Le Pigalle

You won’t be short on evening entertainment, with some of Paris’s most hyped bars and restaurants within close walking distance, such as Lulu White’s and Le Mansart. The hotel is also perfectly placed for exploring the villagey charms of Montmartre and the sweeping views at the top of the 'butte'. The nearest Métro is Pigalle, which connects to Place de la Concorde and the Left Bank via Line 12; it is also on Line 2.

The décor, courtesy of interior design duo Charlotte De Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay, blends retro pieces with a modern finish. The open-plan lounge and dining area on the ground level features speckled linoleum floors, plush Sixties-style armchairs, retro lamps and natty vintage rugs. Artwork – spanning urban photography to a whimsical cartoon strips – is supplied by local artists, while the playlists and 'vinyl library' are selected by a neighbouring DJ. Communal areas are wrapped in a musky scent thanks to candles from Paris fragrance favourite, Le Labo. Attention to detail continues into the rooms.

Relaxed uniforms of T-shirts and jeans set the tone. The staff are laid-back and friendly, but also attentive. Guests are invited to work and linger in the open-plan communal area, where food and drinks are available all day. Unusually for Paris, there is a late menu, an edited version of the dinner menu, available from 11pm until 2am. Room service is also available.

Each of the 40 rooms is a little different – staying in them is like staying in the room of a hip Parisian friend with exceptionally good taste: a Seventies drinks cabinet here, a Sixties velvet armchair there, but with thoroughly modern comforts and amenities, such as TV and USB sockets. Beds are made up with soft cotton, plump pillows and snuggly throws. Charmingly hotchpotch paintings, photos and prints (from local artists, naturally) decorate the walls and surfaces, plus a small selection of Paris-themed books. Bathrooms feature marble sinks, powerful rain showers and products from Le Labo. A few larger rooms feature free-standing vintage baths.

Rooms 21, 22 and the hotel’s one suite have their own turntable hooked up to a wireless speaker, plus a curated section of records (Elvis Presley, Serge Gainsbourg and Roots Manuva in my room). Guests in all rooms have use of an iPad, which features a few local recommendations, plus hotel info and a chat-with-staff feature. Narrow Rue Frochot is packed with bars, so you can hear street noise into the early hours at the front of the property – you can opt for a quieter room at the back of the hotel.

Food is served all day with small, ingredient-led menus, featuring seasonal small plates and larger dishes. Simplicity is key: the burrata topped with zesty orange and (€16/£16) is very good; more rustic favourites like croque monsieur are also available. There is a good selection of organic French wines and a small selection of tasty cocktails, plus spirits and beer. Breakfast is à la carte, with a selection of cooked eggs, yoghurt, fruit compote and cereal. 

In 2021 the hotel opened up a coffee shop next-door. It’s got a distinctly New York feel with the pared-back wooden walls and chill atmosphere. Expect excellent coffee and variations like matcha and turmeric lattes. A good spot to have breakfast and plan your day out in Paris.

Double rooms from €106 (£94) in low season; and from €355 (£314) in high. Breakfast not included; à la carte from €5-€10 (£4.50-£9). Food is reasonably priced for the area. Free Wi-Fi. 

Yes. Public spaces are accessible and there are adapted rooms.

The vibe of the hotel is pretty grown-up but children are welcome. Adjoining rooms, plus a room with bunkbeds, are available.