I would rate it average for two stars. Small room, tiny closet, dysfunctional shower, threadbare towels, and (at least for the past five days) no air-conditioning: our room has been not been below 85 degrees! Good location, quiet, but don't pay a four-star price for this two-star hotel. As others have noted, most taxi drivers don't know where it is, and some of those that do don't know that the market does not block access. If you arrive during market hours, tell the taxi driver to go around the block.

We stayed here a total of five times because we enjoyed the ambiance and the location. The staff were always friendly. However, on a special visit for my 30th, where we had booked a suite it all went a bit wrong. When we arrived we were shown to a twin room which reeked of smoke. I asked to go back to reception and pointed out that we had booked a suite - but it seems that this had been "given to someone else" - so for the first night a double was rustled up for us. Room was OK, but not what I had booked - and front facing rooms get the 0530 dustbin men wake up call! Second night we were moved to the suite - which was OK - a small sitting room with standard size bedroom. Other reviews on here are pretty accurate on room quality. When we went to check out, I queried the price for the first night, as we had not had the suite, there was a discrepancy of some 50? I was informed that the box of (very nice) chocolates given to us as an apology for cocking up was in fact my refund! - So I had had to pay for my own apology chocolates. all in all, not unbearable, but that was the last time we would stay there - unless we were to hear it had been taken over and refurbished. Summer visits definitely not recommended as the Air-Con is v. poor and rooms are rather small for the class of hotel. Watch out for Farouk the porter - he likes tips... And he is keen to loiter to get them, even when not required. Oh and no room service (despite the menus) on any of our visits - instead the reception gives you a takeaway selection when you have to wait for over an hour for a chinese - not really a good advert for the city of romance and gastonomie!

We stayed with this hotel at the beginning of May. The hotel was pretty good for Paris, but not the star rating they say it is. The location is fabulous, you are a 10 minute walk to the arc and subsequent Champs Elysees. I feel that the hotels rates are very expensive for what it actually is, however that's typically Paris. The rooms and bathrooms are fine, clean and fine, but not of exceptional quality. Personally next time I do Paris (which is in 2 weeks) I'm opting for an apartment rather than a hotel, as I find that the standards are always better, and the rates are always far more cost effective. If you stay at this hotel you'll find a couple of little cafe's within a two minute walk where you can grab breakfast. Paul's is a chain, but has great croissants and pain e chocolate and coffee etc, and at 2 euros for breakfast is far better than what they offer at the hotel. The staff were also very nice and helpful

We stayed at the Alessandra having booked via a Lastminute.com "top secret hotel". We then looked at the reviews on here and were a little worried. I needn't have been - this is a lovely little hotel. All distressed paintwork (even the lift doors) and provence-style decor. The staff speak very good English (as opposed to my awful French) and are very helpful. The room was fairly sizeable, and huge for the price that we paid. Clean and lovely. The champagne that I ordered for our room on our arrival was there. The shower was a bit weedy, but we're British and not used to being pinned to the wall by the jet anyway. This is Paris - we were 4min walk away from L'etoile and on the bus and metro routes. Good location. As someone else has said - this is Paris. DOn't expect huge rooms, masses of extras and satellite TV if you aren't prepared to pay for it. If, however, your intent is to spend most of your time visiting the city and NOT in your room - this is a nice place. Tips 1) Take a map of the place - none of the taxi drivers know where it is. 2) Visit the market in the surrounding streets - it is amazing. They sell good fruit and bread that can be packed for lunches. 3) Don't book a taxi via the front desk - I think there is a mark up because our taxi back to the hotel that we picked up from a rank was MUCH cheaper than the one out. 4) Have breakfast at cafe DADA around the corner - it's a typical Parisian cafe. Great Pain au Chocolat. Enjoy

As many others have pointed out- before you go to Paris be aware of the facts!! 1. Unless you're paying crazy money- you're hotel room is going to be small. 2. Hotels in Paris seem quite free to award themselves as many stars as they like. As a general rule-they have one more than they deserve! Bear this in mind as you turn the key in your Parisian hotel door and you'll be fine. I booked the Villa Allessandra online in one of those 'secret hotel' packages. As it turned out, I was delighted and felt I'd got a good deal. Compared to hotels in Paris around the same price where i've stayed before I thought the hotel was great. Yes, the room was small but it was very clean and nicely decorated. The bed was comfortable and the bathroom had everything you need and plenty of hot water-despite what I'd read from other reviewers. The hotel's location is excellent- about a 5 minute walk to the Arc de Triomph. What's more-there's a lovely little market just round the corner where you can buy fresh fruit, cheeses and gorgeous baguettes. There are several charming little cafes in very close proximity as well. All the staff were very friendly and there's a computer in the lobby with an internet connection which guests can use free of charge. My only criticism of the hotel was the sickly smell in the lobby! It smelled like someone was spraying awful flowery air -freshner down there for the 3 days we were there! In conclusion, the Villa Alessandra is a charming hotel. Ideally located in what is surely the most beautiful city in the world.