Generator has urban hostels in 17 cities across Europe and the USA that go down well with a wide range of travellers from euro-counting backpackers and posses of celebrating friends to sightseeing couples and families. This one in north east Paris is centrally located in a modern nine-storey building with 202 rooms. Both staff and guests are international and you can go for an inexpensive shared dormitory or pay more to have a private room, both being clean and comfortable with a no-frills style. As with budget airlines, expect to pay for extras such as luggage storage or a 1pm check-out, but once everything's sorted you're in the heart of the city with plenty of good times ahead.
Architecture fans will appreciate Oscar Niemeyer's monumental French Communist Party Headquarters, also in Place du Colonel Fabien, which was designed in 1966 but only completed in 1980.
Canal St Martin is only five minutes' walk and is where you'll find bars, restaurants and vintage shops.
By plane: Flights from London or Manchester to Paris Charles De Gaulle take 1 hour 15 minutes and the hotel is a 40-minute drive. skyscanner.com
By train: Eurostar from London to Paris Gare du Nord takes 2 hours 20 minutes and the hotel is a 20-minute walk. thetrainline.com
Globe-trotting travellers of all ages keeping an eye on costs will enjoy it here. Guests include stag and hen parties, groups of friends, families and students (including school trips). This is a good pick for first-time visitors or party groups who prefer to spend their money on exploring Paris rather than on where they sleep.
The hostel is full of people enjoying themselves - look out for adverts for happy hours and late night karaoke sessions.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Terrace
- Board games
- Bike hire
- Free Wi-Fi
The private rooms on the eighth floor at the back have a view over the garden with the Sacré-Coeur basilica in the distance. The style may be spartan but the room is warm, everything's clean and the beds are super-comfy.
Shared Room, Private Room, Private Deluxe, Private Superior, Private Terrace
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, desk and chair, storage, free Wi-Fi (based on private rooms)
On the 9th floor, the Khayma rooftop bar and terrace has views to the Sacré-Coeur basilica and is open in the evening from April to October. Café Fabien is fine for a beer.
Café Fabien: casual dining, French cuisine. All-day dining, open daily.
Khaymar Rooftop: rooftop bar, creative cocktails. Open Apr-Oct, Wed-Sun, 6-10pm.
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