Paris, the City of Lights, is renowned for its romance, art, and fashion. But don’t be fooled by its glamorous reputation – you don’t need a royal budget to experience the magic of this enchanting city.
Here’s a guide to the best affordable hotels in Paris, each with its unique charm and personality, proving that you can travel in style without emptying your wallet.
Hipster Haven
For those seeking an offbeat, artistic vibe, the People hotel is your Parisian haven. This trendy hostel embraces a local-minded ethos, offering comfortable double rooms with a minimalist Scandinavian flair. Forget your typical hostel fare; here, you’ll find thoughtfully selected local products, from coffee sourced from the Belleville Brûlerie to beers from local microbreweries. The Parc de Belleville, with its breathtaking panoramic views of Paris, is a short stroll away.
Playful and Fun
The Mama group has redefined the Parisian hotel scene with its vibrant and playful establishments. Their second Parisian outpost, like its predecessor, features a lively central bar and dining room, complete with playful touches like table football and board games. The hotel’s location, in a quiet residential area, may be slightly off the beaten path, but the nearby Line 12 Metro provides easy access to the city center in under 30 minutes. The friendly staff ensure a comfortable and seamless stay.
Value for Money
Since opening its first hotel in Nantes in 2014, the Hotel du Nord brand has become a force to be reckoned with in the affordable boutique hotel scene. While its location might not boast Eiffel Tower views, the hotel’s central position near Gare de l’Est provides easy access to the heart of the city via Line 4 Metro. The stylish rooms feature plush bedding, and the hotel offers a generous all-inclusive snack and apero selection, with cheese and charcuterie.
Eiffel Tower Views
The Generator group is known for its stylish hostels, and their Parisian offering is no exception. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the Eiffel Tower from the cool rooftop bar. Choose from budget-friendly options ranging from basic yet bright double rooms to shared dormitories. While the hotel isn’t located in the city center, it’s a 15-minute walk from Gare du Nord and also close to the picturesque Buttes Chaumont park and the lively Canal Saint-Martin. The Line 2 Metro, located right outside the hotel, will take you across the city to Montmartre.
Antique Delights
Cross the Périphérique ring road to Saint-Ouen, the suburb on the northern edge of Paris renowned for its vast weekend flea market, and you’ll find the Mob Hotel, a great value stay in a bohemian setting. Housed in the former industrial offices of General Electric, the hotel features an inviting central bar/restaurant and a spacious outdoor terrace. The pared-back rooms offer a few quirky touches, and the surrounding area is a treasure trove of artistic and cultural delights. The charming cobbled streets of Montmartre are within walking distance.
Hostel Harmony
Located in the trendy east of Paris, the Generator hostel offers a relaxed and modern atmosphere with affordable accommodation options, from shared dorms to private rooms. The highlight of this hostel is its expansive roof terrace, complete with comfortable lounge seating, a cocktail bar, and a laid-back pizza restaurant. The hostel embraces its local surroundings, featuring a neighbourhood skate association on site and offering easy access to the vibrant bars and restaurants in the area. Nearby attractions include the Père Lachaise cemetery, home to the graves of legendary figures like Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Frédéric Chopin.
Family-Friendly Fun
For families seeking a comfortable and modern stay, the Hôtel Le Petit Paris is the perfect choice. Located in a tranquil residential area, just a short distance from the Eiffel Tower, the hotel provides a wealth of amenities, including a gym, sauna, work booths, and a car park. Families are well catered for, with baby washrooms and kitchens equipped with microwaves and bottle warmers. Unique features like the rooftop vegetable garden and the building’s façade, designed in collaboration with French artist Daniel Buren, add a touch of Parisian charm.
Sustainability in Style
Nestled in an authentic pocket of southern Paris, the Hôtel du Nord offers a peaceful retreat with a strong commitment to sustainability that goes beyond mere marketing. Solar panels on the front of the hotel power the exterior lights, while a peaceful garden at the back provides a space for relaxation and offers guests access to bicycles free of charge. Rainwater is collected, food waste is composted, and the hotel proudly serves an organic breakfast. Be sure to sample the Breton crêperies that dot the area.
Peaceful Retreat
MIJE offers three charming guesthouses housed in beautiful 17th-century townhouses. While primarily catering to French school groups, the guesthouses also welcome private travellers. Despite its central location in the heart of the historic Marais district, the guesthouse is remarkably quiet, with a picturesque courtyard and even birdsong. However, party animals beware: alcohol is not allowed on the premises, and quiet hours commence at 10pm.
Montmartre Charm
The Ibis Styles hotel boasts tasteful, contemporary decor and excellent amenities at an incredibly reasonable price. Located in a residential area behind the Montmartre hill, the hotel provides easy access to a wealth of great local bars and restaurants, including the vast converted train station La Recyclerie. The hotel is a popular choice for visitors seeking a quiet retreat away from the bustling tourist crowds on the other side of the hill. Metro Lines 12 (Jules Joffrin) and 4 (Porte de Clignancourt) are within walking distance.
Cosy Weekend Escapes
This cute, pastel-hued boutique hotel, located on the art-filled sloping streets of Menilmontant, is excellent value for those seeking a cosy weekend getaway. Expect cheerful, vintage-inspired design, clean and comfortable rooms, and friendly staff who will make you feel right at home. Explore the nearby bar La Bellevilloise or wander through the atmospheric alleys of Père Lachaise. The hotel is accessible for visitors with reduced mobility.
Modern Comfort
If you don’t mind staying slightly outside of the Paris city centre, the citizenM in La Défense offers an affordable price tag without compromising on in-room comfort and modern design. This area is known for its business district and its large concert venue, but it’s a short and pleasant Metro ride on Line 1 to some of Paris’s top attractions, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées, the Louvre, and the Tuileries Garden. The hotel features the practical yet playful design that the Dutch chain is known for and provides excellent, laid-back service.
Latin Quarter Delight
In a world of Instagram-worthy boutique hotels, the Hôtel du Nord offers a refreshing change. This charming guesthouse, renowned for its good value and warm welcome, has been run by the Keniger family since its opening in the mid-Fifties. Located in the intellectual and bohemian Latin Quarter, the guesthouse has a rich history, having hosted renowned writers such as American poet e. e. cummings. Expect a warm welcome and a delicious French breakfast.
Music Lovers’ Paradise
While situated on the edge of the city in the 19th arrondissement, the ReMIX Hotel is conveniently located near Metro Lines 7, 5, and 3b as well as the RER E, making it easy to reach central Paris in 15 minutes. With the Zénith and Philharmonie de Paris just a short walk away, architect Saar Zafrir has used music as the inspiration for the hotel’s design. Neon, velvet, and marble adorn the Eighties rock-inspired rooms, while the bar, with its striking trumpet decor, hosts after-work drinks with DJs. The hotel offers a gym and co-working space, and rooms with doubles and bunk beds cater to families and groups.
From hip hostels to charming guesthouses, there’s an affordable option for every traveller in Paris. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of the City of Lights without breaking the bank.
