HOTEL MINERVE

My sisters and I booked our first overseas accommodation through Ctrip, and I was a little nervous, but it turned out to be great! The heating, hot water, towels, and beds were all excellent. The single bed, though narrow, was still about the width of a double bed and offered more privacy, making it quite comfortable. Free luggage storage was provided. The chocolates at the front desk were delicious – not too sweet, not sticky, and not cloying. The exterior and interior were very French, which I loved. Most importantly, it was incredibly convenient. Just a short walk away, there were shops open even on Christmas, offering authentic American and French cuisine. We ate our first meal there every day. Across the street was an 800-year-old medieval building now serving immersive performances. We could easily visit Shakespeare and Company, Café de Flore, Notre Dame Cathedral, the LV flagship store… the Left Bank atmosphere was amazing. We walked everywhere. If your stomach starts to crave home, there's a "Juweiyuan" Chinese restaurant, opened in 2002 by people from Wenzhou, just a few minutes' walk away, sure to satisfy your Chinese cravings… I would definitely choose this place again next time I'm in Paris.

I was extremely disappointed with this hotel. I was told the room was an upgrade. As it turned out, I ended up on the first floor in a tiny 10-square-meter room with the entrance door practically touching the bed, and a minuscule bathroom. The price was so high for what I got that I wondered if they'd given me the wrong room. The room was obviously small, and dusty. The decor is outdated and desperately needs updating. The shower door wasn't properly sealed, so water leaked onto the bathroom floor.