Finding a cheap hotel in Paris is a paradox. Accommodation is expensive and it’s difficult to know what kind of room is at the other end of that online reservation.
Hotels in Paris
Two unique hotels that have budget Paris prices are Mama Shelter (20th district) and Hotel Mayet (6th district). Here they are one at a time.
Mama Shelter Hotel
- 109 rue de Bagnolet, +33 (0)1 43 48 49 49
North American pop art exploded in the Mama Shelter Hotel. Literally. Writing in both English and French has burst along the carpets, walls and ceilings; superhero masks act as lampshades next to the beds. English is heard from the younger generation of travellers (and many business travellers). This is the “new” Paris, appropriately designed by Philippe Starck.
Spend some time downstairs first, checking out the lengthy communal table in the pizzeria, then hang out in the ultra casual restaurant lounge either on the couches, small tables or communal tables. (Get the trend? Talk to your neighbours!)
Then take the elevator – plastered with random stories on the walls that light up in bright colours – to the rooms. Ultra sleek, find an iMac that acts as a TV, internet (with free wireless or put down a deposit to borrow a keyboard), alarm clock, radio and cd/dvd player; a desk; microwave; Kiehl’s bath products; and a rain shower.
The 15€ breakfast is worth it for those who need a good start to the day: Not a typical hotel breakfast, this buffet has plenty of fresh fruit, pain au chocolat, croissants, a selection of breads, yoghurt and a couple of hot dishes.
Although prices average around 150€ per night for a double room (and go up to the mid-300s for a room with a terrace and living room), a handy calendar with special deals shows that rooms can run as low as 79€ if your dates are flexible. Although on the outskirts of central Paris, this neighbourhood is a great place to meet hip locals.
Hotel Mayet
- 3 rue Mayet, +33 (0)1 47 83 21 35
Probably one of the most cheerful atmospheres in a Paris hotel, this boutique accommodation is half budget hotel, half funky enclave and a definite best kept secret. Walk into a hotel lobby bursting with vibrant, art-filled walls and bright carpets; peak downstairs to see the equally colourful tablecloth on the communal breakfast table covering the striped floor.
Upstairs, hallways are equally energetic and wooden balls decorate each of the room doors. Rooms on the top floor have funky sloping roofs and perfect Parisian windows that open onto rue Mayet below or the quiet back courtyard. The cheaper rooms are on the floors below and aren’t quite as funky (and are smaller).
Although wireless internet is free (only in half an hour increments, though, making it a bit of a pain to have to re-register every 30 minutes), there is also a complimentary public computer to use in the lobby. Also included in the room rate is a simple breakfast of breads and coffee. The best part about breakfast is eating in the basement, which is like a brick-walled cave, at the multi-coloured communal table with other travellers.
With rooms starting at 100€ as the regular price, including everything, Hotel Mayet is a great deal. On top of that, it’s located in the Saint Germain-des-Pres neighbourhood (you may know it better by its more famous icon, the Eiffel Tour) on the left bank. It’s also a great hotel for solo travellers who just need a small room without breaking the bank.
Paris Pass
While travelling through Paris, one of the best value deals is the Paris Leisure Pass (starting at 97€ for two days, up to 169€ for a six day pass). For those who want to do some serious sightseeing, this pass includes entry to most monuments and museums, free travel on transportation within central Paris, a hop on/hop off bus tour, skipping to the front of the line at some attractions, and discounts at many stores and restaurants.
Also included is an over 120 plus page guidebook of the city, including all of the places included in the pass, city maps and a metro map.
Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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