Paris has a reputation for expensive hotels, but charm does not have to cost a fortune. The secret is to look beyond the most famous streets: a few metro stops away, lively neighbourhoods hide boutique hotels, design hotels and stylish hostels with private rooms.
These five give you character, comfort and a good base – without the palace price tag.
| # | Hotel | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hôtel Henriette | Gobelins | Couples, Good value |
| 2 | Mama Shelter Paris East | Père-Lachaise | Good value |
| 3 | The Hoxton, Paris | Sentier | Good value, Travelling with a dog |
| 4 | Generator Paris | Canal Saint-Martin | Good value |
| 5 | The People Paris Belleville | Belleville | Good value |
How we chose these hotels
We looked for quality for what you pay: design or charm, clean comfortable rooms, a good atmosphere and fast metro links to the sights. Rates change with the season and demand, so compare them with the button under each hotel.
1. Hôtel Henriette
A charming boutique hotel with just 32 rooms, characterful vintage and Scandinavian décor and a flower-filled patio. It is near Rue Mouffetard and the Latin Quarter, and the Jardin des Plantes and the Panthéon are within walking distance.
- Hotel
- Boutique hotel
- Area
- Gobelins
- Location
- 9 Rue des Gobelins, 75013 Paris
- Best for
- Couples, Good value
Why we like it
- Characterful décor mixing vintage and Scandinavian design
- A flower-filled patio for breakfast or reading
- Near Rue Mouffetard and the Latin Quarter
Good to know
- Rooms are compact, as often in Paris
- Breakfast is optional
2. Mama Shelter Paris East
Fun Philippe Starck design, a lively restaurant and a rooftop bar in summer: Mama Shelter shows that a design hotel can be relaxed. Rooms are small but clever, and the Marais is a few metro stops away.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Area
- Père-Lachaise
- Location
- 109 Rue de Bagnolet, 75020 Paris
- Best for
- Good value
Why we like it
- Playful design by Philippe Starck
- Lively restaurant and pizzeria, and a rooftop bar in summer
- Near Père-Lachaise cemetery
Good to know
- Rooms are small
- Away from the main sights: count on the metro
3. The Hoxton, Paris
An 18th-century townhouse turned design hotel in the central 2nd arrondissement. Choose a compact room to keep costs down and enjoy the buzzing lobby and bar – and if you travel with a dog, it stays free.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Area
- Sentier
- Location
- 30-32 Rue du Sentier, 75002 Paris
- Best for
- Good value, Travelling with a dog
Why we like it
- An 18th-century townhouse with a buzzing bar and restaurant
- One dog per room (up to about 18 kg) at no extra charge, with bed, bowls and treats
- Central 2nd arrondissement, close to the Grands Boulevards
Good to know
- The smallest rooms are compact
- The ground floor is lively in the evening
4. Generator Paris
A design hostel near the Canal Saint-Martin with many private rooms, many of them with their own bathroom – a good option for couples and friends. The rooftop terrace bar is a great place to start the evening.
- Hotel
- Hostel
- Area
- Canal Saint-Martin
- Location
- 9-11 Place du Colonel Fabien, 75010 Paris
- Best for
- Good value
Why we like it
- Private rooms with their own bathroom, not only dorms
- Rooftop terrace bar with city views
- Next to Colonel Fabien metro, near the Canal Saint-Martin
Good to know
- A hostel atmosphere: social and sometimes noisy
- Check whether your private room is en-suite
5. The People Paris Belleville
Formerly Les Piaules, this lively hostel in Belleville has private rooms and dorms, a bar popular with locals and a rooftop terrace with views over the city. Couronnes metro is two minutes away.
- Hotel
- Hostel
- Area
- Belleville
- Location
- 59 Boulevard de Belleville, 75011 Paris
- Best for
- Good value
Why we like it
- Rooftop terrace with views over the monuments of Paris
- Bar and restaurant popular with locals
- Two minutes from Couronnes metro
Good to know
- Hostel atmosphere; private rooms are simple
- Belleville is lively and multicultural rather than postcard Paris
How to save on your stay
- Travel in low season: January, February and November are usually quieter.
- Avoid trade fairs and fashion weeks, when rates rise across the city.
- Stay a few metro stops out: you gain charm and save money, and the metro is quick.
- Save on sightseeing too: many museums are free on the first Sunday of some months and for under-26 EU residents – see our Paris travel tips.
Ready to plan? Start with Paris in 3 days and where to stay in Paris.
