the area, so it was easy to grab a bottle of wine, a bottle opener, and some cheese to enjoy back in the room. We didn't use the TV, or the breakfast service (so many cafes, boulangeries, and patisseries nearby we didn't feel the need) so can't comment on that, but the morning's seemed lively. Who knows, the score might go down if I was able to compare with similar hotels in the vicinity, but as it was, we had a nice trip and I'd be happy to stay again, with a few small improvements.

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“How to be a bit basic and perfect at the same time.”

If you're looking for haute cuisine or even a full English, or if you're looking for sophisticated decor that looks like the Palace of Versailles, then keep walking because this is not the place for you. Yes the hotel may be a bit tired in places, but if you can look past that and appreciate what y… more

If you're looking for haute cuisine or even a full English, or if you're looking for sophisticated decor that looks like the Palace of Versailles, then keep walking because this is not the place for you. Yes the hotel may be a bit tired in places, but if you can look past that and appreciate what you are getting for your money then this is a really good place to stay. It is less than ten minutes walk from the Station Gare du Nord, so if you're in Paris for sightseeing from the UK then this place is perfect. It's important to say that whilst some parts look tired, the place is spotlessly clean. Breakfast is continental, and you can have as much as you like but don't go looking for sausages and black pudding because that's not going to end well for you unless you venture beyond the front door, it's Paris baby, live a little and have a continental breakfast, you can have sausage and bacon when you get home! The reception staff are all really nice people, and the friendliness and charisma they exude easily patches over any qualms one may have of this hotel not troubling Michelin. The rooms are compact and bijou with little in the way of storage, but you get a safe for your valuables, the shower was excellent and the plumbing works fine. The street outside is incredibly busy and noisy and seems like the emergency service vehicles all got new sirens last week and are running them in BUT when the French windows are closed, the sound insulation is very very good. We slept well on the very comfortable bed. We stayed for five nights and as I say the accommodation is basic, but absolutely perfect for what we were looking for, incredibly close to the railway station, an excellent boulanger just around the corner, pubs, cafes and restaurants all on hand for the evening too. The staff were brilliant, nothing was ever too much trouble for them and they all ways showed interest in the customers even if we were just passing through. Yes even you Ousamme, we thought you were great too - did you share that box of cakes we left?

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