Review of Best Western Plus Hôtel Mercedes 4*

We stayed at this hotel for 4 nights in July. Reception was warm (actually, that's literal). The city was experiencing a heat wave such as had not been seen since 2003. Upon arrival, jet lagged and tired, I was irritable that the lobby felt about 90 degrees, and inquired about the rooms. I was told that the air conditioning was 'broken', but upon request was cheerfully told they would book us in another hotel with a. C. That was equally priced. They dragged feet for a half-day or so, but then did find one. After a day of being there (windows open all night, but I brought earplugs), we decided it was so sweet and in such a quaint neighborhood that we'd stay. The receptionist was lovely and offered all non-alcoholic drinks and breakfast on-the-house. And the breakfast, though very basic, was adequate since other meals out could be very caloric. The rooms were probably in the high 90's even at night, but we had a fan, which helped some. The beds were firm and reasonably comfortable, though I did flip my mattress which I do as a rule upon arrival in a hotel. The only elevator is a tiny one, max 2 people, with a cage door, but we were on the 4th floor and I enjoyed climbing the stairs for excercise. The nieghborhood was very safe even at night, with an absolutely adorable and reasonable cafe across the street, and less than a block from the metro. That stop is not the closest to central Paris, but there are other places to discover all around Paris, parks, shops and restaurants where tourists don't often go. But it is still very rapid transport, even to Versailles. Be careful to plan trips to key places before you leave — we did not understand the evening or Sunday hours for some, nor the train restrictions, and had to change plans mid-stream a few times. There wasn't an hour of day where the hotel staff was not friendly and eager to help. In fact, Parisiens were all wonderful, their being rude to outsiders and Americans is a myth. I would stay at Hotel Mercedes any time I went to Paris, as long as the a. C. Works; if not, I may get their recommendation of an alternative over the phone.