12 rue de Barres, Paris 75004 Métro Hôtel de Ville, Pont Marie Tel (01) 42 74 23 45 Websitewww.mije.com
BUG Review
Last but not least, MIJE hostel Maubuisson is smaller in size, but larger in character. The classic feel of the hostel, with wood beams and wrought iron railings, makes for a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, yet still convivial, as many travellers gather in the dining room at night. The old building, formerly an aristocratic residence, sits in a cute cobblestone street opposite a beautiful church. Rooms are large and comfortable with showers, and some with high ceilings and lofts. They are well kept with firm mattresses. Staff are friendly, and breakfast is generous. A great place to stay in Paris.
Price Dorm bed €30.50-31.50 first night, €28-29 subsequent nights Single room €47.50 first night, €45 subsequent nights Double room €65 first night, €60 subsequent nights
Prices include breakfst Prices are in euro and are inclusive of all taxes.
I found the beds very comfy at the Maubisson and I was surprised to read the other reviews about the beds - I wonder if they have improved them as I thought I was a bit fussy and I thought they were fine. I stayed in two different rooms there and they were both good - one nicer than the other. The location is excellent. Breakfast is OK, nothing special, but more than enough. The downside would be the lack of common room and also limited facilities - one or two toilets per floor and the handbasins are in the bedrooms, not where the toilets are which is in the hallway. I thought it was expensive at 27 Euros, but I think hostels in Paris are mostly around that price. Security was good.
5 of
5 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 2989)
BAD beds, September 11, 2004
Reviewer:
tlkastelic
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The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The rooms were clean, the location is excellent but the beds were AWFUL. It was like sleeping in a hammock. I'd definitly recommend the Fourcy over Maubuisson any day.
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(Review ID: 2990)
disappointing. similar to BVJ. nice looking building, August 18, 2004
Reviewer:
renagel
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I ended up staying at the BVJ. wasn't entirely happy and thought about switching to this place. So i checked it out. the bathroom situation was the same - there is no sink where you use the toilet. I would not stay here. See my BVJ QL review. Cost of a single room here was 42 euros.
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(Review ID: 2991)
worth it for the location alone, February 12, 2004
Reviewer:
marcelle holt
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contrary to the cadogan travel guide to paris, you can book this hostel in advance, the staff were exceptionally freindly, helpful and cheery and spoke perfect English. There is a 1am curfew and our flight was delayed and we only just made it, but we kept them informed all day and they said it would not be a problem if we were later.The rooms, showers and sheets were spottlessly clean which is a comfort, be prepared to be moved rooms during your stay, i thought this would be annoying but its not bad really. i have certainly slept on better mattresses but i slept for 2 nights out of 3 so not so bad really. a rounded mix of travellers and the school groups that stayed were teenagers and it must be said that the french version of teenagers is certainly less rowdy and offensive than the british kind.I thought breakfast was really good:- a baugette, butter and jam, a mini croissant, coffee or hot chocolate and an orange juice, what more do you really want? the building is also very cute and easy on the eyes. but no common room! the only real downside, sometimes you just want somewhere comfy to sit and have a read or whatever, i really felt i could have done with one as it was february when i stayed there and there is nowhere you can sit for free in the warm.The location is what really makes the hostel though, i didnt bother with the metro till my third day, and i have stayed in a rough area near gare du nord before and believe me it really makes a difference.
15 of
15 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 2992)
rude staff - Fauconnier is much better, October 10, 2003
Reviewer:
Chu
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This review might not help you a lot deciding where to stay; just want to share what happened to me. In case you encounter similar situation, try to call them at a different time. Overall my experience at Meji was great. When I called to make a reservation, I was transferred to Maubuisson. The female French-speaking staff who answered the phone was very very impatient and rude. It was hard for me to understand her English with heavy French accent, but I kindly asked her to repeat (maybe that irritated her) and also tried to speak slowly so she could understand me better.It took her a while to finally get the correct information from me... after yelling at me many times "Do you speak English??? What's your problem???" When she got my last name and the country I was from, she said "You're not from the US; you are from Japan."I really wanted to say to her, "Don't you get it? YOU are the problem!" but I didn't. Maybe I should. :(I didn't think I would feel comfortable staying there so I called back later and asked to switch to Fauconnier. All the other staff I spoke to at Mije were very friendly and helpful (and had no problem understanding what I was saying...).
3 of
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(Review ID: 2993)
A very pleasant hostel, September 8, 2003
Reviewer:
Gene
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The hostel is on a picturesque cobblestone road in the Marais district. Its quaint without being precious, and the views from the windows of cafes and a church are amazing in a stereotypically Parisian sort of way. Notre Dame, the Latin Quarter, the Louvre, and the Pompidou are all within walking distance. A few steps to the north, there are many bars, and shops that sell inexpensive, extremely tasty falafels. The front desk staff were friendly and helpful. I had no trouble extending my reservation. I stayed in three dorms over eight nights in late August. Each room was slightly different: on the fourth floor, for instance, the beds were sturdier than those on the first. The breakfast is rather simple; however, the croissants are very good, with a brittle sort of consistency, and the coffee is strong. Because the hostel lacks a bar, or a clearly defined common room (the breakfast room could be one), its not a social hostel relative to others Ive stayed at; however, the guests are friendly, safe, and from a good mix of backgrounds. The hostel was a highlight of my visit to Paris, and I definitely recommend it.
3 of
3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 2994)
recommeded except for mattress, July 21, 2003
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Lonely Planet picks Maubuisson. I don't go other MIJE hostels. So i don't know why LP picks this one, because it's not the best from the picture view.Overall I gave them 4 stars because it's very convenient(go out anywhere by walk or metro). I enjoyed nice view and tasty breakfast. BUT the bed is insane. I'm asking myself the YH owner can sleep on this mattress or not. Dear bugs..would you ask for me they can sleep or not?Anyway I want recommed except for mattress.
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 2995)
It is not Great- but quite decent, July 8, 2003
Reviewer:
Tiong
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Among the 3 MIJI hostels, Lonely Planet picks Maubuisson. However many people disagreed. All in all, this place is a decent place to stay. I have just stayed in this hostel for a week and I can say while it is not great, it is definitely not bad.The hostel is located in the district of Marais (so are the other 2 MIJI hostels). Location wise it is perfect for its proximity to the metro (which is everywhere anyway), it is central to most of the sites, it is safe, beautiful, relatively quiet; and Marais is a lively and funky, both day and night.To be very critical, the hostel is a bit run down. The staff can be a bit less than friendly SOMETIMES. They do not operate like a lot of hostel chain were you get loads of information pamphlets at the reception. The toilets dont have basins, so you need to walk all the way to your room for that. The major and consistent problem is the saggy beds. It is as if one is sleeping on a hammock. While they have curfew at 1am, you can always arrange at the reception to come back a little later. However as there is a church just 4m away (great view from your window), the bells will wake you up at 8am sharp, so dont expect to sleep in. You can also hear the bells from Notre Dame at the same time.The breakfast includes a small cup of orange juice, a choice of coffee, tea or chocolate, half a baguette, a croissant (the size varies from the size of a fat thumb to a small fist), butter and jam. Nothing to brag about, but it is filling.Like all MIJI, you have to check in by noon, however the lockout is from noon to 3pm. But you can always leave your luggage in the locker room (which contains free individual lockers). Not the best place to stay, but one of the better ones in Paris for the price range, I would imagine. Next time, I will definitely check out the other 2 MIJI first.
4 of
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(Review ID: 2996)
Location, location, location, June 3, 2003
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Maubuisson has a great central location in the Marais, a beautful part of Paris, but the hostel can be hard to find the first time. (Hint: it's located on a pedestrian-only side street.) I stayed for about six nights in March & April, mostly in 3 - 4 person dorms. All rooms have a basin and shower, but the rooms vary a lot in size, view and quality of facilities. (The beds are uniformly saggy.) I found also that the toilets were a bit smelly and dirty.There's no kitchen but breakfast is reasonable. Security is very good and there is a locked luggage room. The staff are friendly and helpful.
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(Review ID: 2997)
It's alright, April 21, 2003
Reviewer:
Hayama
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Well, I was in there in the April of 2003. It's alright, you got your own basin in the room and the shower is strong. I was in two different rooms, the first one was 23, it was a bit old and looks freeky, the the beds are quiet uncomfortable; the second one I had been in was 42, it's better then the other one and it has got a great view. There is sometime about this hostel is that the toliet are very ... not very, but smelly and small. The beds are quiet uncomfortable and the pillows are .. well, seems I am lying flat, seems it doesn't exist. The breakfast is include, well, you can't expect much from it, but it can fill your stomach. Actually I think it deserves 3 stars, the thing is I had also stayed in the other MIJE hostel, it is much more better... The stuff there are quiet internation and their English is alright, but before you go there, find the location yourself, I tried to followed the stuff's instruction to get to the hostel, but..... you know, it's quiet confusing. Overall, it's alright, but if I have a choice, I would rather stay in the other MIJEs.