Bureau Voyage Jeunesse - BVJ Quartier Latin Hostel

The BVJ Quartier Latin is a hostel in undoubtedly one of the nicest areas of central Paris. The Latin Quarter area is within close walking distance to a number of the top tourist attractions, most notably the Notre Dame, which is a five- to ten-minute walk, and the district epitomises the Parisian lifestyle the world loves so much. There are plenty of street-facing cafes, great restaurants and bars, beautiful shops, and lovely buildings and monuments.

The hostel itself is reasonably priced for the area and its rooms are basic but sufficient. The street-facing rooms offer a nice little view. En-suite rooms have push-button showers, which are irritating to say the least -- but the general level of cleanliness in the rooms and toilets is acceptable.

The staff speak good English, although the cleaning ladies/breakfast monitors speak little or none, but you will be better rewarded attempting to speak some French to them. Some of the staff are more helpful than others but overall they are quite professional. Reception is open twenty-four hours and there is no daytime lockout.

The free breakfast every morning is reasonable too -- coffee or hot chocolate, a selection of juices, French bread, butter, jam, and cereals. There is no bar or facility to buy drinks. There is a supermarket called Champion five to ten minutes' walk away, although there is no cooking facility at the hostel, only a kitchen for breakfast use only. The hostel also has a small internet kiosk that is expensive and quite slow.

Perhaps one low point of the hostel is the social atmosphere or ability to meet other travelers. There is a common area near reception with some tables and chairs and a TV that appears to never be used. This doesn't leave much room to meet other travelers, but it must be said that a number of French students appear to use this hostel too so it has a slight institutional feel about it.

The best thing about this hostel is definitely the location. It is literally around the corner from a metro stop (Maubert Mutualite). For the best places to eat and drink, and generally get amongst the real Paris, head up the hill away from the Seine River to Rue Mouffetard and its numerous side streets. You will not be disappointed!

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review