Year after year Paris tops the lists of most expensive cities in the world to visit. The leading factor for this ranking? The average nightly cost of hotels.
The good news is that this particular ranking doesn’t dictate whether or not you can affordably visit Paris. If you do just a bit of research you will find a plethora of affordable lodging options. Whether you’re looking for hostels, AirBNBs or your classic hotels there are truly options at each and every price point.
Don’t have time to do the research? Never fear, I have you covered with my roundup of my favorite affordable Paris hotels under $200 a night.
8, rue de Navarin
9th Arrondissement
Situated in trendy South Pigalle, this chic boutique hotel features 20 guest rooms, some of which have been designed by renowned artists and designers. Romantic, Hôtel Amour is not. Edgy, cool, and full of life, it is. In addition to its guest rooms, Hôtel Amour offers a hip restaurant and bar a well as a gorgeous secluded courtyard you can steal away to during summer months. The area surrounding the hotel is full of life and filled to the brim with fabulous restaurants and bars to check out.
Note that there are some not so subtle erotic undertones throughout this hotel, so don’t take your grandmother here.
109, rue de Bagnolet
20th Arrondissement
Mama Shelter is located in the multicultural melting pot that is the 20th arrondissement. It features futuristic furniture, chalkboard graffiti covered walls, a very hipster vibe, and personality galore. Perhaps the most unique part of the hotel is the fact that it includes a dining area and lounge that guests and locals from all walks of life flock to. This is a great hotel to check out if you are looking for a social, more communal experience in a part of the city that tourists often overlook.
25, rue du Bouloi
1st Arrondissement
If you’re taking your first trip to Paris and planning seeing all the iconic sites, do yourself a favor and book Hotel Crayon. Located near Palais Royal and the Louvre, the vibrant and colorful hotel is a hop, skip and a jump away from just about every historical site first-timers will want to see. The hotel is full of imaginative charm, perhaps most notable in their “Honesty Bar” which allows you to help yourself to endless drinks and coffee, all on the honor system.
3, rue de Jarnete
4th Arrondissement
Hôtel Jeanne d’Arc is located in the heart of the Marais and has the feel of a classic Parisian hotel thanks to its beamed provincial ceilings and sloping eaves. The word “charm” comes most to mind when describing the area and hotel itself. You can turn down any of the local streets and be greeted by a plethora of small eateries and shops, almost giving you the impression that you are a true Parisian local.
8, rue Laferrière
9th Arrondissement
This clean and artistic hotel is tucked away on a quiet street away the hustle and bustle of tourist-filled central Paris. Featuring a friendly staff, a breakfast buffet that garners rave reviews, bright and comfortably sized rooms, Hôtel Arvor is a fabulous option for couples and families alike. If you’re looking to take a break from the sights, check out their selection of art books available for browsing and paperbacks available for borrowing.
4, rue Frochot
9th Arrondissement
This gorgeous gem is also located in South Pigalle just underneath Montmartre. The hotel offers an eclectic lobby full of interesting pieces of art, a friendly staff and gorgeous, climate controlled rooms. Their beds are absolutely heavenly and are guaranteed to offer you some of the best sleep of your life. Though the hotel is on a lively street, the rooms remain silent little pockets of heaven. Book the top floor looking out onto rue Frochot for a classic view of Parisian rooftops.
I hope this has demonstrated that there are great deals to be found in the City of Light, as there are in all destinations, if you’re willing to be just a bit patient and think outside the box.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling in the off season book just one or two nights in a hotel prior to your arrival, then take advantage of last minute deals once you are in the city. You can often get up to 60% off advertised room prices by booking the day of, taking any of these $100+ a night hotels down to a comfortable $60 – $80.