Paris may have a reputation for being pricey but look closer and there are some wonderful, unique hostels to be found – and they aren’t as expensive as you might think.
Generator Paris (Photo: Booking.com)
Paris has a reputation for art, food and romance – and being quite expensive. But while those rumours about a 10 Euro can of cola on the Champs-Élysées may or may not be true, there is definitely reasonably priced accommodation in Paris to be found, if you know where to look. Hostels these days are a world away from the spartan options they once were, with modern amenities and stylish interior design, plus price tags that are often a lot cheaper than hotels. You can get your own room too if sharing a dorm doesn’t quite fit in with the vision of a sophisticated weekend away in the French capital. Here are five charming hostels in Paris with private rooms.
Generator Paris
Ever since Generator Hostels started putting on Boiler Room DJ sets in the gardens in Berlin it was clear that this chain was serious about putting the image of a the hostel as a scruffy budget option to bed. The company has since then gone on to be a reliable, and trendy, name in budget accommodation in European capital cities. Generator Paris is a very cool hostel in the lively 10th district in Paris, featuring free WiFi access and stylish rooftop lounge that wouldn’t look out of place in a Soho House. All the contemporary rooms have air conditioning, bed linen and a private bathroom with a shower. From €108.
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St Christopher’s Inn Paris – Canal
St Christopher’s Inn (Photo: Booking.com)
One of the big unique selling points of this hostel is its location. It is directly on the famous Canal Saint Martin and has a terrace that look out over the water almost as if you are in a boat. It’s well positioned geographically too, only 350 metres from Crimé Metro Station. There is a selection of dormitories and private rooms, with the latter including shower, toilet and a shower, plus a locker and padlocks can be bought at the reception. Guests even benefit from a discount at Belushi’s, the hostel’s bar and restaurant. Breakfast is a decent €7. From €49.
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The People – Paris Marais
This charming hostel is really unique in its decor, with plants entwining through the interiors and brightly coloured murals on the wall – it could easily pass for an upmarket boutique hotel. The attention to detail continues in the rooms, with a well thought out use of space, as well as extras such as a desk and extra soundproofing to ensure a good night’s sleep. There is a shared lounge, terrace, restaurant and bar too, with free WiFi throughout. Location-wise the hostel is excellent, being 1.3km from Notre Dame cathedral. You even get karaoke nights for that authentic hostel experience. From €149.
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UCPA Sport Station Hostel Paris
UCPA Sport Station (Photo: Booking.com)
While it’s arguably less fancy than the Generator Hostel, UCPA Sport Station has a really good range of facilities. For starters there is a fitness centre – not your usual addition to hostel life – and then there is a terrace, a restaurant and a bar. This hostel gets top marks for cleanliness and the staff are really friendly, with some good tips if you are in Paris for the first time. There are dorm options but the private rooms all come equipped with a desk for working as well as a private bathroom. For a little more cash a buffet breakfast is a good option. From €79.
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The People – Paris Nation
Another beautiful hostel that is more than a match for some of Paris’s nicer boutique hotels, this establishment features a wonderful terrace for sipping a beer as dusk, as well as a restaurant, bar, and free WiFi throughout. The styling is a pleasing mix of contemporary and vintage, the interiors really hitting the sweet spot. The staff are really friendly and always happy to help, as well as speaking a variety of languages. The private rooms get a bathroom and coffee machine and guests at the hostel can enjoy a buffet or a continental breakfast. Gare de l’Est is 4.9 km away from the hostel. From €133.
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