Au Grand Hotel Francais, Paris

I stayed in this hotel for 10 full nights and was certainly glad I did my research and chose this hotel. The staff was very friendly and helpful and the room was very nicely decorated. I was pleasantly surprised at the size of the shower after having traveled through Italy. The room was typically small (as most European hotel rooms are), but was definitely comfortable. As a single woman traveling, I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable either in the hotel or the surrounding areas. The nearby metro stations (Rue de Boulets and Nation) were extremely convenient! If I had any questions, the hotel staff was very informative and willing to help me (in very good English). While the location of the hotel is off of the typical tourist grid, I enjoyed the Parisian neighborhood feel. There as a grocery store, bakery and pharmacy on the same block as well as many different restaurants within walking distance that serviced the people from the neighborhood. As Rick Steves says, follow the "natives" and you will find great food and fun. In all, I enjoyed my adventure and definitely appreciated this hotel as my home away from home! I recommend it to anyone looking for a simple, but convenient "home base" away from the hustle and bustle of Central Paris.