There is nothing more exhilarating than playing tourist in your own city. Playing a role, convincing yourself that you are going on holiday, sleeping in a different bed, dreaming in different sheets… It is a pleasure that may seem frivolous, yet it is a real breath of fresh air when you live in a large urban city, caught up in the whirlwind of Parisian life. For me, it is also an opportunity to recommend Parisian hotels that we have had the chance to test with my favorite photographer, gaining a real experience of the place rather than just casting a fleeting glance inside… And I also regularly update this article with our recent discoveries.
Table of Contents
Hotels in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris
Hôtel Saint-Marc, Paris
This 4-star hotel located right next to the Opéra Comique was truly a favorite for my favorite photographer (he obviously enjoyed taking the photos you see here) and for me. We were charmed by its atmosphere, imagined by the Milanese design agency Dimorestudio.
Housed in a building constructed in 1791 on the site of the Duc de Choiseul’s private mansion, the building is part of the history of Paris, as it housed the headquarters of the newspaper “Le National” founded by Adolphe Thiers and the famous Italian restaurant Le Poccardi. Since April 2016, the Hôtel Saint-Marc has taken over this location with historical resonances, bringing a very Art Deco tone to its spaces.
Our room 304:
The hotel offers 25 rooms between 20 and 40 m², and a 56 m² suite. They are available in six decors dominated by differences in colors and fabrics, with vintage furniture and custom-made creations.
I liked: the Nespresso coffee machine, the Hermès welcome products, and the quietest air conditioning I have ever heard (so much so that I didn’t turn it off, whereas that is usually the first thing I do when entering a hotel room).
Breakfast:
It is presented in a buffet style and is served in a large room with graphic lines, illuminated by large windows, and in good weather, it is even possible to have breakfast on one of the tables in the charming small inner patio.
Nice little detail: the honesty bar, with a selection of wines and champagnes kept in a refrigerated wine cellar.
The big plus: the magnificent spa (with a hammam and a swimming pool with hydro-massage jets), which can be privatized for free upon reservation for hotel guests. Do not hesitate to make your reservation even before arriving at the hotel to ensure you get the time slot you want.
Great tip: an open bar available all day with tea, coffee, and snacks in the breakfast room.
My favorite addresses in the neighborhood:
- The very new gastro pub Rae’s.
- Noces de Jeanette, a traditional restaurant very close to the hotel.
Tested in 2016 - Invitation
Hôtel Saint-Marc
36 rue Saint-Marc 75002 ParisConnection: free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel with a very good network
Room rates: starting from €198
Buffet breakfast: €19
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Le Square Louvois, Paris
This new 4-star hotel opened its doors this summer in the heart of the capital, in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris. Located between the opera of mademoiselle de Montansier, rue de Richelieu, and the salons of the Palais-Royal, the square Louvois is a landmark of Parisian life from the early 19th century. The establishment has maintained a certain classicism since that time through its Haussmannian influences, blended with a refined and elegant style.
Our superior room no. 208:
I found the room magnificent and the bedding was sublime, only small downside, the pretty glass door between the bedroom and the bathroom, through which we actually took funny photos with my favorite photographer, unfortunately at night it lets in far too much light for my taste…
The buffet breakfast in the room:
My favorite addresses in the neighborhood:
- Privé de Dessert 2, the second 100% savory establishment.
- Zen Zoo a nice Taiwanese cuisine restaurant.
The little extra: the magnificent swimming pool under the vault in the hotel’s basement, with its hydro-massage bench and its herbal tea room right next door, a real relaxation space you wouldn’t want to leave…
Great tip: between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., the hotel reserves a nice “like at home” afternoon snack for its guests, composed of little treats, cakes, and pastries accompanied by cold drinks, high-end teas, or hot chocolates.
Tested in 2016 - Invitation
Square Louvois
12, rue Louvois 75002 ParisConnection: free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel with a good network
Room prices: between €238 and €500
Tourist tax price per person per day: €2.48Buffet breakfast: €20 in the room and €16 for continental breakfast in
the room
Hotels in the 9th arrondissement of Paris
Hôtel 34B, Paris
This 3-star hotel located on the border between the 9th and 2nd arrondissements has 128 rooms around the blue, white, and red theme, in the colors of the capital. The hotel is composed of 3 original buildings, of which at least one part is said to date from the late 18th century, as an inscription on a large stone in the main room indicates the year 1789.
The cheerful renovation of the place, signed by Philippe Maidenberg, highlights the historical architecture of the buildings while marrying them with contemporary furniture, a distinctive mark of Astotel. I loved the large glass roof that lights up the bright breakfast room in particular. This place also becomes a convivial space during the day where guests can come to enjoy free little cakes and hot and cold drinks, an idea I found very nice. Another friendly aspect of the place is its library of books dedicated to France, which one can borrow for free during their stay. Another point I loved was the panoramic elevator leading to the rooms, which gives a magnificent view of the large lounge and the interior of the hotel as well.
Great tip: Astotel open bar (for guests only, for the hungry ones!) with soft drinks and sweet and savory snacks every day from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Our room with blue and white colors and contemporary design: we also particularly appreciated the little chocolates in the room to welcome us (here our foodie side speaks).
Breakfast is presented in a buffet style:
The little extra: free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel with a very good network.
My favorite addresses in the neighborhood:
- Go for lunch or dinner at Mamie Burger just opposite, good burgers in Paris!
- If you like large Parisian brasseries, don’t hesitate to open the door to Bouillon Chartier, very close by.
Tested in 2016 - Invitation
Hôtel 34B
34, rue Bergère 75009 ParisPrice: from €106 for a standard room
Buffet breakfast: €10
Hotels in the 10th arrondissement of Paris
Hôtel 25Hours Paris Terminus Nord
We discovered this 4-star hotel in 2022 with my favorite photographer and we returned in 2023 to sleep there and also to dine at the Neni Paris restaurant with our friends from la Bougeotte Française. The 25hours Hotel Terminus Nord is the first hotel in Paris from the trendy 25hours brand, and it opened its doors in early January 2019. It is located just across from the Gare du Nord. It is truly a living space, as it contains a great cocktail bar and also a restaurant with Israeli inspirations. I really appreciate the atmosphere of this colorful and cool place, a real urban cocoon at the crossroads of cultures, settled in a cosmopolitan neighborhood.
The hotel is truly vast since it offers 237 rooms in total. It is also possible to come and just sit at the hotel to work, as there are coworking spaces provided for this purpose.
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Our Large Plus room no. 525
We had a room in the Large Plus category. The decor of the rooms, as well as the hotel, is a mix of cultures with a touch of street art and urban culture. It is signed by Dremeita and Visto, with a tribute to African influences and colorful Wax fabrics. Our room had a large balcony with a magnificent view of the Gare du Nord. Only small disadvantage, I recommend you take your earplugs, because despite very good double glazing, you can still hear quite a lot of noise from the street, even at night. Finally, special mention for the bedding, which was really top-notch!
The good point: the mini-bar contains some drinks and snacks and it is included in the room price.
Room rates: starting from €144 per night
Tested in 2023 - Invitation
25hours Hotel Paris Terminus Nord
12 Boulevard de Denain 75010 ParisWifi: free and you can also borrow a mobile hotspot at the reception
Mobility: possibility to rent a bike at the reception to get around Paris
Neni Breakfast buffet: €26 per person
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Having a drink at the hotel: The Sape Bar
The Sape Bar takes its name from the “sapeurs” from Congo. They wear fashionable, eccentric, and brightly colored clothes that are an expression of their inner freedom for them. These modern dandies characterize the urban landscape of the 10th arrondissement and the bar’s decor pays tribute to their class and shimmering colors. I loved the decor and atmosphere of this intimate bar, the African-American soundtrack, and in addition, the cocktails (priced between €8 and €13) are very well made.
To try: the Pineapple Express (€13); the Gin Basil Smash (€13); for a non-alcoholic cocktail, I recommend the Bisson’a Bissap (€8).
Sape Bar
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Eating at the hotel: Restaurant Neni Paris
The hotel’s restaurant is located next to the Sape Bar on the first floor. It offers modern cuisine with Persian, French, Russian, and Tel-Aviv Israeli influences. Israeli chef Haya Molcho showcases cosmopolitan cuisine.
In the starters, we find an assortment of mezzes: the hummus, I particularly recommend the mango curry which is super original (€9.50); the famous Haya popcorn falafels (€9); the babaganoush (€9); the baked sweet potato (€9); you can also get the trio of mezzes to share (€24). As for the main course, we tasted the Chicken Shawarma (€23) which is very nice, the Jerusalem plate (€24); the Sabich, a vegetarian street-food specialty from Tel Aviv (€19). Finally, for desserts, I especially recommend you try the Sesam (€10), a Neni classic with toasted white sesame, house-made muscovado sugar ice cream, Har Bracha Halva, raw tahini, date syrup, caramelized pecans, or the Knafeh (€10), a specialty from the Old City of Jerusalem.
Restaurant Neni Paris
Balagan menu at €55 per person served for the whole table
Hotels in the 11th arrondissement of Paris
Hôtel Le Général, Paris
Located a stone’s throw from the Place de la République, Le Général is a hotel created by Jean-Philippe Nuel in 2000 and which the latter has just completely renovated. The hotel is an open space centered on the theme of travel, encounters, and sharing. The decor is a mix of design references, vintage furniture, and the books on the library shelves are there to participate in the life of the place. When one is passing through, one is even encouraged to leave their personal mark on the hotel: whether by scribbling on a pillar or by leaving a book or an object in the library.
Our room no. 56:
I liked the white and restful atmosphere of our small room, its open closet, its small private balcony (perfect for having the little welcome aperitif I mention just below), and the little message on the ceiling: “The world is too small not to meet us”.
Breakfast:
It is presented in a buffet style and is served in the lobby on the ground floor.
Great tip: the welcome drink offered the first evening to all guests.
My favorite addresses in the neighborhood:
- Restaurant Astier, a very good bistro with a Grand Marnier soufflé to die for!
- Les Chouettes, a gourmet address in an Eiffel-style decor.
The little extra: a sauna, a massage bed, and a fitness area accessible for free for hotel guests.
The hotel also offers pastry masterclasses (price €130 for a 3-hour session) two Wednesdays per month from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with Carl Marletti (whose cakes I loveeeeee!) and oenological and tequila tastings (€49 and €35) on Thursdays at the bar.
Tested in 2016 - Invitation
Hôtel Le Général
5/7 rue Rampon 75011 ParisConnection: free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel with a good network
Room prices: from €106 to €500
Buffet breakfast : €18 (little tip, breakfast is free when booking
on the hotel’s official website…)
Hotels in Clichy (92)
The Tribe Clichy
This hotel is located in Clichy to the north of Paris, 3 minutes from line 13. The Tribe Clichy is a new 4-star hotel from the lifestyle brand Tribe of the Accor group, opened in 2024. The establishment has 140 design and functional rooms and we were personally on the 5th floor with a very quiet room that overlooked the back of the building with a nice view. The bedding was also of quality, as well as the products offered in the room (bathroom products, coffee, and tea). The breakfast is also very nice with a nice selection of well-sourced products.
If you want to eat on-site, the address also offers a restaurant with Californian inspirations, with a signature cocktail menu, and those we tasted were really nice. To accompany all that, we had an assortment of tapas with guacamole, chicken fingers, trio of chicken tacos, and I fell in love with the roasted sweet potato, served with a leek pesto and feta cream. Finally, the hotel has a nice rooftop with a view of the Eiffel Tower, but we didn’t really have the opportunity to take advantage of it during the time of year we went, as we were there in November.
Tested in 2024 - Invitation
Tribe Clichy
105 bd Jean Jaurès, Clichy
Room rates: starting from €110 per night
Restaurant prices: signature cocktails €16 / tapas to share between €10 and €15
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Where to eat right next to the hotel? La Raviole Française
This establishment is a counter-service restaurant for eating on the go, which highlights the specialty of the South through original creations rich in flavors. The restaurant works with quality ingredients from artisan producers in the Drôme region. It is the opportunity to discover ravioles in all their forms, au gratin, in broth, or even with cream and in all kinds of sauces! La Raviole Française even adapts its specialty in a large broth ramen version with flavors between France and Japan, and it is well executed.
La Raviole Française
66 Rue de Neuilly, 92110 Clichy
Price: large ravioles broth combo + dessert + drink €14.90 / ravioles in sauce combo + dessert + drink €16.90 / ravioles gratin combo + dessert + drink €17.90
Hotels in Pantin (93)
The Tribe Pantin
This latest addition from the lifestyle brand of the Accor group, Tribe Hotels, is located in Pantin at the gates of Paris in a super trendy neighborhood (and accessible by metro which is an undeniable plus). On the program: 131 rooms with refined design, distributed in a modern building designed as a living space, with several areas to work, have a coffee, or even an Italian restaurant to eat. My favorite: the outdoor garden located at the back of the hotel which we couldn’t really enjoy because of the weather unfortunately, but which is very nice.
In the evening, we dined at the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Tribe Table. On the program: burrata (€9), watermelon gazpacho (€7), pasta (we had the paccheri alla carbonara – €14), but also vegetarian dishes like eggplant parmigiana (€15). For dessert, we tasted the 70% chocolate mousse which I found very good (€9).
Tested in 2025 - Invitation
Tribe Pantin ☆☆☆☆
70 avenue du Général Leclerc 93500 Pantin
“Tribe Table” restaurant prices: cocktails €12 / starters between €7 and €16 / mains between €13 and €19 / desserts between €8 and €14
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Practical questions
For a moment of relaxation, the Hôtel Saint-Marc has a spa with a pool and a private hammam. The Le Square Louvois hotel also has a superb vaulted pool, while the Hôtel Le Général offers a sauna and a massage bed.
The 25hours Hotel Paris Terminus Nord is a reference with its decor mixing African and Indian influences. For a refined Art Deco style, the Hôtel Saint-Marc is ideal. If you prefer a blue-white-red tricolor ambiance, the Hôtel 34B is very successful.
The 25hours Hotel Terminus Nord is located right in front of the station. It is a real living space with its Sape Bar for cocktails and its Neni restaurant offering cosmopolitan cuisine with Israeli inspiration.
The Tribe brand offers modern addresses such as the Tribe Clichy with its rooftop view of the Eiffel Tower, or the Tribe Pantin which has a pretty garden and the Italian restaurant Tribe Table.
Find all my hotel reviews below:
⇒ All my hotel reviews
⇒ My hotel reviews in Paris
⇒ My hotel reviews in France
⇒ My hotel reviews in the World
MY HOTELS IN PARIS
⇒ The Normandy Hotel
⇒ The Royal Madeleine Hotel
⇒ The Banke Hotel
⇒ Okko Hotel Porte de Versailles
⇒ Hôtel de Malte
⇒ The Sofitel Paris Arc de Triomphe
Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez Photos not royalty-free, photographer's authorization required before any use
