For my first trip to Paris, my husband and I wanted to stay in a unique boutique hotel with character rather than a chain hotel. Based on cost and availability, the Alba Opera fulfilled the brief.
The GOOD: Staff was cordial and accommodating. The room was sizable compared to our experiences in European boutique hotels (our room featured a main bedroom, side room with a twin bed and sitting area, and a small balcony). Parisian features--balcony, decor, and tiny elevator--were charming, and cheeky. The bed was very comfortable. The huge bathroom was updated with surprisingly modern subway tile. The BAD: The room's dark, rich color palette was great during the day when natural light was prevalent, but difficult at night when combined with the dim lighting. While we appreciated the wabi sabi decor, the room furniture was very worn and dilapidated--and not in a shabby chic way. The small cabinet had missing knobs and trim, the paint and wallpaper were peeling. The hotel could really use a refresh. The room was dirty; old pizza crust and hair found in the dresser drawer. The plastic cups were dirty and unusable. Lighting did not work consistently. There was no iron or steamer in the room, which meant a daily unkempt trot downstairs to borrow one (which worked intermittently). Hairdryers were provided, so why not small irons? Overall ok, but I will not stay here again. Rating of 6 out of 10.