I know, traveling to Paris has never been exactly cheap, but there have always been ways to make it more affordable. Heck, my post on 47 ways to save on your trip to Paris breaks down little tips and tricks for saving on food, museums, getting around, and so on. But the city’s hotel rates have recently gone through the roof.

We should know — my team and I have been obsessively visiting, reviewing, and ranking the best budget hotels in Paris since 2001, when I launched the site with the mission of helping travelers find the very best central hotels in Paris that are actually affordable. We’ve seen charming hotels open, close, get rebooted as private apartment rentals, rebrand themselves as 4-star hotels. We’ve seen it all.

But post-COVID, we’ve seen some of our all-time favorite budget hotels close, and others have transformed themselves into something much, much more expensive. (Ironically, the rates might double, but the location and room size always stay the same!) And we understand, to a certain degree. Running a hotel was nearly impossible for a few years, and revenues need to be recouped.

Still, over the past three years we’ve seen many of our favorite (formerly) budget-friendly hotels swing from offering rooms for about €125-150 a night to more than €250 a night.

Fortunately, there are still some hotels in central Paris with great service and affordable rates. We’ve spent a few weeks combing through and updating all of our Paris hotel listings, and testing rates to get to the bottom of what is still a great deal.

Our criteria: How do we pick our favorite budget hotels in Paris?

We’ve picked these winners by examining several criteria, including:

Hotel Location

Would most travelers consider this location to be convenient? Can you walk to popular sights and a good selection of restaurants from this hotel? At the same time, does it offer enough calm to let you sleep comfortably at night?

Our favorite locations are in the very center of Paris (Arrondissements 1-7), especially near the Louvre, the Marais, Latin Quarter, St-Germain des Prés and near the Eiffel Tower. From these locations you can walk or take a quick Metro ride to nearly all of Paris’s main museums and attractions.

Average room rate

Are rates cheaper than other hotels of the same category? To determine the “average double rate,” we compiled and averaged rates for a double room from May-August.

This one was especially hard, as room rates have skyrocketed across the city. Most of our top picks have an average room rate under $150 per night, while some truly special hotels go as high as $225. Above that amount just can’t reasonably considered “budget”. We’ve rounded up hotels with some of the best rates in the city.

Quality

How do the actual rooms and hotel services stack up with others in the same category? If this is a two-star hotel, for example, does it offer better rooms and more personal services than other two-star hotels?

User ratings and reviews

How have past guests rated this hotel? What issues, if any, have previous guests experienced with the hotel?

Room size

Yes, we’re so obsessive that we’ve compiled room size (in square feet) for all hotels and use it as a factor when choosing our list. The bigger the guestroom, the higher the hotel scores. (I mean… nearly all hotel rooms in Paris are tiny, but we’re at least able to see who the outliers are!) In Paris, we found the average hotel room spans around 129 to 140 square feet (about 12 to 13 square meters). Some of the smallest rooms squeeze in beds, desks, and even bathrooms in under 100 square feet, which makes the larger rooms (over 200 square feet) feel extremely spacious.

“Special something”

Does this hotel offer something special that distinguishes it from its competitors? Does it have a special theme, interesting owners, or fascinating history? When we’re reviewing hotels, we’re always looking for this “something special.”

And finally, we also go with our own instincts. We’ve visited and inspected hotels hundreds of times in Paris. We’re including hotels in this list that we like and feel should be shared with our readers!

Related articles: For more on hotel savings in France, check out our tutorials on how to save on your hotel in Paris, and ways to save on hotels throughout France.

The 8 best cheap hotels in Paris in 2025

Here are our picks for the best cheap sleeps in Paris, ranked by price. Read more about any hotel by clicking the “read full review” link, or click to see our complete guide to budget hotels in Paris, with more than 100 listings. If you spot something you like, make sure to review our tips on saving on hotels in France to get the most bang for your buck.

A simple but bright and clean room at Hotel de la Place des Alpes. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel de la Place des Alpes **

Neighborhood: Place d’Italie / Chinatown
Average rate: €95

If you’re looking for an affordable place to crash, consider Hotel de la Place des Alpes. This area makes accessing transportation easy and puts you in a less touristy part of the city, but that also means you may not be as close (by foot) to some of the most popular sites of the city. But you’ll enjoy the comfortable, if bare-bones, rooms and plenty of restaurants nearby, not to mention the low rates. Plus, when you’re ready to see the tourist sites, it’s easy to hop on the Metro from here.

Read full review

Inquire about a balcony room at Hotel du Pre. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel du Pré ***

Neighborhood: 10th: République / Gare du Nord
Average double: €115

With fairly spacious rooms (151 square feet) that are clean and comfy, Hotel du Pré is a solid choice that puts you conveniently near Gare du Nord. For gourmands, Saint-Lazare, an area packed with bakeries, wine and cheese shops, and other unique eateries, is also close by. Private bathrooms are sparkling clean, and some rooms even have balconies. We also loved the cozy lounge, complete with swanky leather sofas, at this hotel.

Read full review

Charming views from a super cheapo room at Hôtel Rivoli. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Rivoli

Neighborhood: The Marais (3rd & 4th)
Average rate: €119

Sure, the rooms are a bit on the basic side here at Hotel Rivoli, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find better rates in such a central location, in the Marais. Rooms face rue de Rivoli, and if you request ahead, you may just score a room with a small terrace and views of city hall. Aside from the views, location, and low rates, this hotel is pretty simple. There’s no breakfast, but you can explore the trendy neighborhood for your morning meal. Wi-Fi is free, and there are no TVs, which makes for a pretty quiet and peaceful stay.

Read full review

Private rooms are small but stylish and affordable at the Plug-Inn Hostel. Photo: Booking.com

Plug-Inn Boutique Hostel

Neighborhood: 18th: Montmartre
Average rate: €132

Part hostel, part stylish hotel, Plug-Inn offers great rates on its doubles, plus ultra-cheapo beds in its dorms. For those booking private rooms, expect bright colors and playful patterns plus spotless, if small, bathrooms. Breakfast is even included in the room rate, making it an even better deal. However, the hostel’s location in Abbesses-Montmartre puts it in close vicinity to many great places to score cheap eats.

Read full review

A charming view from a room at Hotel Audran. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel Audran *

Neighborhood: 18th: Montmartre
Average room rate €141

The friendly Hotel Audran is another of our best budget hotels in Paris. It is a solid deal, offering renovated two-star rooms with private bathrooms along the café-lined rue Abbesses, one of Montmartre’s most charming stretches. The hotel’s 40 rooms were recently painted a bright blue, and all are equipped with a flat-screen TV, telephone, and free Wi-Fi.

Read full review

The Hotel Du Cygne is an art lover’s dream where you can stroll to the Louvre. Photo: EuroCheapo

Hotel Du Cygne **

Neighborhood: 1st: Louvre / Châtelet
Average room rate: €141

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal smack dab in the center of Paris than Hotel du Cygne. This charming, cottage-esque hotel offers simple but cozy rooms that stay surprisingly quiet, despite the bustling location near the Louvre. Creature comforts such as flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms are available, although solo travelers can save big by booking a single room with a shared bathroom.

Read full review

Hotel de Nesle **

Neighborhood: St-Germain-des-Pres
Average rate: €149

The one-star Hotel de Nesle, tucked away among the back streets of Saint-Germain des Prés and steps from the Seine, offers affordable rooms that are painted with a sense of humor and history. The 18 guest rooms are individually painted and decorated by the owner and her son. Most of these boast lavish line drawings of famed moments in French history, including scenes of Egypt and the Orient, as well as some playful representations of Molière, Hugo and others who have lived in the neighborhood.

Read full review

The Hotel Chopin is tucked away at the end of a 19th-century shopping arcade.

Hotel Chopin **

Neighborhood: 9th: Opéra
Average room rate €159

Ready for something with an extra dose of charm? Tucked away inside a 19th-century shopping arcade, the two-star Hotel Chopin offers comfortable, spacious (172 square feet/16 square meter) rooms at great rates, but it’s the setting that’s sure to make romantics race to their fainting couches. The arcade, located along the Boulevard Montmartre near the Opera shopping district, is lined with picture-perfect stores selling toys, jewelry, and sweets. And then halfway down, you stumble upon the Hotel Chopin. Inside, things have a quiet, grandmotherly touch.

Read full review

More cheap hotels in Paris

But wait, there’s more! We have reviewed more than 100 affordable hotels in our guide to Paris. Find more hotels:

• See all reviewed hotels

• See hotels: Near the Louvre | Marais | Latin Quarter | St. Germain | Eiffel Tower | Montmartre

A note about reserving

It should come as no surprise that, given their exceptional value, many of these hotels are quite well known and are already quite popular with guests. As many of these are also quite small (at least compared to international chain hotels), finding availability can be tres difficile… especially during the high season, and especially if you wait until the last minute.

If possible, reserve far in advance. Search hotels in Paris

The post The 8 best cheap hotels in Paris for 2026 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We’ve been reviewing hotels in Paris for more than 20 years, and are here to tackle some of the most common questions. We’ll show you what to expect, and how to save big on hotels in Paris.

How much are hotels in Paris?

The average nightly room rate in 2023 in Paris was €198,80, or about $215, according to the a recent report by the city’s tourism office.

But that’s only an “average rate”. And has anyone ever actually seen an “average hotel”? It’s more helpful to consider the three main criteria that determine these hotel rates:

• What’s the hotel’s category? (5-star / 4-star / 3-star / 2-star / 1-star / unrated)
• Where is the hotel located?
• When are you visiting Paris?

Taken together, you can better understand how much to expect to pay.

The Hotel Chopin in Paris is a charming 2-star hotel.

What types of hotels are there in Paris?

What’s the difference between a three-star hotel and a four-star? And can you stay comfortably in a two-star hotel?

We’ve written quite a bit about the differences between hotel categories, but in short, hotels with higher categories generally offer more amenities and services, and may offer larger rooms. Obviously, with more amenities and services come higher room rates.

Most of our recommended hotels in our Paris hotel guide are two- and three-star hotels. This means that they have most of the basic amenities that most travelers are accustomed to, including private baths with showers or tubs and TVs. Rooms in three-star hotels may also include a mini-fridge, iron, and more amenities and products in the bathroom. (Note that even three-star hotels in Paris may not be equipped with air conditioning.)

And as you can see in the list below, there are more three-star hotels in Paris than any other category of hotel.

How many hotels are in there in Paris?

According to the Paris tourism office, the 2,184 hotels in the greater Paris region are divided into the following categories:

• 5-star: 101 hotels – average rate: €274,30 ($297)
• 4-star: 551 hotels – average rate: €274,30 ($297)
• 3-star: 780 hotels – average rate: €132,70 ($144)
• 2-star: 182 hotels – average rate: €89,20 ($96)
• 1-star: 44 hotels – average rate: €62,60 ($67)
• Unrated: 526 hotels

Where should I stay in Paris?

The hotel’s location also has a major impact on the room rate. Most tourists want to stay in the center of the action — or at least a quick walk or short Metro ride from the city’s most popular museums and attractions. And you’ll pay for that.

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, or districts, and generally speaking, arrondissements 1-8 are the most central and priciest. Conversely, budget travelers can often find cheaper hotel options farther from the center of the city, which is a great budget option if you don’t mind spending more time on the Metro.

Our favorite neighborhoods include the 3rd and 4th (Marais), 6th (St. Germain-des-Prés), and 9th (Grands Boulevards), as these are all central, but still feel like neighborhoods (although both the Marais and St. Germain have become extremely popular and are often very expensive).

Read more about Paris’ neighborhoods here.

What are the best cheap hotels in Paris?

We’ve got a long list of favorite budget hotels in Paris. But if you’re short on time, check out this list of our top budget hotels in Paris. We have recommendations for all types of hotels, and all of them are centrally located.

If you’re really strapped for time…

• Best one-star hotel: Hotel Tiquetonne
• Best two-star hotel: Hotel Chopin

Ready to see hotels? Search all hotels in Paris here.

It’s easier to relax in September in Paris. (Photo by Tom Meyers)

When should I go to Paris?

Finally, the timing of your trip is also key. Be sure to read this overview of the best time to visit Paris, but in short:

During the high season (May – July and September), the weather is at its most agreeable, and the city is packed with tourists. Room rates are also, unsurprisingly, at their highest.

Conversely, during low season (November – March, excepting holidays), rates are low, although the weather is unpredictable.

We generally encourage readers to travel during “shoulder season” — between high and low season (in spring and fall, and August), when prices are low and the crowds are manageable.

More ways to save on your hotel in Paris

We’re just getting started. Be sure to check our my article on how to save on your hotel in Paris for more tips, including:

• Visit in August (most of the locals are out of town)
• Avoid fashion week and other special events
• Book early for preferred hotels, or last-minute to find deals
• Don’t pay for amenities you don’t need
• Consider a hostel
• Avoid breakfast charges
• And watch out for extra charges!

Read more in our guide to saving on Paris hotels.

Your tips

Have suggestions for more ways to save on your hotel in Paris? Share with us in the comments section below.

The post How much are hotels in Paris? And how can you save? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Before you hit “book” and reserve your hotels for your upcoming trip, keep the following tips in mind in order to score the best rate possible. After all, you’ll sleep tighter when you save a few euros.

How to Save on Hotels in France

Ready to save? Check out the following advice to save on hotels in France. Note: If you’re only spending time in Paris, be sure to check out our guide to saving on hotels in Paris. You may also want to check out our larger Paris budget travel guide.

1. Your hotel budget goes much further outside Paris.

First-time travelers to Paris often gasp when they first walk into their hotel room. “That’s it?” they stutter, as the door hits the side of the bed.

Yes, for the most part, affordable hotels in Paris have very small rooms, when compared to rooms that you’ll find in smaller towns in France or even in other European capitals (the average hotel room in Berlin, for example, is much larger than in Paris).

To top it all off, that tiny room in Paris can be quite expensive. It could cost you €175 … or more … and that would still be a good deal for Paris.

Fortunately, as you head outside the major French cities (especially Paris and Nice) into smaller destinations and the lovely French countryside, things change dramatically for the better. From Brittany and Normandy to Provence, hotels for the most part offer a better value (and have larger rooms!) than what you’ll find in Paris.

Related:

• Heading to Paris? Read our guide to saving on hotels in Paris.
• See our recommended budget hotels in Paris
• France itinerary: 10 days from Paris to Marseille

The Vieux Relais et Commerce, a Logis hotel in Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire. Photo: cjp24

2. Sleep in a village inn or on a farm.

When traveling through France’s smaller towns, villages, and countryside, you’ll see plenty of hotels, but you’ll also see signs for other types of accommodation, including “chambres d’hotes” (guestrooms), “gites” (guest houses), and “Logis” (a network of small inns).

Logis (formerly Logis de France) is an association of independently-run rural inns, most of which offer fine regional meals in addition to accommodation. Logis sends undercover auditors to test out the guestrooms and restaurants at participating hotels, and classifies them by assigning a number of chimneys (for the hotels) and pots (for the restaurants). Logis serves a wide variety of budgets, offering everything from tiny cheapo-friendly village properties to extravagant chateaux, but nearly all have an abundance of charm.

Another French favorite is the “farm stay”, a sort of rural bed-and-breakfast option (although many offer delicious dinner options, often with locally sourced food). The best part? These can often be booked for less than a standard hotel! Check out the Gites de France website for more info. (I once spent a week at a gite in the Charente region of France and loved it so much I nearly moved in.)

3. Stars can be overrated.

I’ve written about this before, but it’s worth repeating: Be savvy when considering a hotel’s star rating. Stars are a classification given to the hotel by a tourism board or government agency, and reflect the services, amenities, and room size — they do not reflect the quality of the hotel or its user rating.

Many hotels game this system by adding lots of extra “stuff” to the room in order to get bumped up to the next star category. For example, a standard two-star hotel can throw in a hairdryer, cosmetic mirror, and safe in the closet… and suddenly get bumped into a three-star. But it doesn’t mean it’s any better.

And conversely, there are some perfectly good hotels can’t add certain services (like an elevator or a breakfast room) because of zoning laws, and thus get stuck in two-star territory.

So be smart about this and don’t strictly limit your options to only one star category. A charming two-star hotel may very well offer a much better experience than a hum-drum three-star hotel.

A cheapo-friendly Hotel F1 located north of Avignon. Photo: catorze

4. Try a French budget hotel chain for a surprise-free night.

Sometimes you simply need sleep for the night. In France you’ll find several budget hotel chains competing for your reservation. Unsurprisingly, many of these are located outside the center city, in industrial-feeling shopping districts, or just off major highways. We’re not talking cobblestone streets here.

Two of the largest budget chains are:

Ibis: The largest economy hotel chain, by far, is Ibis, which is owned by French mega-hotel operator, Accor. There are about 1,800 hotels around the world (mostly in Europe). Ibis operates three categories of hotel: regular old perfectly-pleasant Ibis, swankier Ibis Styles, and super cheap Ibis Budget (formerly Etap Hotels). I’ve stayed at all of these and am happy to report that they’re clean and do the job.

Hotel F1: Accor now owns and operates the even cheaper F1 hotel chain (short for “Formule 1”) that line the main French highways, near aiports and city outskirts. When we’re really just looking for a clean bed, we’ll stay at an F1, as rooms are clean and seriously cheapo… from €22, with free parking. Note that many of the cheapest options share bathrooms and may require you to bring your own towel (or buy a cheap one from the reception).

5. Watch out for extra charges.

When searching for hotels in France and comparing your options, be sure to see what’s included in your room rate.

• Is Wi-Fi free? It should be at this point, but there are still some hotels charging for it.
• Is Breakfast included? (Usually the answer is no. See my next point.)
• Do you need a late checkout? Compare the hotels’ policies.
• Is parking offered? Is it free? (More on this below.)

Note that in France a tourism tax, called the “taxe de sejour“, is charged per person per night. This charge is almost never included in the room rate that you see when you book your room, but is mandatory for hotels located in most tourist destinations in France.

6. Ask what’s for breakfast before you pay for it.

A hotel breakfast in France is usually a bit less robust than what many North American travelers are expecting. (Unlimited waffles for breakfast? Ha! Dream on!)

A typical French hotel breakfast includes a choice of pastry (usually croissant, sometimes also pain au chocolat) and part of a baguette, butter and jam, coffee or tea, and juice. Possible additions include fresh fruit, yogurt (and muesli), hard boiled eggs, cheeses, and fruit. In all but the ritziest four-star hotel buffets, you can forget about omelets, bacon, sausage, etc.

You’ll be asked at check-in if you’d like to have breakfast. As the options are usually pretty limited and breakfast is almost never included in the room rate, it’s best to ask in advance what the breakfast consists of before committing to it. Or, at the very least, only commit to one day of breakfast if you’re staying for several days. You can test it out, and then see if you can do better elsewhere. You’ll most likely find a nearby cafe that offers something even better at a more reasonable price.

Related:How to save on breakfast in Paris.

Where you gonna park? Driving into the pedestrian heart of Angers, France. Photo: alainrouiller

7. Driving? Think about parking when choosing your hotel’s location.

When choosing your hotel’s location, consider your parking options. I’m always a fan of sleeping in the old center cities of French towns. In Avignon, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Chartres, Aix-en-Provence… I tend to look for hotels that are in the historic old town (“centre ville”), and sometimes within the old walls, too. It’s where all the action is, including the top sights, restaurants, and activities.

While these central spots are often convenient for those arriving by train (many stations are within a quick walk of the old center cities), those arriving by car might have an expensive surprise awaiting them. Be aware that many of these historic centers are pedestrian-only zones, and hotels in these areas almost never offer free parking for guests.

This shouldn’t dissuade you from choosing a hotel here, of course, as parking options will be offered by the hotel — however, you’ll most likely have to pay top dollar for it. Garages inside the “old centers” tend to be the most expensive anywhere. When comparing hotels, you might find hotels within a quick walk of the old center that offer free onsite parking. It might be worth the walk to avoid an overpriced garage.

Related:Tips for renting a car and driving in France

8. Should you book early or last minute? It depends.

As I wrote in my article about when to book hotels for the best rates, if you have your eye on a particular hotel, book it. If it’s a popular, top-rated property, or you’re visiting during the high season, you should just go ahead and secure a room as far in advance as possible.

However, if you’re more flexible about where you stay and you’re not traveling during peak travel times or when a local festival or business conference is happening, you could take a chance on scoring a last-minute deal. It only makes sense to play “wait and see”, however, if you do preliminary hotel searches and see lots of availability for your travel dates. If you see only a few hotels available, you’d be better off booking something right away, as waiting could force you to stay in a far-flung location or pay through the nose.

Another option is to book a fully refundable hotel, and then play wait and see. You’ll be able to upgrade to a better option as your travel dates approach if one presents itself, and cancel your old reservation.

9. Finding super high rates? Be wary… and be flexible.

If your hotel searches are turning up surprisingly expensive rates, you might have stumbled into festival or conference dates. (This is a regular issue travelers face when unwittingly booking Paris trips during fashion weeks.)

Try adjusting the dates back or forward a week. If you see a big change, visit the website of the city’s official tourism office to determine if your visit is coinciding with a special event or business conference. If you have flexibility with your itinerary, it might be wise to change course and visit at another date.

10. Book on EuroCheapo!

Naturally, we can’t wrap up the article without mentioning that EuroCheapo offers reservations at thousands of cheap hotels in France through our reservation partner Booking.com. Sleep better knowing that you’re not blowing your budget in your sleep.

• Do a search on our homepage for your destination or in the search box below.
• Check out our recommended hotels in Paris, Nice, Lyon, Marseille and Strasbourg.

Your tips?

Have a tip about ways to save at hotels in France? Share with us in our comments section below!

This article was edited and updated on April 30, 2024.

The post How to Save on Hotels in France appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Whether your kids are still learning to walk or are old enough to read along in your guidebook, pack their bags (or tell them to pack themselves!) and bring the whole family for a fun and affordable trip to Paris.

We’ve combed through our entire list of Paris hotels to compile these picks for the best budget family-friendly hotels in Paris. So what are you waiting for? It’s time for you and your kids to say “oui” to an unforgettable family vacation!

Related:
• Our favorite budget hotels in Paris
• Romantic hotels for budget travelers
• How to save on hotels in France

Our top budget Paris hotels for families

Note that all of these reviews come from our complete guide to budget hotels in Paris.

One of the comfortable family rooms at Hotel Marignan.

Hotel Marignan

13 Rue du Sommerard
Neighborhood: Latin Quarter
Metro: Cluny – La Sorbonne
Triple rooms starting at $151 a night

Our editors love Hotel Marignan for its friendly owners, free breakfast and an incredible location in the Latin Quarter. There are family rooms that can accommodate up to five people, with free laundry to boot. Five-person rooms also have a private bath, making it easier for your family members to bicker privately over who gets to shower next!

For families who want to save money and cook some lunches and dinners, this hotel also offers a guest kitchen complete with dishes and a refrigerator. Read the full review.

The relaxing garden courtyard is a favorite hangout spot for families at Castex.

Castex Hotel

5, Rue Castex
Neighborhood: The Marais
Metro: Bastille
Two connecting doubles starting at $295

The Castex Hotel makes a perfect home base for families, with its location on the peaceful rue Castex. This three-star hotel offers antique French charm along with your favorite amenities: televisions, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Rooms offer views of either the hotel’s lovely garden or the quiet rue Castex. You can book two connecting rooms, one for the parents and one for the kids, for a bit of privacy. It’s also in a great location, close to many restaurants and shops in the Marais. Read the full review.

Hotel Paris France makes an excellent stay for families.

Hotel Paris France

72 Rue De Turbigo
Neighborhood: The Marais
Metro: Temple
Triple rooms starting at $247

With incredible views of Paris (including some with views of the Eiffel Tower!) and a prime location, Hotel Paris France lives up to its valiant name. While it doesn’t offer quadruple rooms, it does offer spacious triple rooms that can accommodate an extra person for a small charge.

Add in sophisticated amenities — like a glass elevator and air conditioning — and a friendly, efficient staff, and you have yourself quite a deal for a family vacation to Paris! Read more about Hotel Paris France.

Even the family rooms are stylish at the budget boutique Hotel Michelet Odeon.

Hotel Michelet Odeon

6 Place de l’Odeon
Neighborhood: St. Germain des Prés
Metro: Odéon
Family rooms (quadruples) starting at $238

Recent renovations and boutique-style rooms make this pick a bit more of a splurge but still a great deal for families who have a few extra euros to spend. Family rooms are plush with a large double bed plus two single beds and a private bathroom. The location is prime for family activities, as the hotel faces the Odéon Theater and is a short stroll from the Luxembourg Gardens. Read the full review.

You can book cozy, adjoining doubles for your family at Hotel des Bains. Photo: Booking.com

Hotel des Bains

33 Rue Delambre
Neighborhood: St. Germain des Prés
Metro: Edgar Quinet, Vavin
Adjoining doubles starting at $228 a night

If you are looking for a cozy yet convenient place to call your home away from home, try Hotel des Bains. This hotel is near multiple Metro stops and a weekly art market, and the central location is great for exploring. It’s also just a 10-minute walk to the Luxembourg Gardens. Rooms are smaller, but pleasantly decorated and clean. The area is pretty quiet, too, so you don’t have to worry about street noise waking up younger children at night. Read more about the Hotel des Bains.

More budget hotel options in Paris

Looking for more affordable hotel options? Check out our full list of budget hotels in Paris.

The post Paris: Best budget hotels for families appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Affordable hotels near popular sights in Paris

Head to our Paris hotel guide for reviews of dozens of our favorite hotels in Paris. However, if you already know what you’d like to be near, consider the following six hotels in our favorite areas.

Eiffel Tower: Hôtel Eiffel Rive Gauche

Doubles from €129

If you’re looking to see that tower thing, know that it’s not in the center of the city. Another thing to note? Staying by a landmark as iconic as the Eiffel Tower can cost a pretty penny. You can get the most bang for your buck at Hôtel Eiffel Rive Gauche, which sometimes offers rates under €130 in winter. Rooms are small, but some offer a great view of the tower.

Mama Shelter puts you near the famous cemetery and hip spots in the 20th. Photo: Booking.com

Père Lachaise: Mama Shelter Paris East

Doubles from €95

If you’re looking to get away from all of the tour buses and cameras, you can try your best out in the 20th arrondissement by shaking it up at Mama Shelter, a super-chic and budget-friendly hotel. Wander the Père Lachaise cemetery in isolation, hanging out in one of the world’s most famous cemeteries with stars like Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde.

The Absolute Paris Hostel is an artsy hostel in a trendy neighborhood. Photo: Booking.com

Canal St-Martin: Absolute Paris Hostel

Doubles from €115

If you want to play a proper hipster in Paris, or if you just need a place to stay that’s not far from the Gare du Nord on your way to London or Amsterdam, check out the Absolute Paris Hostel. Close to the now-famous Canal St-Martin district, it’s one of Paris’ trendier neighborhoods where you can forego Chanel and Vuitton for a pair of beat up Chucks and any brand of skinny jeans. The hotel has shared rooms if you’re looking to meet fellow travelers, or doubles if you want privacy. No matter the room, there’s a funky, artsy vibe that matches the neighborhood’s trendiness.

The Hotel Du Cygne makes it easy to stroll to the Louvre. Photo: EuroCheapo

Louvre: Hotel du Cygne

Doubles from €148

You’re in Paris for the art? Don’t look farther than the Hotel du Cygne, a cute little two-star hotel with wood-beamed ceilings and a friendly staff. A quick walk to the Louvre and the Pompidou, it’s a great starting point for those looking to get a quick and easy dose of paintings and sculptures while not paying too much for accommodations. The galleries and museums of the Marais aren’t too far away, either. That makes this a good base for multiple days of inspiring visits.

The funky Hotel Esmeralda offers an incredible location along the Seine. Photo: EuroCheapo

Notre Dame: Hotel Esmeralda

Doubles from €121

Whether you’ve dreamed of studying at the Sorbonne or just want to be as close to Notre Dame as possible, look no farther than the Hotel Esmeralda, located along the left bank of the Seine. Rooms look out onto views of the city’s two islands and the world’s most famous Gothic cathedral. The entire Latin Quarter, featuring medieval and Roman architecture as well as the Pantheon and the main building of the Sorbonne, are a quick walk away.

Charming views from a super cheapo room at Hôtel Rivoli. Photo: Booking.com

Marais: Hôtel Rivoli

Doubles from €106

You want to be trendy, but central. You want to be touristy, yet also stay near some locals. Basically, you want it all. Well drop your luggage in the Marais at the Hôtel Rivoli, a very sweet and simple hotel right across the street from the city hall. The Marais is a great place to call home. It has free museums, an array of shopping for all budgets, and some of the best cheap eats in Paris.

More Paris affordable hotels

To see many more budget hotel picks for Paris, including more recommendations for each of these neighborhoods, see the hotel reviews in our Paris guide. If you want to save more on your accommodations, you can also check out our tips for saving on hotels in France.

The post Paris Affordable Hotels: 6 sleeps near popular sights appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We’ll show you how to find the perfect hotel at the right price. Read on!

A quick love letter to small hotels in Paris

First, a quick personal note. I love Paris’ small family-run hotels. Even in this age of globalized, normalized and homogenized travel experiences, Paris is still home to a good crop of independently owned and operated hotels. I’ve been visiting and reviewing these hotels since we launched EuroCheapo in 2001, and you can read all of my hotel recommendations here.

On EuroCheapo, we really dig smallish hotels with a unique sense of style, a fun history, interesting proprietor, or other unique angle. And while the city is also filled with standard chain hotels, an ever-increasing number of boutique hotels, and countless apartment rentals (all of which can be great, if that’s your thing!), Paris also still offers a wide array of interesting and independent small hotels that won’t blow your budget.

How to save on Paris hotels

So, how can you save on these hotels? Read my 13 tips below!

Related article: Also be sure to check out my tutorial on how to save on hotels throughout France. There are lots of budget options once you get outside Paris!

Summer travel means long lines in Paris, including outside Notre Dame. Photo: djddz.com

1. Know your seasons

While you’ll always find tourists in Paris no matter what time of year you visit, some seasons are simply busier than others and thus, more expensive. The city’s three main tourist seasons are, roughly speaking:

• Low season: November – March (excluding the holidays)

• High season: May – July, and September

• Shoulder season: August, October, and April

Low season, as we discussed in this article, is obviously the cheapest time to visit, although it also has the dreariest weather. However, hotel occupancy is way down in the city, leading to great deals on hotels that would normally be way to rich for our cheapo blood. Other advantages include no lines at museums, wide-ranging cultural offerings, and the chance to see everyday Parisians at work and play.

High season, running from early May to late July, and September, is the most popular time to visit, as the weather is usually sunny and, quite frankly, because many visitors simply don’t have a choice. Given vacation and academic schedules, this is the only time they can come. If this is your situation (and it is for the majority of our readers), make the best of it. Hotel rates will be at their peak, and lines will be long at top attractions. (Here are some tips for beating those lines.) But hey, the weather will probably be great and you might wind up with a nice tan. Note that September is also considered high season, as it’s a very popular time and the weather tends to be perfect.

Shoulder season, the transition period between high and low seasons, is an excellent (and cheaper) alternative to high season travel. Kids are back in school, lines are far shorter (or nonexistent), and the weather mild and comfortable. Hotel rates also drop considerably, as they compete for fewer travelers. If you have flexibility in your schedule, but still want decent weather, try coming during this period.

Crowds thin out a bit in August, and hotel rates drop accordingly. Photo: EuroCheapo

2. Find lower rates in August

August in Paris is a peculiar time to visit, as many of the city’s residents bolt from town on the first weekend of the month, taking off for several weeks of vacation. This leaves behind a city of tourists (along with some locals who either couldn’t or didn’t want to leave town). The hotels, however, remain open, but lodge fewer tourists than the earlier summer months and are thus forced to lower their rates.

The feeling in town is a bit odd. Everyday shops, food stands, and restaurants pull their grates down and lock up for several weeks, leaving behind just a handwritten message about the date of their return. Tourists wander the streets, many of them just fine with the fact that the tourist/local balance has been upended. (Read more about the pros and cons of visiting in August.)

Visiting Paris in August can be great for budget-conscious summer travelers, as deals abound. The same hotel room can be had for quite a bit less in August than it would have cost in June or July.

3. Watch out for fashion week and conferences

If you’re searching around for hotels for your dates and everything is coming back sky-high, you might be planning your trip during a fashion week or while a big convention is in town. While it can be fun to see the city packed with models and industry types, they also drive up hotel rates (and tend to take over museums with their special events!).

Avoid these upcoming fashion weeks:

• Menswear: June 20-25, 2023
• Womenswear: September 25-October 3, 2023
• Haute couture: July 3-6, 2023
• Learn more about Paris fashion week dates here.

4. Book early, last-minute or both

These days, it can be difficult to know whether or not to book your hotel in advance or wait around until the last minute to snag a deal. As we discussed in this post on when to book your hotel, it really depends on when you’re traveling and what your priorities are. Here are a few tips:

• Visiting during low or shoulder season and just want the best deal? You could probably wait until the last minute for rates to come down. This would be a good strategy if you just want to find a last-minute deal on any three- or four-star hotel.

• Visiting during high season? Book in advance for the best selection at the best rates, especially if you’ll be in town from May-July. Waiting too long runs the risk of limiting your options, and could cause you to book something expensive in a less-than-ideal neighborhood.

• Visiting anytime and have a specific hotel you’d like to stay in? Book it in advance to secure your room. Especially if you plan to book any of the city’s most popular hotels (like those on our list of the “top best budget hotels“), they will fill up.

• Feel like playing the game? Another strategy that’s recently become popular: You could also book a hotel well in advance with a refundable rate that allows you to cancel. As the travel date gets closer, you could continue to search around for a better deal. However, take note: You often pay a premium for these refundable rates, as the non-refundable rates for the same room might be 10-15% less. Also, be sure to read the terms for cancellation, as many “refundable” reservations actually become non-refundable several days before check-in. If you’re going to play this game, know the window during which you can cancel.

5. Understand that stars are not user ratings

Most of the hotels that we’ve reviewed on EuroCheapo are two- or three-star hotels. Note that these stars don’t reflect a customer rating, but rather the hotel’s category, from 0 to 5, given to the hotel by the city’s tourism board. The more services and amenities a hotel offers, the higher the star rating. Tourism officials regularly visit the hotels, inspect and check off the amenities: elevator, breakfast room, air conditioning, safe… check, check, check, check!

However, as I wrote about in this article, star ratings can offer a lopsided view of hotels, especially in Paris where it can be difficult or impossible to obtain permits to do renovations (like adding elevators or expanding bathrooms). This can limit the star power of properties in old buildings, and keep perfectly fine, spic-and-span hotels stuck in the one- or two-star category. Meanwhile, other properties sloppily game the system, adding a long list of ho-hum amenities and services that you’re unlikely to use (laundry services, telephones, DVD players) in order to inflate their star rating.

In short: Don’t corner yourself into thinking that you absolutely need a four-star or three-star hotel. If possible, be flexible, fall back a star, and you could find some great savings.

Check out this list of recommended two-star hotels in Paris. Many actually offer better hotel experiences than “fancier” and (more expensive) three-star hotels.

6. Be comfortable, but don’t pay for amenities you don’t need

At the same time, understand what you need in order to be comfortable. Find the right balance: Choose a hotel that offers those things you need, but don’t pay for services and amenities that you won’t use. Here’s a cheat sheet:

• Are you willing to share a bath with another room (or several rooms)? If so, you can sleep very cheaply at these one-star hotels.

• Do you need an elevator? Private bath? Free Wi-Fi? It’s possible to find all three in a well-run one-star hotel (like the Hotel Tiquetonne). However, these three amenities will generally put you in two-star hotel territory, where you’re also likely to find rooms with TV and nicer bathrooms (with hairdryer).

• If you need air conditioning, you’ll almost certainly have to bump up to the three-star category, where you’ll also likely find a minibar, safe, and other extras. Keep in mind, however, that you’re really only likely to take advantage of the air conditioning during the warmest summer months (July and August). Some AC systems won’t even work during non-summer months.

The Hotel La Louisiane is located in the heart of the St. Germain des Pres neighborhood. Photo: EuroCheapo

7. Consider budget-friendly hotels in the center

I visit Paris several times a year to stay on top of our hotel listings. When I do, I tend to sleep in the city center. I’d actually rather choose a one- or two-star hotel in the center, than have a three- or four-star hotel in the outskirts of town. Why? I like being able to walk out the door of my hotel and get to the Louvre, or dinner, or a park quickly. I love to walk in Paris or take a Velib’ bike — and a central hotel makes getting around easy and limits the number of times I take the Metro (and makes cabs unnecessary).

My favorite sleeps in the center include:

Central Right Bank:

• Popular and cheapo pick: Hotel Tiquetonne
• Marais splurge-worthy country cottage: Hotel Jeanne d’Arc
• Gilt-y pleasure in the Marais: Hotel de Nice
• Hidden romancer: Hotel Chopin
• Upper Marais and reliable: Hotel Paris France

See more Right Bank picks near the Louvre and in the Marais.

Central Left Bank:

• Kooky Notre Dame neighbor: Hotel Esmeralda
• Jazz Age favorite: Hotel La Louisiane
• Mural-filled fun: Hotel de Nesle
• Friendly and family pick: Hotel Marignan
• Academic and quiet: Hotel des 3 Colleges
• Blvd St-Michel old timer: Hotel de Suez
• Balconies a-plenty: Grand Hotel des Balcons

See more Left Bank picks in the Latin Quarter and in St. Germain des Pres.

8. Head outside the center to find a deal

The counter argument to this, of course, is that if you’re willing to ride the city’s efficient Metro system to and from your hotel, you could choose a hotel situated farther afield, including in the nearby suburbs, and find an excellent deal (including on three- and four-star hotels).

For more about this, check out these posts on cool hotels in the 12th arrondissement, and recommended hotels in the nearby ‘burbs.

Use those filters to drill down and find the best values!

9. Drill down when you search

This might seem a bit obvious, but it’s worth mentioning to those new to searching for hotels online: When doing a hotel search for your travel dates, whether on EuroCheapo or any other site, use search filters to drill down to find properties that works for you. Don’t just assume that the hotels on the first page are going to be the best bet for your trip. In many cases, these might be too expensive or not fit your needs.

Instead, use filters strategically to limit hotels to those in your preferred neighborhoods, star rating, price range, and user review score. The deals are there, but they might take a bit of clicking to uncover.

10. Consider a trendy new hostel

While we’re at it, why not consider sleeping in a hostel? They’re not just for “youths” anymore — most don’t have any age limit, and many offer rooms with private bath. Here’s a list of reviewed hostels in Paris.

Also to consider, the newer Generator Hostel, with swanky new rooms and a cool location near the Canal St-Martin.

11. You might need to call to reserve

Paris is unusual in that many of the city’s most popular small budget hotels are actually not bookable through online reservation websites (for example, Booking.com, which powers EuroCheapo’s online reservations). Look at the list above of my favorite central hotels. More than half of these are not actually available to book through our system.

So why are we listing them? Well, because we still think they offer an extraordinary value. However, you’ll need to call or email them directly to reserve, or book through their own website. (We include phone numbers and websites in our reviews.) Don’t want to mess around with that? Then simply stick to our “bookable” hotels. Do a city-wide search from the search box above (or on our Paris homepage) to see what’s available to book immediately.

This hotel breakfast is cute—but check the price tag before signing up for it! Photo: Craig Nelson

12. Watch out for extra charges

When searching around for your hotel, read the fine print to see what’s included.

• Wi-Fi: It should be — and is free in most, but not all, hotels in Paris. If it’s not included, be wary.

• Breakfast: It almost certainly is not. Check to see how much it costs. More about this below.

• Safe: Most hotels will let you leave valuables in the hotel’s safe or will provide you with a safe in your room. Check to see if it’s free to use. Most are, but some hotels will nickel-and-dime you here.

• Water: How thoughtful of the hotel to leave bottles of water for you in your room! Watch out, it isn’t free. In fact, it probably is exorbitantly expensive and should only be gulped down in the direst of circumstances. Instead, head to the grocery story to buy water as soon as you check in, and pick up other goodies and snacks.

• Minibar: Please, for the sake of your budget, resist. Pick up snacks at the grocery store.

13. Just say “non” to overpriced breakfasts

In Paris, hotel breakfasts are a huge up sell for hotels and tend to be not worth the cost. When you’re checking in, the receptionist will ask you if you’ll be joining for breakfast every morning. Take the opportunity to ask what’s included and how much it costs. Is it just a piece of baguette, croissant, jelly, juice and coffee? (This is likely.) You can get the same thing at a neighborhood cafe or (better yet) bakery for much cheaper. In the case of the bakery, it will still be warm!

Conversely, some hotels will offer a full buffet, but usually with a hefty price tag (some up to €20!). We’d rather start with something cheaper outside, and then splurge one of these budget-friendly prix-fixe lunches a few hours later.

Search for and save on Paris hotels

To see hotels available for your travel dates, do a search in the box above or from our Paris homepage, where you can also see a list of our reviewed and recommended budget hotels.

The post Simple ways to save on your hotel in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

As more and more affordable hotels in the city transform themselves into much more expensive boutique (or worse, charmless chain) hotels, the old-fashioned, typically “Parisian” hotels of yore are becoming something of an extinct species.

Fortunately, a few classic places are still bucking the trend, offering old-world charm and trappings at relatively old-world prices.

Related:
• Our favorite budget hotels in Paris
• 47 ways to save on your trip to Paris
• How to save on your hotel in Paris
• How to save on your hotel in France

Paris: 8 budget hotels with old-world charm

Here are our favorite central and affordable hotels in Paris that exhibit a healthy dose of charm:

The great neighborhood views are just the tip of the charming iceberg at La Louisiane.

La Louisiane

60, rue de Seine
Neighborhood: St. Germain des Prés (6th)
Doubles from: €115

This two-star charmer is our kind of budget hotel. Packed with character (including a fabulous jazz history!), perfectly located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and with rates that hover around €115 year-round for a double room, La Louisiane is a true cheapo gem.

The rooms are basic, but all have private bath and most overlook the picturesque streets and rooftops. You can also add your name to the historic and artsy roster of former guests, which includes John Coltrane, Ernest Hemingway, Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir. Read our review.

A cozy, charming lounge at Hotel Esmeralda. Photo: djddz.com

Hotel Esmeralda

4 rue Saint-Julien Le Pauvre
Neighborhood: the Latin Quarter (5th)
Doubles from: €121

One of our favorite hotels in Paris, Hotel Esmeralda oozes that old-world charm from the lobby to the guestrooms. It is situated at the banks of the Seine in a building first constructed in 1640 — talk about old-school! Wood-beamed ceilings are complemented with eccentric furnishings and antique touches to make it feel like you stepped back in time. With this being one of many old, charming Paris hotels, you should also expect smaller guestrooms and to climb lots of stairs here.

Nearby, you’ll find the iconic Shakespeare and Co. bookshop, one of the oldest outdoor markets in the city, and a convenient Metro stop. Read our review.

You will be charmed before you even reach the entrance of Hotel Chopin, hidden in a quaint shopping arcade.

Hotel Chopin

10 Boulevard Montmartre
Neighborhood: Opéra / Grands Boulevards (9th)
Doubles from: €153

Nestled inside a 19th-century shopping arcade lined with bookshops, jewelry stores, and boutiques, this two-star beauty might just have our favorite location of any hotel in Paris. A friendly and family-run place, you can feel the personal touches of the cute lobby to the grandmotherly decor in the rooms.

If you return to your room in the late evening, you might just find yourself strolling the elegant and empty halls of the arcade — an experience you won’t soon forget! Read our review.

The downstairs common areas at Bellevue et du Chariot d’Or exude an old-world elegant vibe we can’t resist.

Hotel Bellevue et du Chariot

39 Rue de Turbigo
Neighborhood: The Marais (3rd & 4th)
Doubles from: €131

Want a taste of old-world Paris elegance at an affordable rate? Welcome to this two-star old-school option that offers 59 rooms with private bathrooms along the rue de Turbigo between Republique and the Marais. Even with a renovation a few years ago that lifted it out of “student tour” quality, old fireplaces, built-in armoires, and other charmingly dated features have still been left in place.

Downstairs, the lobby, lounge, and café will quickly seduce the romantics out there, with antiques, wall candelabras, gilded mirrors, stained-glass windows and other architectural traces from the past. Read our review.

Sleep in romantic Left Bank quarters for a super cheap price at Hotel Stella.

Hotel Stella

41 Rue Mr. Le Prince
Neighborhood: St. Germain des Prés (6th)
Doubles from: €79

You can feel the shabby-chic character of this special ultra-cheapo stay from the moment you walk in. Antique touches add a touch of shabby-chic romance around every corner. The wooden beams look like they have been there forever. And it’s no wonder because the building’s history as a hotel dates back to 1748! This is easily one of the cheapest — and most interesting — accommodation options in St-Germain. Just keep in mind that this place is truly old-school: it only accepts cash payments. Read our review.

The hallways are just as enchanting as the rooms at Hotel de Nice.

Hotel de Nice

42 Bis, Rue de Rivoli
Neighborhood: The Marais (3rd & 4th)
Doubles from: €175

The Hotel de Nice, located along the rue de Rivoli at the base of the Marais, offers a fun and flamboyant take on 19th-century decor that will tickle those in search of quirky, old-world charm (especially if they have a soft spot for vintage flea market style). Modern perks include air conditioning and clean (if tight) private bathrooms bring it up to speed. While lately the rates have gone up past what we’d normally accept in cheapo range, this spot is well worth a splurge.

Thankfully, the eclectic decoration continues in the red and turquoise corridors, filled with scenes from old Paris. Read our review or check out our photo essay.

Simple, old-fashioned style combined with super cheap rates makes Tiquetonne a winner.

Hotel Tiquetonne

6 rue Tiquetonne
Neighborhood: Bourse / Montorgueil (2nd)
Doubles from: €102

Cheap, charming, and did we say cheap? The rates at the Tiquetonne are so low (we’re talking about €100 for a double with private bath, depending on the season) that you will be shocked with delight when you get the bill.

However, the best part is the old-world atmosphere that exudes from every nook and cranny. From the tiny elevator and winding staircase to the old-fashioned room key, the Tiquetonne is a true throwback, right down to the prices. The location, a quick walk north of Les Halles in the very center of Paris, is an extra bonus. Rooms on the top floors have lovely views of the hip street out front or Sacre Coeur out the back. Read our full review.

Wake up to this charming view at a charming price at Grand Hotel des Balcons.

Hotel des Balcons

3 rue Casimir Delavigne
Neighborhood: St. Germain des Prés (6th)
Doubles from: €149

Art Nouveau touches in the lobby add charm to this two-star budget sleep near the Boulevard St-Michel and Luxembourg Gardens, but the real draw is — you guessed it — the balconies. Of the 49 rooms, 30 of them have balconies that open out onto the street. Ask for one of these when you reserve, so you can linger in your room as you watch the city stroll by. Looking beautiful of course! Read our review.

The post Paris: 8 budget hotels packed with old-world charm appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

To capture the charm and magic of the experience of staying at the hotel, we’ve put together these Hotel de Nice Paris photos into an essay, covering the property and surrounding neighborhood. Take a look at these photos to get a feel for this Belle Époque-style oasis in the heart of Paris.

Related: Our favorite 15 budget hotels in Paris

Hotel de Nice Paris photos and review

As you approach the hotel, you’ll see the impressive Hotel de Ville:

Adjacent to the hotel, you’ll find a courtyard with several charming cafés:

You can pick out Hotel de Nice from its iconic blue door, black and white tiling and flowerbeds:

Entering the hotel, you’ll feel as if you’ve arrived at a 19th-century chateau, complete with decorative flowers and a winding, carpeted staircase:

Although the hotel includes an elevator, you might actually prefer to take the lovely, winding stairs:

The hotel’s salon is the perfect place for breakfast, or to unwind with a book after a long day exploring Paris:

Charming little details lie around every corner:

These beautiful stained glass windows are on every floor as you make your way up the stairs:

Each room has a balcony, some bigger than others. This one overlooks a side street, while the larger rooms allow a view of Rue de Rivoli, where you can even see the top of the Notre Dame:

It doesn’t get more Belle Époque then this—charming antique details and antique French prints:

The color theme varies throughout the different room options. This one has intricate red wallpaper and golden curtains that will transport you back to earlier days:

Some of the corridors feature old covers of Le Petit Journal, a popular French newspaper:

The double sets of curtains mean you can gaze out over sunny Paris in privacy, and then shut out the light altogether if you’d like to catch some shuteye:

This balcony allows you to step out and take in an ideal view of Paris. But watch your step!

Intricate details even on the iron-wrought balcony make for a picturesque stay:

Peak under the flowerbeds and you might catch a glimpse of the café culture below:

Are you ready to check in to Hotel de Nice? Reserve a room on EuroCheapo today!

Hotel de Nice

42 Bis, Rue de Rivoli
4th arrondissement
01 42 78 55 29
Metro: Saint-Paul (Line 1)
Hotel’s Website

For more information, read our full review of the property. For more suggestions for budget hotel picks in the center of Paris, be sure to check out our hotel guide to Paris.

All Photos by Kaitlin Davella

The post Hotel de Nice photo essay: A cheapo classic in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are our favorite seven hotels in the city center. All have high guest ratings (above 8.0), and all are equipped with private baths and rates under $110 per night (€96), based on late August availability (as of July 17). All seven of these hotels are located within an easy walk of most major tourist sights, especially those located in the Latin Quarter and St-Germain-des-Pres.

Note that we chose these seven hotels for their low rates (under $110) and super central locations. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, however, or locate yourself a bit farther from the absolute center of Paris, you can find many, many more options. (Do a search in the box above to see all hotels, or click through to see all recommended hotels.)

Related:
• 50 Ways to save on your trip to Paris
• 25 Free things to do in Paris

Paris Hotel Deals: 7 top rates hotels for under $110 in August

Hotel Cluny Sorbonne is a top pick for visitors to Paris.

Hotel Cluny-Sorbonne: $85

8 rue Victor Cousin, Latin Quarter
Guest rating: 8.1

Seriously cheap and simple rooms (with free Wi-Fi and private bath) across a tiny street from the Sorbonne. No frills, but a memorable Latin Quarter location.

The classic rooms come at a great price at Hotel de Suez.

Hotel de Suez: $95

31 Boulevard Saint Michel, Latin Quarter
Guest rating: 8.3

Classic two-star rooms with a great location along the Boulevard St-Michel, between Place St-Michel and the Luxembourg Gardens. The Hotel de Suez is old fashioned, and rooms have flashes of retro fun. Read review

Ride in style in the old-fashioned elevator at Hotel Saint-Pierre.

Hotel St-Pierre: $102

4 rue de l’Ecole de Medecine, Latin Quarter
Guest rating: 8.0

A EuroCheapo favorite, this old charmer features air conditioned rooms with some trendy new touches, near Place St-Michel. Read our review

The classy Hotel Bastille Speria reflects its home in the trendy Marais district.

Hotel Bastille Speria: $105

1 Rue de la Bastille, Marais / Bastille
Guest rating: 8.3

Sharp rooms with air conditioning, private baths and free Wi-Fi just off the Place de la Bastille and near the Marais. This makes an affordable launching spot for exploring the Marais, or hanging out near the nightlife around the Bastille.

Enjoy sleek rooms in a 17th-century building at Tonic Hotel St. Germain.

Tonic Hotel St. Germain: $109

15, rue des Quatre Vents, St-Germain-des-Pres
Guest rating: 8.2

Located just off the Boulevard St-Germain near Place d’Odeon, the Tonic offers rooms with Medieval-inspired art, private baths, and free Wi-Fi.

Not far from the Champs-Elysées, Hotel Amelie makes a fantastic base for exploring Paris.

Amelie Hotel: $109

5 rue Amelie, Near the Eiffel Tower
Guest rating: 8.3

Charming and whimsically decorated rooms with free Wi-Fi and private baths just minutes from the Musée D’Orsay and a short walk to the Eiffel Tower.

The charming room details at Familia Hotel make this two-star stay a special place.

Familia Hotel: $109

11 Rue des Ecoles, Latin Quarter
Guest rating: 8.1

A budget hotel with personal touches and friendly proprietors, located near the base of Rue des Ecoles in the Latin Quarter. Read our review.

See all hotels

Know your travel dates? Search in the box above, or click through to search through our recommended hotels in our Paris budget hotel guide.

The post Paris Hotel Deals: 7 top rated hotels for under $110 in August appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

During a trip in 2014, I booked a room at Hotel Tiquetonne, a cheap and charming treasure in the 2nd arrondissement that I absolutely adore. However, for my most recent visit in October, I decided to change it up and go for a room in one of the newest budget hostels in town — Generator Hostel Paris.

This stylish and cheap option close to the hip neighborhood of Canal Saint-Martin opened in 2015 with over 900 beds in both shared and private rooms. My interest was peaked the moment I read you can stay in a room with a private terrace. Usually, hotel perks like that cost a pretty penny in Paris, way beyond my budget.

But right after I booked my plane tickets to Europe on Norwegian Air, I started checking on prices for Generator Hostel. I quickly found a Premium Terrace Twin room for only €100.

Related: How to find a cheap hotel in Paris

Here’s how I did it: Generator only has a handful of terrace rooms, so plan ahead if you want to reserve one. I booked my room four months before my trip, that’s a lot earlier than I would normally book my accommodations. It was also during shoulder season in October when the summer sun doesn’t always shine as bright.

Tip: If you pay in advance for your room, you can save €10-15 per night. Check rates for rooms at Generator Paris.

Need a nap after you flight? Kick back in your own hammock! Photo: Craig Nelson

Generator Hostel Paris review

So what was it like to stay there? Here’s our quick take:

The hotel

Check-in was quick and friendly, but don’t expect a bellhop to help you with your luggage. The front desk staff did offer maps and told us about walking and bike tours you can book through the hotel. They also have a 24-hour doorman to welcome you at all hours.

Other than that, you’re own your own, unlike a typical hotel. There’s no reception to call if you need anything. For example, after getting wet during a rainy afternoon of sightseeing, we needed a few more towels to dry off in our room. But after I found out it was €5 to rent an extra one, I passed.

The guests were a more surprising mix then I expected. Yes, most were young travelers taking advantage of the cheap hostel beds, but there were also several guests in their 40’s and 50’s and a number of business travelers.

Related: The best 15 cheap hotels in Paris

The room

The Premium Terrace Twin room was simple and modern with Ikea-style furniture. We had to push the two twin beds together to make a double bed, and there’s no television or phone, so don’t expect to watch French news or call down to the front desk for a wake-up call.

The enormous bank of windows kept the room bright and airy. That came in handy, because even with the cloudy weather, the room was filled with natural light. The biggest surprise was the sleek bathroom that had a deep soaking tub and a stand-alone glass shower.

The private terrace 

The main attraction lived up to the hype. Facing north overlooking Place Colonel Fabien, the terrace presented lovely views of the skyline with a mix of historic and modern buildings on the horizon. Plus, the outdoor terrace was much bigger than I expected.

The wide space included a cafe table with four chairs, three comfy deck chair for relaxing, and a full-size hammock. You could easily host an impromptu cocktail party out there! The terrace was a lovely place to sit with a cup of coffee or glass of wine and flip through my Paris guidebook to plan out the adventures for the day.

The terrace room comes with twin beds that you can push together. Photo: Craig Nelson

Amenities

Generator Hostel Paris has a casual restaurant called Cafe Fabien and a bar called Le Club with DJs every night. You can prepay for the breakfast buffet, but in Paris, I almost always opt for hitting a neighborhood cafe for a coffee and croissant.

They have a large common space with free Wi-Fi and plenty of couches to hang out on. But there was no need to sit there if you have a huge terrace to enjoy!

If you want to store your bags, they have lockers you can rent. It cost €3 for six hours for the largest size which easily fit two big pieces of luggage.

And even if you don’t score a room with a terrace, they have a lovely rooftop deck, called Le Rooftop of course, with views of Sacré-Cœur that’s open to all guests when the weather is cooperating.

So would I book a private terrace room again?

Absolutely. Although, I missed the extra perks you get with a normal hotel, stepping out onto the terrace in the morning and soaking in the view was worth every euro. In this case, splurging a bit above my normal budget paid off to enjoy an experience that usually costs a lot more.

A cloudy Paris is still beautiful from a terrace room at Generator Hostel. Photo: Craig Nelson

To reserve

To check rates for your dates at the Generator Hostel, click here. Or read all reviews of our favorite budget hotels in Paris.

The post Generator Hostel Paris review: A room with a private terrace for €100 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.