Hotel Esmeralda

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2026

Laura

Absolutely wonderful hotel right across from Notre Dame! Staff was incredibly kind and funny; they made us feel right at home.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Apr 2026

Kristen

Amazing location with view from window of Notre Dame! Staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming! Room was perfect for our use. We will definitely stay here again if the opportunity arises.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2026

Shannon

Amazing location, and I loved the charm of this hotel 😊 it was

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2026

colleen

Charming, comfortable hotel - friendly staff and convenient.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2026

colleen

Charming, excellent small hotel! Perfect location and very helpful and friendly staff !

Friends_and_family Friends

4/10

Poor

07 Feb 2026

leith

Classic bait and switch on the room. I signed up for 129 square foot room with a double bed ( lavender color scheme with beautiful pictures of a stone wall in the room). When I arrived I was given a room that measured approximately 8' × 7' ( although I could actually touch both walls at the head of the bed), plus 3x6 bath, with a TINY one person bed. Probably because they noticed I was a single person and they had another use for that double bed room bedClassic bait and switch on the room. I signed up for 129 square foot room with a double bed (and beautiful pictures of a stone wall in the room). When I arrived I was given a room that measured approximately 8' × 7' ( although I could actually touch both walls at the head of the bed), with a tiny one person. Probably because they noticed I was a single person and they had another use for that double bed room bed. The clerk of course blamed Expedia for mixing up the pictures and told me that changing to a larger room as shown would cost more. And the towels were missing and the rug was dirty. Great location tho.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Dec 2025

Preston

The room was very clean, the shower was very easy to figure out how to turn it on. The staff were exceptional. Pleasant and helpful. This hotel has old world charm for sure. Steps from Notre Dame

10/10

Exceptional

23 Dec 2025

Justine

Great location, wonderful staff!

8/10

Excellent

30 Oct 2025

Terence

Staff were great everyone was friendly and helpful. The room was well cleaned. The location is a 10+

Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Oct 2025

Douglas

This is a unique experience. It is in a 400 year old building that is shared with the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore. The worn wooden stairs, peeling wallpaper add to the character. We had an amazing view of Notre Dame from our window. You can almost feel the spirits of those who used to hang out here...Ernest Hemingway, The Fitzgeralds.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Oct 2025

Herbert

Old and funky Old World charm oozing. No elevator but the staff will volunteer to carry your bags up for you. Perfect location.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2025

Lisa

We loved our stay at Hotel Esmeralda which felt like stepping back in time. The hotel does a great job of keeping original features and character while offering modern amenities. The ensuite was functional and clean and I was impressed with the availability of plug sockets in the room and great wifi. The staff we met were all helpful, friendly and spoke good English which was great when we have limited French. Although there is no lift we were helped to the room with our luggage. The location could not be better for access to the bars and restaurants of the Latin Quarter and of course the beautiful Notre Dame.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2025

matt

Perfect place to explore Paris from!

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

26 Aug 2024

Abhijit

Each of the three rooms I tried had bedbugs that appeared within a few minutes of me sitting on the bed. That being said, the hotel is in an excellent location and the staff was understanding of the situation. Once the bedbug problem is fixed, it would be a decent place to stay in a great location

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2024

Darren

Perfect location

The location is absolutely perfect. Close enough to the Metro and night life.
The hotel is slightly dated but for a weekend in Paris it was perfect.
The room was satisfactory and had a shower with bath.
The bed was comfortable enough with wooden bed frame and a bit squeaky so apologies to the room next door 😉

Would definitely go back!

10/10

Exceptional

28 Mar 2023

Noah

Very charming hotel. It was decorated in an old-French style while having modern appliances. The room had some minor wear-and-tear issues but was clean overall. The hotel is in a very lively area with plenty of restaurants nearby. Also had great views of Notre Dame Cathedral. Staff was very friendly and fluent in English and Spanish. Just be prepared to climb stairs as there is no elevator.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2023

Erika

This hotel is like a piece of Paris that hasn't moved in time. The staff is so friendly and welcoming, it is very rare to get this type of service nowadays. Loved the experience and will definitely go back. So refreshing, thank you for an awesome stay!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jul 2022

Verified traveler

Could not recommend more

The hotel was lovely with a great welcome from the front desk staff, funny and whitty. The hotel itself was full of character, comfy and perfect for a city break. Would recommend.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Jul 2022

sharone

This tablet shipment is from the 1800s without modern updates. It’s an excellent place but there is no elevator in the furnishings are old. At the desk are wonderful. Definitely great price for the place if you don’t mind walking upstairs and having old furnishings

Self

8/10

Excellent

22 May 2022

Cindie

Great historic building in the best possible location.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2022

Tawna

Great location and friendly staff

Great location right across the street from Notre Dame and RER Station. Very friendly staff who were extremely helpful. Older hotel but great price.

8/10

Excellent

27 Oct 2021

Katarina

Friendly staff, great location, good price. The bed linens on the first nights were a bit too used and were missing the top one, it wasn't ideal. Overall I enjoyed it and would return. I like the charm of being a classic place.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jul 2021

Verified traveler

My daughters and I stayed here for our dream trip to Paris. I was a little nervous about it, but the reviews were great. And now I know why. It's a simple place, lots of narrow stairs, but the views and the location were absolutely perfect. Sidewalk cafes, cobblestone street, Notre Dame across the street. Fabulous perfection. What wonderful, wonderful memories we have. If want old style Paris, this is it. If you want modern up to date, you should probably pass. Leave it for those who will truly appreciate it's quaint loveliness.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2020

Paul

The atmosphere and decor are wonderfully inspiring and the location is excellent for exploring central Paris

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

Location is great. Very clean.
It is quite noisy, as it is just single glazing but the view is fantastic.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jan 2020

Barrett

Super friendly staff, very clean rooms, Great view of Notre Dame!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

This gem of an old hotel has the best location in Paris, with views of Notre Dame Cathedral. It is an old building, built in the 1700’s per their description, so it is not fancy and has small but clean rooms. The owners/managers are delightful, helpful and friendly. It is located in the same building as the famous Shakespeare and Company book store.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Oct 2019

MaryElizabeth

Hotel Esmeralda fun and funky

Hotel Esmeralda is funky and fun. It is old and it looks it, but it is clean and the staff were very nice especially Francisco. They will make you a breakfast for an addition fee if requested. I bought food and put it in the communal fridge on the first floor. They also have a Nespresso machine in there and free coffee and tea. It is only across the Seine. The location is great. Easy to get to via RER from CDG. (Take RER B to Chatelet Les Halles and then walk across the same platform and and get on RER A...off at St Michel Notre Dame.. one stop.) There are elevators at Gare de Lyon, Chatalet, and St Michel.)I could see Notre Dame from my window It is literally just across the Seine. Shakespeare and Company is right next door. It tends to book early so if you want to stay there do it well ahead of your trip. I will be in Provence for a month and I already made my reservations to stay a few days on my way home from France.

Self

4/10

Poor

01 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Well, what you'll find in this hotel is the 19th century. Few renovations since those times.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

The location is fabulous!! The hotel is very quirky and I really enjoyed that. The staff were very friendly and extremely helpful

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Location! Clear view of Notre Dame! Check in was quick and friendly. It is an older building, like 17th century. Our third floor room (Europe) was accessed via a tight staircase. For us, charming. The room is dated but spotless. Shower was excellent. The bed was comfortable. It was mostly quiet through the night with only one group of revelers going by. Wonderful stay.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jul 2019

Atlantis

The real deal.

This place was incredible. The location was great, I walked everywhere. I arrived before other guests so the manager showed me to a few rooms to choose one. I have an amazing view of Notre dam. For the people who are reading this, the hotel is old. There are wood stairs that spiral up many flights. There is no elevator, so be sure you are able to use stairs with your luggage (the staff will help you) the hallways are very narrow as well. The rooms are tiny, think a classic bedroom in a house. There is a heater and a fan. No tv, but free wifi. There are ups and downs depending on what you are looking for in a place to stay, but I would definitely stay again. The only thing that was weird to me was when you leave they take your room key...but it wasnt a problem...just something I wasnt accustomed to. But there is 24 hour staff. This place is quiet, even having the windows open at night....but beware of Parisian mosquitos, I was bit up :( so splurge for repellent while you visit this amazing city and have fun.

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Historic charm, exceptional hosts, superb location!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Jul 2019

Julia

Quaint and quirky.

This is a quirky little hotel and not for everyone. Historical and quaint. It is in a very old building right near Notre Dame. Steep winding stairs lead to the rooms. My room was tiny, but had recently been refurbished with a new (tiny!) bathroom. No air-conditioning, but there was a fan. Good WiFi. My room looked into the inner courtyard, but there are some with views. Interesting lobby, but no coffee or tea (or anything) available on site. Housekeeping was spotty - I left for the day and didn't get back until after 3:00pm but my room had still not been made-up and by the time she housekeeper knocked on the door, I was trying to take a nap. Very friendly and helpful proprietor.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2019

ChrisPolubinski

The location of the hotel is stellar, and central to many of Paris' best sites. Hundreds of nearby food choices.

But the staff is superb! The friendliest and most welcoming folks I've ever had at a hotel anywhere in the world.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Very clean and staff extremely helpful. My room was small . Bed very comfortable.
I enjoyed my stay and location is fabulous. Close to historical sights and restaurants.
Stairs to your rooms. It’s a very old hotel with many imperfections which are enchanting.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

27 May 2019

Janice

What a charming hotel! The location is perfect! Just steps away from the Metro, the first Big Bus stop, Notre Dame, the Louvre, Saint-Chapelle and more. The staff is wonderful! We would like to have had a coffee maker or microwave in the room, though. We had some difficulties with getting on the internet and had to ask for a new code daily, but the staff was very gracious and accommodating to our needs. We will definitely stay there again!

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

10 May 2019

Verified traveler

This is one of Paris's oldest hotels, with a long list of famous guests from ages past. It's NOT a new hotel built where an old hotel used to be. It's old. It's clean as can be, and the staff is wonderful. But the rooms are small and the floors slope and there's no elevator and the bathrooms and toltiets have been fitted into odd corners. So if you're looking for big rooms with flat floors and ample bathrooms, the Esmeralda probably isn't for you. But if you're looking for a small hotel that feels like Paris used to be, in the very best location in the city, this is it!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2019

Alicia

Special

My stay was really good. I have enjoyed everything and the real bonus was Francisco. He was always friendly and helpful.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Another perfect week at the Hotel Esmeralda. Everyone at the front desk very courteous and attentive. House cleaning was superb. Can't beat the location, either. Highly recommend!!

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Hidden Parisian gem in Notre Dame

Great accomodation with charm and character, superb location overlooking Notre Dame, a great find.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

The proprietors were very accommodating and friendly. That made my stay perfect!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

The Hotel Esmeralda is a gem. The location is perfect, the rooms are adorable, the staff is wonderful and the cost is so reasonable.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Everything at the hotel is great, though what makes the experience awesome is the people, most especially Francisco.
Big thanks to him for his conversation and friendship!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2019

Sandra

Wonderful location, fantastic staff. Highly recommended.

8/10

Excellent

10 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Beyond amazing location. Charming and comfortable hotel

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Charming old world hotel with a super location and friendly staff.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

I stayed here late November 2018, and had an amazing time! This hotel is incredibly well located - as others have mentioned, it's just across from the Notre Dame, but its also only a couple of minutes walk from a metro station and an overground station, so it's easy to get around.

I'm a single women traveller, and I always felt safe walking around the area and in the hotel itself.

The staff were lovely and friendly, and always there to help. The room itself was very 'petite' but clean and comfortable, with heating you can control yourself.

There are no tea/coffee facilities in the room or breakfast, which is a definite incentive to get up and go out in the morning to get your caffeine hit, rather than lounge around the room!

The walls are slightly thin so depending on how lightly you sleep, you may need to pack earplugs. I had no problems.

I would definitely stay here again next time I'm in Paris, far better than I expected for the cheap price!

10/10

Exceptional

29 Nov 2018

Lorelei

Amazing location! There are so many shops and restaurants within walking distance. There are also Metro stops close by that make it very convenient to get anywhere in the city. The hotel is very old, so there is no elevator. The water closet in our room was a little tight, but that can be expected due to the age of the hotel. The room itself was a nice size. The rooms are quaint and clean. We loved the staff. They were very nice and helpful. We would definitely stay here again!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Nov 2018

Barb

Old but interesting excellent location would not recommend it for the older person

10/10

Exceptional

14 Nov 2018

Eddie

Walkable Paris

Hotel was across the street from Notre Dame, and next to Shakespeare Book Store. Very central, walkable location. NOT handicap accessible, but nice older, charming hotel. No hotel parking, but numerous lots in th area

Family

8/10

Excellent

11 Nov 2018

Anna

Amazing view of and proximity to Notre Dame - literally opposite (and next door to Shakespeare and Co). No breakfast, but who cares? Plenty of cafes nearby! Everything was comfortable (could have done with an extra blanket, but good heating, within my control) and very clean - just a little stained in terms of carpets etc. The staff were very polite and friendly. I would definitely return. It was quite charming and a perfect place to stay for a short break.

10/10

Exceptional

29 Oct 2018

Marcia

My Paris attic type room - clean - comfortable bed - fluffy pillows - adorable lobby- the character of the winding staircase and floral wallpaper. If you want the true Paris feel in a lively area close to metro, cafe , entertainment- this the perfect place to be . Thank you for a memorable stay

8/10

Excellent

12 Oct 2018

W

Two comments: Lovely staff. Location, location, location!

10/10

Exceptional

11 Oct 2018

Doug

It's important to have the right expectations with this hotel, but I actually found it exceeded mine. As a relatively cheaper hotel in the heart of Paris that is also in a building from the 1400s just know you won't have much of anything in the way of luxury. However the location is truly spectacular and is by far Esmeralda's biggest plus. A close second would be the staff, who were always charming and so pleasant to deal with. The rooms and bathroom were both larger than I expected but decently smaller than what you would get from a standard North American hotel. The only criticism I would level is that the shower head was not sealed properly anymore and had a tendency to spray out in several directions. While not a negative for me as we just had backpacks, there is no elevator and the stairs are tight so keep in mind that larger bags could be a challenge to get up to the upper floors. All in all, Esmeralda was an excellent experience and served us incredibly well as a base to sleep in or rest our feet for journeying around Paris.

6/10

Pleasant

11 Oct 2018

Teresa

Hotel is in a great area. Staff were very friendly. Felt safe in the hotel. The building is about 400 yrs old so for what they were able to do modernize was fine.

6/10

Pleasant

10 Oct 2018

Paul

Convenient location buy very noisy

The location of this property is great from perspective of convenience. Its literally across the street from the metro, with easy access to airport and the major train stations. Notre Dame was my window view. The down side of that was a lot of street noise, both from vehicles (honking, start/stop from major intersection) and pedestrians, and that lasted until almost 4am (and it was a Sunday night!). The room is small and felt like it needed to be updated/painted. The gentleman at the desk was friendly and helpful, and the desk seemed to be staffed at all times.

10/10

Exceptional

03 Oct 2018

Ruben

Great little hotel with character in a great place

We really enjoyed our stay here. It's not the newest hotel but the bedroom and bathrooms were really clean. (It seemed like the bathrooms were newer than the bedrooms. ) In any case, the rooms are the \"typical\" smaller size rooms for hotels outside of the US. But our room had a great view of the park 15 feet in front, and of the small chapel. Please note that it is in the heart of the center of town, about a 2 minute walk from Notre Dame. so during the day and late into the evening, there is a lot of traffic. But it wasn't an issue for us as we were out most of the day, and came back later when traffic was slow. WE LOVED being just feet away from the Notre Dame, with its bells tolling in the morning. It was really a great thing to have experienced. We were able to open our window and look down on the street below, watch people eating at Shakespear and Company and just people watch. The owner was very nice and kind, and so were his staff.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2018

Benjamin

Fantastic location

Great location, room was clean

Friends

8/10

Excellent

23 Sep 2018

Maribel

Across from Notredame Cathedral. Walking distance to the Louvre and Eiffel tower. Next to Latin quarter and below the hotel are shops, cafes and restaurants. Very nice staff. I feel at home. Hotel is at a historic district.

8/10

Excellent

06 Sep 2018

Eleni

Cute old style Boutique hotel opposite Notre Dame

The rooms-old style-are big enough but without tv and fridge.Nice view from the window.Nice people! I would say a little expensive.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

Great location

Great Parisian experience and very friendly environment

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2018

Richard

Hidden gem

Great location, have now stayed twice

Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Jun 2018

Verified traveler

A museum piece

This very old small hotel in a very very old building is an interesting place to stay. It is in a great location facing a small park and directly across the river from the Notre Dame cathedral. The staff is very helpful. An elevator and a few upgrades would make this a real gem.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2018

Verified traveler

Location is excellent, next to Notre Dame Cathedral and food street, walking distance to lots of tourist attractions.
Stuff are very nice and professional. Feel Very secure too.

4/10

Poor

25 May 2018

Dave

The hotel is close to Notre Dame, restaurants and transportation. There are no elevators so if you are out of shape make sure you are booked in the 1st floor. The room and bathroom needs to be refreshed and updated.

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2018

W

Picturesque Hotel with Notre Dame View

The Hotel Esmeralda is not for those who have difficulty climbing stairs - there is no elevator - or who are dismayed by crumbling plaster and decaying wood. Although the heat works well, there is no air conditioning and the hotel really does not want you to wash your clothes in the room!

Hotel Esmeralda is for you if you appreciate staying in a 1640 building facing a park, around the corner from Shakespeare & Co., with an oblique view of Notre Dame. Linnea stayed here when she visited Paris before visiting Monet's Garden - you can see what the lobby still looks like in the illustration in the book! I stayed in a 4th floor wood paneled room under the eaves - 5th floor in American usage. If you want light and a view, you will need to book a double room since the single rooms all face the back air shaft. The room was cleaned and tidied daily, the linens were immaculate, there was adequate water pressure and hot water, and the bathroom was clean and modern despite some broken tiles. There are wonderful cafes and restaurants within a block or two - I recommend the \"Grand Formule\" at the classic St. Regis on Ile St. Louis for breakfast . The people were warm and helpful, the view was spectacular ... and the location is unbeatable!

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2018

Donna

The view of Notre-Dame can not even be expressed in words. The staff is amazingly friendly and helpful. It is a historic building so no elevator, but the view from the rooms is worth the walk up the stairs. Highly recommended for any visitor who wants to be within sight and sound of the cathedral.

10/10

Exceptional

03 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Central and historic Hotel Esmeralda

This wonderful old and picturesque hotel is located just steps away from the Seine, Notre Dame Cathedral, Shakespeare & Co. Bookstore, St. Julian's chapel, St. Severin's and the Latin Quarter. I would definitely recommend this hotel to friends.

10/10

Exceptional

31 Mar 2018

Melissa

Great hotel find near Notre Dam.

8/10

Excellent

24 Mar 2018

Marcella

BE AWARE THERE’S NO LIFT

There are no stairs and no rooms on the ground floor, but thankfully someone helped with our bags. Other than this minor inconvenience, it was a lovely room and view.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Mar 2018

Verified traveler

Excellent location. Quaint hotel with very friendly and helpful staff

8/10

Excellent

18 Mar 2018

Lesley-Ann

Take a trip back in history!

If you're interested in deluxe accommodation this is not for you! But if you're interested in an authentic 400 year old hotel in the most magnificent location, then this is a definite YES! The quirkiness intrigued and delighted me! The 'personnel' were just lovely - so accommodating and helpful. The decore in the bedroom was a little overpowering, but the bathroom and toilet were as required - clean and en suite. The room was quite small and the stairs formidable & scary, but once there, look out the window and you will be blown away!! Thanks for a great couple of days. ... I hope to be back, if I can get in!!

Family

6/10

Pleasant

16 Mar 2018

Jonnette

Historically funky

Our last minute return to Paris had us hunting for something in the Latin Quarter - this small, funky, historical building was a pretty good choice although the room was a bit shabby - knotty pine walls and ceiling with falling drapes. BEDS were COMFY and clean - just difficult to get around the jogs in walls and spiral stairs of this ancient building that looks out onto the park across the Seine fro Notre Dame. Location is one of the best - Shakespeare and company is on the corner, with good restaurants and a jazz club easy to access. For the one night we needed it, it was pretty good. The staff is amazingly helpful and kind, and be sure to ask about the children's BOOK with the hotel featured.

Family

8/10

Excellent

08 Mar 2018

Verified traveler

Great location

We had a view of Notre Dame from our window. The Metro was close by and the Latin Quarter around the corner.

The building dates from 1640, so it has lots of character.

The staff was very friendly and helpful.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2018

Tasha

One-of-kind hotel in the heart of Paris.

One-of-kind hotel in the heart of Paris - front rooms overlook Notre Dame. Simple clean rooms, with vintage décor - no frills. The hotel is next to Shakespeare & Co Coffee Shop so it's easy to find. It looks out over a park, small church and is just over the bridge from Notre Dame. Close to Saint-Michel Metro, tons of restaurants, the Latin Quarter and the Right Bank is just a short walk over the one of the islands. My room was upgraded upon arrival for €10 extra a day (due to a cancellation) from a tiny single to a comfortable double with an excellent view and huge bathroom. Antique furnishings, comfortable bed, hairdryer, adjustable heat, fan and excellent housekeeping each day of my 5 night stay. I will stay here in the future. There's no TV, mini-fridge or elevator, but the wifi was excellent.

8/10

Excellent

02 Mar 2018

Verified traveler

Great staff. Very helpful. The rooms are cute, old fashioned. Bathrooms could be updated, but overall very good for the price.

8/10

Excellent

07 Feb 2018

Wendy

Room with a view! Stunning!

I personally loved the hotel as it’s quirky and not sterile like many others. The location is unbeatable and the bed was so comfy!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jan 2018

Ioana L

Cozy hotel near Notre Dame

Great location, it's lovely to see the Seine and Notre Dame through the window.
Behind the hotel there are lot's of restaurants and bars and the night life is amazing.
Staff is very polite and helpful.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jan 2018

Pres

Beautiful spot—a glimpse into old world Paris.

If you're looking for a place where all the records are apparently kept by hand, a winding wooden staircase leads you to a tiny hallway with a tinier door at the end, with a cozy and tiny bedroom through that door, then you've found the artist's Parisian retreat you've been looking for. It's the quintessential \"attic in Paris\" feel.

8/10

Excellent

18 Dec 2017

Tom

Close to many Paris attractions

Hotel Esmeralda is close to many Paris attractions. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The rooms are quite small. Please go with proper expectations and an attitude of graciousness.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Dec 2017

Kenneth

Hotel Esmerelda

I try to always stay at Hotel Esmeralda when in Paris. The central location is idea, the staff is helpful and generous, and the views are spectacular. My favorite in Paris!

8/10

Excellent

04 Dec 2017

Alex

Comfortable hotel, great staff, central Paris.

Hotel Esmeralda is central to everything. I rarely had to use the metro as I was able to walk to all the major sights. The staff were very attentive and helpful and were able to answer every question I had.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Dec 2017

Saagar

More than enough

Staff was friendly, floors were quiet. Cozy atmosphere and felt like an old home feel. Perfect location near metro and Notre Dame.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2017

Lauren

Really Amazing Location Nice Hotel

Good service amazing location room is just okay and a little noisy near the street so maybe bring ear plugs but the location is unbeatable

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Nov 2017

Elizabeth

Charming Paris Hotel

Tiniest room I have ever stayed in but I was traveling solo and nonetheless I absolutely loved this hotel. Don't expect any amenities but if you're looking for a room in the heart of everything with endless charm this is it. It's perfect if you come into town on the RER from CDG as it's moments from the St. Michel-Notre Dame stop. The staff was great and I would definitely stay here again.

8/10

Excellent

13 Nov 2017

MICHAEL

great budget place

a great budget hotel in one of the world's great cities. only reservations are that there is no elevator, and no tv in room. otherwise, a bargain find. the peruvian owner/proprietor speaks fluent english, french, italian and spanish. literarlly right across the street from notre dame cathedral

8/10

Excellent

28 Oct 2017

John

Hôtel Esmeralda - Outstanding Staff and Service

The Hôtel Esmeralda is not your typical Hotel, but Paris is not a typical city. The building is tad run down and creaky but everything is kept clean. We had zero issues with the room but be aware this building is centuries old and not designed for Handicapped or Plus Sized Folks. Also no elevator so if you can't handle the stairs forget it. The friendliness and service of the staff is second to none in our experiences in Europe. These folks go out of their way to help you, and they are outstanding. While we were out during the day the room was cleaned and prepped for us. The neighborhood is about as central as you can get, and we had a view of Notre Dame from and a very beautiful park from our window. We also overlooked the Shakespeare Café and there is a good Breton Crepe place around the corner. There was no problem with noise from the street. If you are looking for a solid value, and are not hung up on shiny new corporate hotel layouts you won't go wrong with these folks. Santé

Family

8/10

Excellent

12 Oct 2017

Nat

Perfect location to explore Paris

The hotel is located in a perfect spot, we only had 3 days so we wanted to be in a central position to walk and explore. The staff was super friendly, just be aware that if you are staying in the higher levels you have to get your bags upstairs through a small and inclined stairs.

8/10

Excellent

07 Oct 2017

anonymous

Amazing location in the Latin Quarter right across the street from Notre Dame. Easy mobility to everything and many cafes and restaurants in the neighborhood. Fabulous staff. Accommodations are tiny but well-kept. I had everything I needed and would definitely stay again.

8/10

Excellent

03 Oct 2017

Verified traveler

Back in Paris

I stayed in room 11 that was very quiet as it does not face the street and no one was in a room above room 11, so no loud walking.
No kettle to make tea/coffee, so bring your own.
Close to grocery stores. Nice small park just across the hotel.
Chatty and helpful staff members made me feel at home.
Amazing to lie in bed and hear the bells of the Notre Dame cathedral ringing.

8/10

Excellent

02 Oct 2017

Lynn

Paris revisited

This hotel is in an amazing location right across from Norte Dam. It is very easy to take the RER train. From CDG, get off at the Norte Dam stop and you are there! Lots less expensive, and faster, than taking a cab

Partner

4/10

Poor

23 Sep 2017

stephan

Can't give a proper review due to surbooking

Due to a surbook I was asked to go to an other hotel nearby. I had to pay in cash in this hotel, but I got reimbursed in cash the next day by Esmeralda hotel .
I chose this hotel because of the positive ratings and its location just behind Shakespeare and co library. I'm not sure the other hotel I had to spend the night in , has the same quality/ratings

8/10

Excellent

06 Sep 2017

Terry

Perfect Location

Very old / dated hotel but very clean and the staff was great. Couldn't ask for a better location. I'd definitely stay there again.

8/10

Excellent

19 Aug 2017

Anne

My favourite hotel

I have stayed here on my last four trips to Paris and just love it's charm, location and staff. The views of Notre Dame are amazing, the location is ideal, with an abundance of restaurants just around the corner and the metro and RER are just a block away. The hotel is old and the rooms are quirky and the halls are narrow but it just doesn't get any more charming than this and the prices are great for Paris. And if you need a good book, Shakespeare and Co. is twenty steps away.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2017

Andreja

Great people and location

This hotel is appropriate for the monies one pays to stay there. Yes, you can get better accommodations for a Paris worthy price. This has a feel of a family run hostel in the absolute heart of everything, walking distance to most attractions. The international crew that runs the place is the most wonderful bunch of people and I would go back in a heart beat.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jul 2017

June

Wonderful Hotel... great location

If you're looking for the quintessential French hotel then this is the one for you. Charm all around.

Sure - there's no TV or mini bar, but this is Paris!!!

Staff are amazingly friendly
Would definitely stay here again

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2017

Robert

A gem

This is a lovely little hotel, literally steps from Notre Dame, right behind Shakespeare and Co., and parts of this building date back to the 17th century. Lots of charm. It's a low-amenity hotel, no TV, no radio, no restaurant. No a/c, but the rooms have high ceilings and fans, and when the windows are open they cool off nicely (it was 98F on our first day, which is about as hot as it gets, and the room was still comfortable). The staff is friendly, and the rooms are clean and comfortable. There is night life, so there's a little noise, but you're off the main street and it's much less than we expected. Our room faced a small park and church, and a look to the left out the window gave us Notre Dame. As amenities go, that's not a bad one. We'd definitely stay here again.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Jun 2017

James

A real Parisian Hotel

We had booked a triple room for 2 nights but when we arrived they had only got 2 rooms next to each other and for the second night we needed to move one of the rooms, it wasn't ideal but the hotel handled it well. The rooms are small but this wasn't a problem. The staff were friendly and the location was amazing. I would have no problem staying here again.

Family

8/10

Excellent

30 May 2017

Bill

pleasant 5 day stay in Paris

Great location near Notre Dame, the seine, the Metro and RER (100 yards), restaurants and sites. Park Vivani across the street is a beautiful place to sit and read/relax. The hotel is old and in good shape, but you have to be careful with the stairs which are steep and winding, My room (11) was a single and small (100 sq feet). The bathroom was also small but manageable. The room was very clean and the bed comfortable. Toiletries were fine. Francisco and Poppy were very friendly and accommodating.

All in all this is a perfect choice to stay at in Paris.