Novotel Paris Belleville: Your Dream Parisian Escape Awaits!
Novotel Paris Belleville: My Love/Hate Affair with a Belleville Bolt Hole
Alright, let's be real. Paris. It's a dream, right? But finding a hotel that isn’t a cramped shoebox or a wallet-busting experience can feel like a Herculean task. Enter the Novotel Paris Belleville. I've just spent a long weekend there. Here’s the raw, unfiltered, and frankly, slightly neurotic, truth.
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- Description: My brutally honest review of the Novotel Paris Belleville, from the accessible rooms and free Wi-Fi to the questionable breakfast buffet and the surprisingly decent rooftop pool. The good, the bad, and the very Parisian.
- Categories: Hotel Reviews, Travel, Paris, France, Accessibility, Family Travel, Spa Hotels
(Rambling Introduction Over - Let the Chaos Begin!)
First things first: Belleville. This isn't the postcard-perfect, Eiffel Tower-in-your-face Paris. It's gritty, it's diverse, it's alive. And the Novotel? Nestled right in the heart of it. I loved that. It felt REAL. It smelled of spices and something indefinably French (maybe freshly baked bread and a hint of… well, you get the idea).
Accessibility: Bless Their Hearts (Mostly)
Okay, let's get the important stuff out of the way. Accessibility is listed as a major plus. The Novotel tries. They really do. They have Facilities for disabled guests and an elevator, which is non-negotiable. The rooms themselves, thankfully, were pretty spacious – perfect for maneuvering a wheelchair (or, you know, just clumsily bumping into things like I do). They even have Access provisions, which is great.
But here's my confession (and a bit of a vent): I was traveling with one of my "less able" friends. While the accessible room was roomy, the bathroom… well, let's just say those grab bars sometimes felt like an afterthought. The shower? Technically accessible, but the water pressure was more like a gentle drizzle. Accessibility: 7/10. Points for effort, docked for… well, details.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: This is a "yes, kinda" situation. The main restaurant is accessible, but the layout can get a little crowded during peak hours. Navigating with a wheelchair might involve some polite (or not-so-polite) shuffles.
Internet Access: Bless the Wi-Fi Gods!
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! And it actually worked. Solid connection, no dropouts, and enough bandwidth to binge-watch my guilty pleasure shows in peace. Internet access generally, was reliable throughout the hotel, though I didn't try using Internet [LAN].
Internet services like, you could connect to the internet. Genius.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Rooftop Revelation (Mostly!)
Right, the good stuff. The pool with view. Oh. My. God. This is the selling point, folks. A rooftop pool overlooking PARIS. Seriously. Even in November, it was worth braving the slight chill just to soak up that view (it's a heated swimming pool [outdoor]!). The sauna and steamroom are available (though I didn't personally use them. Too much Eiffel Tower gazing!). There's also a fitness center if you're the kind of person who actually likes working out on vacation. I am not.
The spa? I didn't get to experience a Body scrub, Body wrap, Spa, Spa/sauna, Massage. Maybe next time? I should have booked a massage. I mean, PARIS! The regret is setting in.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Buffet of Tears
The breakfast buffet… let's just say it's an experience. A very, very French experience. The Breakfast [buffet] itself was… functional. Asian breakfast options were available (curious), as was the usual array of Western breakfast staples. The coffee was… well, it was coffee. Not the best, not the worst. The saving grace? The fresh croissants. Chef's kiss.
The restaurants had a nice atmosphere, and there was a Poolside bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant. There's a bar and a coffee shop (I'm a sucker for a coffee shop). The Room service [24-hour] was a godsend after a long day of sightseeing. The A la carte in restaurant was the most enticing, the buffet really didn't do it.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-19 Considerations
The hotel took the COVID-19 situation seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. Daily disinfection in common areas. They even had Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. I appreciated the effort. They provided all of the essentials for a safe stay, and I felt secure throughout my stay.
Rooms & Amenities: The Comforts of Home (Almost)
The Air conditioning was a life-saver. The Blackout curtains were essential for sleeping off those jet lags. The Free bottled water was a nice touch. The Bathroom phone was… well, I’ve never used a bathroom phone in my life, but it was there. The Hair dryer was the "hotel special" - adequate. The Mini bar, stocked with overpriced snacks, was a temptation I mostly avoided. The Seating area made a wonderful spot to crash while enjoying the free Wi-Fi [free]! They had a Desk, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Alarm clock, Additional toilet, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Bed, Carpeting, Closet, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window that opens.
Services & Conveniences: The Usual (and Some Unexpected Gems)
Concierge: helpful, polite, but sometimes a little stretched thin. Daily housekeeping: flawless. Food delivery: Very practical (I got late-night fries). Luggage storage: no issues.
For the Kids: I'm not a parent, but I saw a few families enjoying the hotel's Kids facilities and Babysitting service. They seemed happy.
Getting Around:
While the hotel is in a great (and, let's be honest, slightly wild) part of Belleville, getting around is easy. The Metro is nearby (though navigating it with luggage is a challenge). The hotel provided Airport transfer. There wasn't any Car park [free of charge] but you could use the Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
The Quirks & The Imperfections (Because Nothing is Perfect)
Okay, confession time. First day, I tried to use the safe. It was locked. I called reception. And waited. And waited. And finally, someone came to fix it. Little hiccups like that are classic Novotel (at least, this Novotel). The view from my room? Stunning… except for the scaffolding on the building next door. It was the quintessential Parisian experience: beauty, grit, and a healthy dose of "well, that's unfortunate."
Verdict: Will I Be Back?
Honestly? Probably. The Novotel Paris Belleville isn't perfect. It's got its flaws. But its heart is in the right place. It's a solid base for exploring a truly vibrant, and authentic part of Paris. And that rooftop pool, with that view? That is a reason to return. Just… maybe bring your own coffee. And a sense of humor. You’ll need it.
Kota Kinabalu's BEST Kept Secret: Pantai Inn Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this is the kind of itinerary that actually happens, not the Instagram-filtered version. We're talking Novotel Paris 20 Belleville, right? Prepare yourselves, because Paris is about to get… well, me.
Day 1: Arrival and the Accidental Crepe Cart Conquest (Emphasis on Accident)
- 10:00 AM (ish): Landed at CDG. Everything went perfectly. Too perfectly. The customs guy just smiled and waved me through. Sus. Am I on some kind of secret watch list now? Probably.
- 12:00 PM (ish): Taxi to the Novotel. Okay, that was a Parisian experience. The driver was either a genius or actively trying to kill me with his driving skills. Narrowly escaped a fender bender with a Vespa. Victory!
- 1:00 PM (ish): Check-in. The hotel lobby is… fine. Standard Novotel. The woman at the front desk, bless her heart, looked like she'd seen some things. Like, really seen some things. "Bonjour, monsieur," she muttered, then proceeded to hand me a key card that looked like it had already been through a war.
- 1:30 PM: Room. Okay, this is where things get… interesting. The view? Concrete. The room? Smaller than my bathroom at home. But hey, it's Paris! I'll survive. Probably. First order of business: find the actual coffee. The instant stuff they have set up is like battery acid, and I can feel the caffeine withdrawal kicking in.
- 2:30 PM: Stumble out in search of nourishment. (coffee, specifically). I got myself lost within 12 minutes. God, the street signs here make about as much sense as my ex.
- 3:00 PM: The Crepe Cart Incident. I swear, this was completely accidental. I just happened to be wandering past a crepe cart. Suddenly, I'm face-first in a Nutella and banana monstrosity. Pure. Bliss. This is the moment. This is why I came to Paris. I ate two. Don't judge me. The crepe guy's laughter was infectious; his accent made everything sound like a love song. Paris, I think, is starting to grow on me.
- 4:00 PM: Walk to Place des Vosges: I heard that the walk to this spot is rather beautiful. I'm getting lost again, but I'm looking forward to it.
- 5:00 PM: Relax in Place de Vosges, eat whatever snacks I managed to find.
Day 2: Louvre Letdown and the (Maybe) Romantic Evening
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Generic pastries. The coffee? Still questionable. Sigh.
- 10:00 AM: Louvre! This is the big one. The Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, all that jazz. I'm prepared. I have my map, my water bottle, and my slightly-too-enthusiastic energy.
- 10:30 AM: The Louvre. The sheer chaos is… stunning. People everywhere. Shoulder to shoulder. I can't even see the paintings. The Mona Lisa? A distant, barely-visible speck behind a wall of selfie sticks. Major letdown. Don't get me wrong, the art is beautiful (once you can actually see it) but the experience is… well, it's a bit of a zoo.
- 12:00 PM: Escaped the Louvre. Survived. Reward myself with a baguette sandwich. I had the best baguette sandwich of my life.
- 1:00 PM: Wander around and soak up the city's vibe. The streets are all a beautiful mess: construction, dog poop, the occasional busker playing the accordion…it's perfect.
- 5:00 PM: Find a cute little bistro and order some wine. Decide I’m totally Parisian now. Practice my French on the waiter. Make an utter fool of myself. He smiles politely. Success?
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I'm feeling bold. Try the escargots. Surprisingly delicious. I definitely feel like eating more of them. They're a bit…slimy though.
- 8:30 PM: Stroll along the Seine. Maybe it's the wine, maybe it's the city lights, but… Paris is starting to feel a little bit magical. Fall in love with the city, or something.
Day 3: Belleville Buzz Kill and the Lost in Translation Lunch
- 9:00 AM: Explore Belleville. Get lost. Again.
- 10:00 AM: Brunch at a restaurant I stumbled upon. The staff are cool and friendly! I'm starting to learn french. (Or so I think.)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Ah, the language barrier. I think I successfully ordered a dish, but it comes with a side of… something I couldn't identify. It tasted like it had been harvested from another planet. Swallowed it like a man.
- 3:00 PM: Find a park. Watch the world go by. The pigeons are ruthless. Seriously, they're like winged mobsters.
- 5:00 PM: More wine. (Don't judge.)
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Try to find a good restaurant.
- 8:00 PM: Fail to find a good restaurant.
- 9:00 PM: Settle for an okay one. Complain about it. Vow to find a better one tomorrow.
Day 4: Sacré-Cœur Serenity and the Emotional Goodbye
- 10:00 AM: Wake up, get it together, and realize I'm running out of time in Paris.
- 11:00 AM: Go to Sacré-Cœur. The view is incredible. I actually feel a little… sentimental. This city is beautiful, damn it.
- 1:00 PM: Wander through Montmartre. The artists, the atmosphere… it's like stepping into a movie. And then, of course, I get swarmed by some dudes selling "art" that looks suspiciously like it was made in a factory. Still, it's all part of the experience, right?
- 3:00 PM: Final crepe. Embrace the sugar high.
- 5:00 PM: Pack. The worst part. How do I even begin to fit all the memories, the food (and the empty wrappers), and the lingering feeling of "I wish I could stay forever" into this suitcase?
- 6:00 PM: Last stroll through the neighborhood. Say goodbye to the crepe cart guy. He shrugs, smiles, and hands me a crepe "for the trip." (This is the best. He knows.)
- 7:00 PM: Goodbye dinner. Try to eat all the delicious French food before I die.
- 8:00 PM: Leave for the airport. Paris is over.
Day 5: Departure
- 6:00 AM: Wake up. Head to the airport.
This itinerary isn't perfect. It's messy, it's honest, and it's a little bit all over the place. But that's the point, isn't it? Because real life, real travel, is always a little bit messy. And sometimes? That's when the magic happens. Au revoir, Paris. Until next time, you beautiful, complicated, crepe-filled city. I'll be back to get lost, again.
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Novotel Paris Belleville: Your Dream Parisian Escape... Kinda? Let's See! (FAQ)
Is the Novotel Belleville actually... good? Like, *really* good?
Okay, let's be honest, "good" is subjective, right? Did I have a stellar Parisian experience here? Well, it *wasn't* a disaster. (Phew!) It's... dependable. It's like that friend you know you *can* rely on, but they're not exactly going to throw you a surprise party with a mariachi band. The rooms are clean-ish, the bed was comfy enough to actually sleep (important!), and the location? We'll get to that. Let's just say, "good" is a safe bet. But *amazing*? Probably not. Unless you're easily blown away by elevator music, then maybe. (Shrugs)
What's the location *really* like? Is it safe? (Because, you know, PARIS).
Belleville. Ah, Belleville. It's... *authentic*. Let's go with that. It's not the postcard Paris you're picturing, all perfectly manicured lawns and berets. It's grittier, more real. Think street art, diverse cultures, and the constant aroma of... something interesting cooking. Was I worried about safety? Honestly? A little, at first. Especially after my first accidental (and slightly terrifying) encounter with a very enthusiastic accordion player at 1 a.m. (He was GOOD though...). But overall, it felt fine. Used my common sense (kept a firm grip on my bag... you know the drill), and I was perfectly fine. It's definitely not as polished as the Champs-Élysées, but that's kinda the charm, isn't it? Plus, the metro is right there, which is HUGE. Getting to the Louvre? Easy peasy. Arc de Triomphe? No problem. Just... maybe avoid wandering alone super late at night. Just, you know, a suggestion.
Okay, the rooms. What about the rooms? Are they actually *Parisian*? (aka, tiny?)
Alright, honesty time. They’re not palaces. They’re not *huge*. I’d describe them as "efficient." There's enough space to, like, *live*. You know, unpack, spread out your stuff (a little), and not walk into the bed every five seconds. The bathroom was… well, it was a bathroom. Clean, thankfully! The shower pressure? Decent. The *view* from my window... let's just say it wasn't the Eiffel Tower. It was more… a courtyard. And the tops of some other buildings. But hey, at least it wasn’t facing a brick wall, right? The important thing is that the bed was genuinely comfortable - which is like, *gold* after a day of walking around and avoiding pickpockets (which I managed! Score!).
Breakfast – worth the extra euros? What's the food situation in general?
Breakfast... hmm. It's a buffet, let's get that straight. *Buffet*. Not the most glamorous start to your Parisian day, but it gets the job done. There were croissants, but be warned: they're not always the *perfect* Parisian croissants of your dreams. (I had one experience where it was bordering on stale and I almost let out a very unladylike yell). Otherwise, there were eggs, some fruit (meh), and the usual suspects. Honestly, if you're a serious foodie, maybe skip the breakfast and just wander the streets of Belleville and find a proper boulangerie. The food scene outside the hotel is AMAZING. Seriously, all the hidden gems! I had the best falafel of my LIFE a block away. And the little cafes? Forget about it. Perfect for people-watching and soaking up the atmosphere. So, breakfast? Up to you. I did it at least once, just for convenience, but exploring the local options is *highly* recommended. That falafel place... *chef's kiss*.
The staff – friendly? helpful? Do they actually *speak* English?
The staff were... fine. Generally polite, if a little... reserved. You know, the classic "French" experience. But look, they were definitely helpful when I needed them. I misplaced my phone charger (classic me), and they sorted me out pretty quickly and cheerfully. English? Yep, they definitely speak English. (Phew!). Though, I always try a little French, you know? "Bonjour," "merci," the essentials. It always seems to go down better, even if my pronunciation is atrocious. They never made me feel like a total idiot, which is a win in my book. So, yeah, the staff were a perfectly acceptable part of the experience.
Any hidden gems *inside* the hotel? Secret bars? A spa? (A girl can dream!)
A spa? Sadly, no. Unless you count the accidental aromatherapy from the cleaning products. Secret bars? Nope. Just a standard hotel bar, pretty much. It was… fine for a quick drink. I nursed a rather large glass of wine there one particularly exhausting evening. The hidden gem, if there is one, is the *proximity* to everything. It's not the hotel itself, it's the *location*. You're surrounded by shops, cafes, restaurants. The walk to the metro? Like, five minutes. That, my friend, is the real treasure. So, no secret underground speakeasies, but a solid base for exploring the city? Absolutely. It’s more about what’s outside the front door than what’s inside.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Okay, the million-dollar question! Would I stay there *again*? Hmmm. Probably, yeah. It's not my "dream hotel," but it's practical. And let's be real, Paris hotels are expensive. Really expensive. For the price, the Novotel Belleville offers a good balance of comfort, convenience, and (relatively) affordability. Plus, that falafel. I'd go back just for the falafel! Okay, maybe not *entirely* for the falafel, but it definitely sweetens the deal. It's a solid, reliable, no-frills option. And sometimes, after a long day of trying to understand the Parisian metro system, that's exactly what you need. Just don’t expect luxury. Expect… functional. And falafel. And maybe, just maybe, a surprisingly good time.
Okay, one more: Any major *disasters*? Things to avoid?
Rooms And Vibes
