The thing that intimidates travellers most when visiting an ‘upscale’ destination like Paris is the price of the accommodations. Although there’s a compromise between staying in a budget, dingy inn and an ultra-luxurious suite in a five-star hotel – it still pays to learn about the secret little nooks which will charm your socks off, but without having to pay a huge price.
Fortunately, there are a lot of budget hotels, quaint hostels and charming bed-and-breakfast inns in Paris where you can stay. The prices of these mostly mom-and-pop business establishments can’t be beat. Some of them have been in the business for decades, accepting clients who regularly visit one of the most romantic cities in the world. It’s the personalized service which adds even more to the experience of visiting France.
So where exactly are these little gems of a Parisian hideaway? Here’s a quick list that you can keep handy so that you can make your reservations in advance:
- A Room in Paris
10th Arrondissement, 130 Rue LaFayette
Owned and managed by Peet Verrest, this bed-and-breakfast with a gourmet appeal has quite an out-of-the-way location. However, this is more than made up for by the fact that the main structure’s ornamental moldings date back to the late 1800s; the host spreads out a feast of meats, cheeses and bread each morning – there’s even free Wi-Fi!
- Ermitage Hotel Sacre-Coeur
18th Arrondissement, 24 Rue Lamarck
Unlike A Room in Paris which you have to seek out, the Ermitage Hotel Sacre Coeur has a more accessible location. The building is situated on a hillside near the Montmartre Cathedral. The accommodations have a back-to-basics feel to it because there’s no central A/C, elevators or TVs in the rooms. But it’s made to be that way, to match the dated structure and heirlooms, as well as the 36-year old keys which the Canipel family have hospitably lent to their guests for generations.
- Hotel Mayet
6th Arrondissement, 3 Rue Mayet
Whether you’re an artist or a simple art aficionado, you will shriek in delight once you see the brightly-colored murals decorating Hotel Mayet. This offbeat art hotel has a no-rules break room, twin lounge areas with flea market finds, and a breakfast room which has a rainbow-striped floor!
- Hotel de la Paix
14th Arrondissement, 225 Blvd. Raspail
The more traditional travellers who are history buffs would have a blast staying at Hotel de la paix. It’s a modern take on a classic hotel because the management have stuck to offering reasonable prices and great service on a beautiful structure with a central location.
- Hotel de la Bretonnerie
4th Arrondissement, 22 Rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie
This hotel is a late 17th century building which has floral-patterned wall coverings and exposed beams. With 29 guest rooms, both honeymooners and groups who are backpacking their way to Europe would have an unforgettable experience in this hotel which combines history with French hospitality.
- Paris Oasis
18th Arrondissement, 14 Rue Andre del Sarte
Finally, there’s Paris Oasis which is dubbed as a ‘nouveau bohemian hunt’. Althought there is no breakfast service, you can have either European or American coffee from one of the espresso machines – which you can eat with fresh bread from a nearby bakery. Another highlight of staying here is a secluded backgarden wich has its own rose bushes-surrounded dining terrace.