Hôtel Esmeralda

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

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.

Perfect place to explore Paris from!

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

Great historic building in the best possible location.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Historic charm, exceptional hosts, superb location!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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!!

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

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

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!

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

Wonderful location, fantastic staff. Highly recommended.

Beyond amazing location. Charming and comfortable hotel

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

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!

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Great location, room was clean

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.

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.

Great Parisian experience and very friendly environment

Great location, have now stayed twice

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Great hotel find near Notre Dam.

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.

Excellent location. Quaint hotel with very friendly and helpful staff

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!!

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Quaint, nearly 400-year-old establishment. The staff were helpful and friendly, The rooms were clean and the beds were good

I LOVE this hotel. The location is perfect- in the Latin Quarter- behind Shakespeare & Co bookstore, and across from Notre Dame. There is a free walking tour that starts across the street every day at 11:30. The people who work there are so friendly- they make you feel like family. If you need television or an elevator, this is not the place for you, but if you really want to feel the essence of Paris, this is the place.

Absolutely amazing place! Tiny rooms, tiny beds, but HUGE on charm, personality, and hospitality. I will be back.

Old Paris charm, near everything, staff amazing, metro stations near by, food and bus stops all around.What a great hotel for my first Paris experience .

Very basic, small, minimal amenities, but excellent location, quiet, and very kind, attentive, and helpful staff.

We stayed here while in Paris. Best decision we ever made. Great location. Right across the street from Notre Dame. No elevator, but great medieval feel. Bed was a bit hard but we were able to sleep. Room very clean and great views. Hotel staff was wonderfully nice. They let us store our bags there 3 hours before check in. You do get keys for your room that have to be given to front desk each time you leave for the day, and they give them back each time to return. No fear of losing them, which is good because they're actual keys and not keycards.

Love the location of this hotel, and our host Francisco was amazing. He has very good recommendations for the area, and was incredibly helpful. The rooms are small, and funky, but so original and you're enveloped by history. The only down-side is that it can be quite noisy, our room faced the street and there is a park across the street where drunks hang out all night and party. There were super loud.

Nice place with friendly staff . Clean, good located.

The room was very basic but clean. Bed comfortable. No facilities for making drinks tea coffee etc. Room 9 is on the third floor and with no lift heavy suitcases can be a problem on narrow stairs. The location is excellent but can be a bit noisy . The room could do with a makeover as wallpaper is loose and window is in need of paint as it has silver tape covering rotten woodwork. No room service available. Only one member of staff spoke good English.

Cute hotel in a great location. It's a no frills place but the rooms are quiet, clean and cheap. Will definitely stay here again!