The hotel is not in the best condition, except the bathroom was superlative in our room at least. The big drawback was the elevator not working, so it was a long climb with luggage. According to the desk agent, the lift has not been working for months, so this is basically concealed by management so they can charge full price for the rooms. My advice is insist on ground floor or first floor unless the hotel publishes the lift is working now. The area is pretty convenient to Gare du Nord and Gare and Nord du Est -- about a ten minute walk. And there are loads of Brasseries and Restaurants with very reasonable prices close by of various cuisines. Although locals and even the desk clerk will say it's more dangerous around here, this seems to be because the area has a large West African and North Arican immigrant population, and we never felt even the least compromised. Actually we went to a bar- restaurant for dinner around the corner with a smashing run by an Arab guy with mostly West African clientele and it was not even a bit seedy and quite a friendly, family orientated place, very laid back. I would say I recommend the area around Gare du Nord for more affordable accommodation and restaurants, but it's still very easy to get to the established tourist areas on Left Bank, Champs Elysee, and Montmartre.