Hotel Helvetia

Les chambres sont petites mais bon dans Paris une chambre à 55 euro directement en face de la station de Métro de gare de Lyon faut vraiment chercher la petite bête.
Sinon c’est propre, j’ai regardé partout, les WC communs, les WC de la chambre, la salle de bain, les draps et même le linge.
Le savon sent bon (ce n’est pas un critère d’efficacité) mais gratte un peu, attention aux peaux fragiles.
Sinon dans l’ensemble le personnel est accueillant et bien veillant.
J’avais déjà réglé ma note, mais on me propose d’avoir le petit déjeuné ou simplement de prendre un café afin de né pas partir le ventre à vide…
Sinon c’est un peu bruyant, on entend le bruit des portes qui claquent, des canalisations d’eau etc… mais y a pire. Je cherche vraiment la petite bête.

I gave this a 4 star but my husband thinks its more like a 3 star only because he is a big man and the bathroom was a little tight for him. Having traveled internationally I think the bathroom and room were just right for the budget price. It was clean and I followed the advice of a previous reviewer who suggested a room away from the main street. We slept like babies. The room was well ventilated and the staff was very friendly and helpful. The elevator is a bit tight too. My husband was on crutches so having the Air France bus stop just 2 blocks away was perfect for us especially since there was a big train strike.

This hotel is definitely A-​OK. It is a to-​the-​point, clean, bare necessities kind of hotel, so if you’re looking for a place that dazzles and surprises you, do not come here. It reminded me of a nicer hostel where everyone has their own room. My mom and I considered getting another hotel after seeing this place, but we decided not to because who goes to Paris just to hang out inside of their room? It was clean enough and the beds were comfortable, so we decided to stay. The prices aren’t bad either, especially for the location. The hotel is RIGHT next to the Gare de Lyon, so it’s a perfect spot to be if you’re planning on using the local transportation (i.e., Metro, train system, taxi, bus). There’s plenty of decent restaurants and brassieres around, and it’s within walking distance (although my mom might disagree) to many of Paris’ famous sights. All of the receptionists were incredibly nice and helpful. We didn’t get the breakfast that was offered each morning. We preferred to get breakfast someplace around Paris.
This hotel is excellent for the young traveler who is looking for simple, affordable sleeping arrangements. I would stay here again if I were on a budget.

OK so… 4 Stars for what I need it for… take the following in consideration and see if it applies to your needs as well.
I write this as having been to Paris enough times that I no longer need to go «see» much but rather need a more utilitarian hotel for other needs.
1) I like being near the Marais without paying Marais prices (its walkable or one metro stop)
2) Near Gare de Lyon so my last day is always super… super easy. Seriously, wake, get a jog in, grab some grub, shower… checkout and walk about an eighth of a mile to Gare de Lyon.
3) Being so close to the train station ensures that connectivity is outstanding with other forms of transit… taxis aplenty and several useful Metro lines are all very close.
4) The hotel itself is clean and getting a private bathroom is not difficult and very affordable.
5) Most of the time, I’m not in Paris to see the inside of of my hotel room. I’ve either got shit to do or go hang out. The rooms are clean, have the usual niceties but it is not a place where I’d feel that the room is a home away from home.
6) It is very affordable. Spend your money on food people… jesus.
So, for the traveler who is on business/​pleasure or the OK-​not-​being-​pampered traveler I’d recommend.
If you’re looking for a place that will add to your Paris experience then look elsewhere… but if you want a place that you do not have to think about anything and gets you a place to crash in a clean and comfortable room so you can spend your money elsewhere. then this is your type of place.
PS…skip the hotel offered breakfast… there are several across the street that open up at 6am that are decent (but not the best).