Saint Martin Apartments

On the website it states that the hotel has completed renovations in October 2008...not so much! We were greeted at 2pm in the afternoon by no flooring and a bunch of workmen in the reception area with ladders and paints pots everywhere. Staff were alright, didn't seem that pleased to see us. Room was small but adequate, although bathroom was pretty gross...clogged up hair in bath drain, toilet seat fell off and no towels (we had to phone down for them!) On the first night there was no hot water in shower or taps, we complained but were told that the hot water was capped and we would have to wait for over an hour before it heated up again..so went out showerless! Hot water miraculously was fine for the next two days after we complained though! Renovations are still continuing and we were woken up before 8am every morning as contracters put up picures and mirrors in all the rooms, even though we had a "do not disturb sign" they still felt the need to come in and put up a mirror on the wall! When we left, with our bags in tow, we weren't allowed to walk on the newly tiled floor, so that was fun...oh and watch out for the 3 extra euros you have to pay on arrival, over and above your bill, this is apparently "visitors tax." Would I stay here again? Not even if YOU were paying!

You had said there would be a coffee maker and there wasn't one. When I asked, however, one was provided.

The hotel itself isn't in the greatest area although I have stayed in much "nicer" hotels in "nicer" areas and had a "nicer" price to pay and I think it is good to see different sides of Paris. I go quite a lot for work and so tend to stay in different places to get to see all over the city.
Very close to Gare de L'est which is a lovely station so easy access to train and metro lines.
The hotel is in a small passageway and at the end there seems to be some kind of hostel or cafe or youth centre where lots of young guys hang outside but there are two entrances to the passage so if you feel intimidated you can walk the other way although I must say I had no trouble.
Walk a couple of streets away and there is a thriving street with lots of food places, Turkish, Halal, Indian, Chinese etc both to buy from and restaurants to eat in. There is a great little passage way between two streets called Passage Brady where there are Indian and Pakistani restaurants reasonably priced, a mini balti mile!
Around the corner from the hotel is a small supermarche open late which has a good selection of fresh and packaged foods and friendly staff.
The room was not quite as perfect as it looked in the lateroom pictures but not bad and was very clean. The kitchen is ideal for making snacks and light meals and came in really useful although when you think about it you can eat out so cheaply do you need a kitchen?
Bathroom was small but clean and only downside the hot water tank ran out after one shower with a 2 hour wait to reheat.
All in all a simple budget apartment that was OK although I wouldn't rush to stay here again I wouldn't complain if I had to.

Whilst the hotel is under renovation, our room was complete, and was brilliant! i have stayed in many pokey small rooms in paris, but this was exceptionally large! Had a kitchen and table and all! Very handy location, walking distance to Sacre Cour, Gard de l'est and Gard de Nord. Would def stay again.

Very comfortable and beautiful apartment for this level of hotels.
Convenient place to get to Paris for sightseeing, as it located within 5 mins walking distance of railway station and underground.
Very good attitude from customer service.