PARIS | Mercure Paris Opéra Lafayette is a small Paris hotel in an older building, that was renovated in 2021 to bring it up to contemporary standards. It’s one of the more affordable Mercure hotels in the area, allowing guests to stay in what’s usually a pricier part of town, albeit with some compromises.
Location
Mercure Paris Opéra Lafayette is centrally located for visitors to Paris, especially if it’s your first time in the city and you want to be close to many of the city’s sights. The Louvre Museum and Palais-Royal are about a 20 minute walk from the hotel, as is the Palais Garnier.
There are lots of little bakeries, patisseries, and places to eat and drink in the area, and plenty of luxury boutiques. The impressive Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, a must visit for anyone looking to shop in Paris, or sample a variety of premium foods in their basement food court, is a 15 minute walk away.
Grands Boulevards metro station, which gives access to the 8 and 9 lines, and Cadet metro station, which gives access to the 7 line, are both a 5 minute walk away. Bourse, which gives you access to the 3 line, is a 9 minute walk away. One of the Paris’ main overground national and international rail stations, Gare du Nord, is a 15 minute walk away.
Rooms
The hotel features 40 small rooms, ranging from the 10sqm classic room with a single bed, to the 22sqm family room with a king bed and convertible sofa. I stayed in the 12spm classic room with a double bed.
The rooms are minimal, with free bottled water, and a mini bar with tea and coffee making facilities. There’s a radio and TV with free to air and a selection of cable channels, air conditioning, and free WiFi in all rooms. Each room contains a safe to store your valuables, and there’s a chair and small desk.
Bathrooms are very small and cramped. The small shower features a decent pressure showerhead with little room to move. The toilet is wedged between the shower and the counter/sink, where you’ll find an amenities kit and hairdryer. If you need an iron, you can request one at reception.
Mercure Paris Opéra Lafayette is located on a street which does have a few little cafes and bistros, and the noise can travel from the outside to an extent. Windows are quite well sealed though, and there are blackout curtains which do a good job of blocking out any morning sun or street lighting.
Amenities
Amenities at Mercure Paris Opéra Lafayette are minimal. Room service is available, and there’s also a shoe shine machine at reception.
Eat & Drink
Le Lafayette bar, open from noon to midnight, is located in the hotel’s lobby. It’s also where you’ll find a-la-carte breakfast being served. It’s a relaxing spot with chilled music playing over the speakers, and a classic selection of drinks and food on offer. With the wealth of quality, vibrant food and drink options nearby, you probably won’t be spending any time at Le Lafayette.
The Verdict
Mercure Paris Opéra Lafayette tends to receive mixed reviews online, but to me it seems like many of the lower scores stem from a lack of research leading to unreasonable expectations. I’ve stayed in Paris many times, and am very accustomed to the fact that reasonably priced rooms in this city are very small by global standards.
For me, I’m looking for a spot that’s well located, clean, safe, and can offer me a comfortable night’s sleep, all without paying over the odds. If that means that I sacrifice some amenities, and have to accept an older building, I’m fine with that. Judged against these criteria, Mercure Paris Opéra Lafayette delivers.
Soundproofing of the rooms could be better, but it’s not that bad. Nothing that popping in a set of foam earplugs can’t alleviate. As a base to get a good night’s sleep and then explore the city, this hotel is a solid option. It’s particularly good for a short city break. I’d happily stay here again.
Mercure Paris Opéra Lafayette
7 Rue de Trévise
Opéra
75009 Paris
France
Telephone: 014 770 2675
E-mail: [email protected]
Website