Hôtel Helzear Montparnasse

This hotel is the definition of charming. The staff were incredibly hospitable, and we loved our room. This is a true Paris gem (please don’t be surprised that there is still a narrow spiral staircase that you need to carry your suitcase up), and while it doesn’t have the fancy hotel vibe, to us this is even better. We loved the patio and laying in the cozy bed and listening to the rain. We will absolutely be back. The neighborhood is very safe with lots of great restaurants just a few blocks away. There is some noisy construction and road traffic, but you are staying in the middle of a city so it’s to be expected. We also loved the courtyard!

This hotel is truly unique and different from traditional hotels. Housed in a former printing house, it has a distinctive charm and character. We stayed in a superior double room, which felt more like a small studio. It featured a cozy living area with a sofa bed, a fully equipped kitchenette, a bathroom with a bathtub, and a separate bedroom. The bedding was comfortable, making for a pleasant stay. However, there were several drawbacks. The rooms are poorly insulated, so we could hear noise from the neighboring and upstairs rooms, which disrupted the tranquility. One of the biggest issues for me was the strong smell of cigarettes—if a neighbor smoked, the odor easily seeped into our room, suggesting that these might not be true non-smoking rooms. Additionally, the water pressure was inconsistent, and the temperature fluctuated during showers, which was quite frustrating. What was most unacceptable, though, was that housekeeping was not done for two days. For a 4-star hotel, this is simply inexcusable and well below expectations. Despite these inconveniences, the hotel offers good value for money. However, with better maintenance and service, it could be an outstanding place to stay.

I booked this hotel yesterday for 4 nights for 2 people with the option for free cancellation on their website. I provided a valid credit card with the necessary funds. However, today the hotel canceled my reservation. When I inquired about the reason, they claimed there was an issue with the card. I requested a link to update the card, but "strangely," the prices for those dates have already increased. I was told to make a new booking instead. Such manipulations make me unwilling to use this hotel again and I feel compelled to warn other potential customers about this experience.