Review: Holiday Inn Paris – Notre Dame

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Review: Holiday Inn Paris Notre Dame
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The Holiday Inn Paris Notre Dame is situated just blocks away from the Notre Dame, and really does live up to its name.

It’s a great hotel, and is on the cheap side for those looking for a budget conscious stay while in Paris. I paid 30,000 IHG points for my stay, though if you don’t have the points, consider a cash and points stay. Even cash alone rates were reasonable, hovering in the just above $100 USD range for my stay dates.

The hotel is just a block away from the Saint Michel Notre-Dame, and is about a 45 minute train ride to CDG airport. If you’re in the market for a hotel in the heart of Paris, with easy access to the airport for an early flight out the next morning, this is it.

I had checked into this hotel after completing a 2 night stay at the Park Hyatt Paris Vendome, so considering it was a Holiday Inn, I had set my expectations low. I was very surprised, and actually would consider staying in this hotel “full time” when next in Paris.

Walking to the hotel from the Park Hyatt, I actually almost passed right by. The hotel blends in well with the street.

The hotel was very retro and modern, and featured an updated lobby with a bar. Upon check-in, I was given the choice of 500 IHG points, or a complimentary drink as an IHG Gold member. I opted to take the points, so didn’t experience the service at the bar.

I was upgraded to an Executive King Room. These Executive rooms aren’t much larger than standard rooms, though do feature a sleeper sofa in the corner. This hotel room was by far the smallest room I’ve experienced in Europe, and does feel a bit cramped. If you’re staying in this room with more than one person, make sure you pack light. I wouldn’t recommend using the sofa bed as doing so would greatly reduce the amount of “walkable” room.

Inside, the room was your basic no-frills Holiday Inn. Supposedly this room came with turn-down service, although I never received any (and due to the short stay, didn’t complain). The bed was comfortable enough, though was a bit firm.

The shower was a little awkward in that it had a window overlooking the room. If you’re taking a shower, and there are other people in the room, you are fully exposed.

Despite the room’s no-frills nature, and the cramped feeling, there’s one major reason I’d recommend this hotel…and it’s huge. It’s the view.

On the top of the hotel is a rooftop lounge, which is unlike anything I’ve seen in Paris. Imagine being able to have the view from the Notre Dame anytime of day, from your own hotel! There are some rooms in the hotel with a private balcony, and view of the Eiffel Tower, but if you’re staying in a regular room, the view on the top floor is open anytime of day. You can see for miles in every direction, and have unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. It’s a view that makes staying in this hotel entirely worth it, no matter the price.

How did I book this hotel: I booked this hotel using 25,000 IHG cash and points rate.

What was included in my rate: Aside from the room itself, nothing. However, the view is something that can’t beat any amount of cash or points!

Pros of the hotel: Walkable location to most famous attractions, steps away from the metro, and convenient transportation to the airport.

Cons of the hotel: The room was small, the bathroom had no privacy and there was a charge for breakfast.