Knowing how small Paris hotel rooms can be we took separate rooms.  That turned out to be a good decision.  We stayed at Hotel Monge at 55 rue Monge.  I did extensive research on budget hotel choices; Hotel Monge was highly rated at www.tripadvisor.com and at www.fodors.com/forums.  The rooms were basic and clean, the air-conditioning worked well, and the service was efficient.  I paid a little more than Marian and my room was slightly larger and quite comfortable – both rooms had double beds.  My room had a Juliet balcony.  There are televisions in the rooms, but I never did figure out how to use mine.  Rooms with showers are street facing; even with double-paned windows we could hear street noise — those little zip-zip scooters are really loud.  Each night I listened to my book on ipod and fell asleep at some point, so the noise didn’t bother me.  The shower stalls are narrow, but have plenty of hot water and good water pressure, although it would have been nice to have a shelf for toiletries.  The room lacked a clock and tissues.  Tissues I picked up at a nearby market.  Toiletries consisted of two tiny bars of soap and a packet of shampoo.

We had breakfast a few times at the hotel; it was okay, but I would have liked cheese other than Laughing Cow— after all, this is France!  I think it was 6.50 euros for breakfast.  For an additional 2.50 euros they will prepare a glass a fresh squeezed orange juice for you.  Boulangeries abound and the croissants/pastries are melt-in-your-mouth wonderful.

The hotel had one computer for free internet access; mind you, it’s in a closet (seriously) and you must stand up to use it.  Printing from the computer is not an option.  An internet shop is across the street and the cost is minimal.  The hotel’s location is great and there are options for buses and metros close by.  Would I recommend this hotel?  Yes, definitely.

Note:  This hotel changed ownership shortly after our stay.  It is now Hotel Acte V.

http://www.hotel-actev.com