Hotel Chopin by Kevin Kalhoefer

When approaching the Hotel Chopin on the Boulevard Montmarte, don’t look up for any signs. On my first visit to the hotel, my cab must have passed by the hotel three times before finding it. Although an establishment with the name Hotel Chopin may produce lofty expectations, the hotel does not really stand out—literally. It’s impossible to see the hotel’s exterior from the Boulevard Montmarte, mainly because its main entrance is actually set on the inside, about 30 metres inward and past a series of small shops.

Nor is the interior of the Chopin much to get excited about, unfortunately. The wallpaper in the halls is dull and faded, and the same wallpaper art scheme is repeated on all the floors: landscape painting here, landscape sketching there, framed notes to one of Chopin’s compositions (of course) down the hall and a copy of a painting by a Romantic artist around the corridor are repeated in succession in all the hallways. Furthermore, the Hotel’s building composition does not allow for much daylight to enter the hotel and the weak lamps do little to help. However, the rooms are well-maintained and clean and fairly spacious, considering what they charge. The wallpaper is a little better than in the hallways, and the beds are comfortable. The bathroom is OK and the shower stream powerful.

With the Hotel Chopin, the best thing about the hotel is not what is inside, but what is outside the hotel - the location is what really stands out. The shopping starts once you step out the door, although it is mostly uninteresting antiques, posters and souveneirs with the exception of one store that sells cool French New Wave and classic American movie posters. But step outside onto the Boulevard Montmartre and make your way in any direction and you can find a number of clothing stores and restaurants.

Just walk a few blocks down Boulevard Haussmann, and there’s the Place de l’Opera before you, and, north of that, the massive Galeries Lafayette which is a veritable shopper’s heaven. Here’s where that cheap room rate comes in handy.

Head south towards the Seine River and you’ll reach the Louvre. East takes you towards the Republic, one of the more happening nighttime areas, with a range of bars and dance clubs. For such a great location, the Hotel Chopin is quite a deal. Just don't expect to stay in much.