Every time I stay at a Generator I am floored at how well this company does what it does. They GET what budget travellers want: modern and no-frills rooms, a lively yet inviting ambiance, ample power sockets and free WiFi, a good location and fair prices. We don’t need no bellboys and minibars and jacuzzis; we just want a good place to spend the night that won’t break the bank. And this is exactly what is offered at Generator Hostel Paris, the newest property in the Generator’s European empire.
Generator Hostel Paris: The Location
Located in the emerging and über-cool district of the 10e arrondissement, the hostel is literally just a few minutes walk from the picturesque Canal Saint-Martin. I am not exagerating when I say that the location is perfect; on one hand, there are plenty of things to see and do in the area, and on the other, it can be easily reached from Gare du Nord and two different métro lines. There’s also a pharmacy and small grocery on the other side of the leafy roundabout where the Generator stands.
Location-wise, very few accommodations in Paris do as well as the Generator does.
Good places in the area:
- Du pain et des idées bakery 34 Rue Yves Toudic
- Ten Belles café 10 Rue de la Grange aux Belles
- La Cantine de Quentin bistro and winebar 75 rue Bichat
- La Chambre aux oiseaux café and bakery 73 rue Bichat
- Danny Hills American bistro 84 Avenue Secrétan
- Buttes Chaumont park
- Antoine & lili boutique 95 Quai de Valmy
Generator Hostel Paris: My Room
The rooms spread over nine floors, with the privates and terraces being located on the higher ones. The Generator is actually housed in a former, derelict office building which gives it a no-nonsense, spread out feeling that so few other hostels have.
You can understand my surprise and amazement when I opened the curtains in my room, and was blessed with this amazing view of the Montmartre hill and Sacré-Coeur. I really don’t think you can get this nice of a view for such a small price anywhere else in Paris!
The rooms are very spacious even by North American standards; there is ample space to accommodate two medium-to-high-maintenance girls with large suitcases and numerous shopping bags (true story). And the fact that the beds are mounted onto a sliding rail makes it easy to bring them together and create a double bed, or to slide them even further apart if you’re travelling with a friend or if your relationship is “complicated”. ;-)
Bonus points to Generator for providing power sockets on each side of the bed. This is the 21st century and travellers need to charge their tech – it’s sad how many hotels *still* don’t quite get that.
Because this is France and because pretty much all bathrooms are laid out that way in France, the toilet is separate from the shower which is separate from the vanity. Although it seems odd to the North American traveller, this is actually brilliant for travel partners who have the same shower schedule.
How affordable is the Generator?
Privates twins and doubles start at €98.
Terrace rooms start at €128.
Dorms start at €25.
Generator Hostel Paris: Common Areas
The hostel’s ground floor are as spacious and tastefully designed as the rooms; the lobby alone would make for a great chilling area if it wasn’t for the existing and super nice 24-hour common lounge pictured below.
The hotel also features a rooftop terrace (again, AMAZING for a hostel) and a bespoke coffee shop/breakfast room, Café Fabien. With métro tiles walls and a beautiful sunroom, this café is bright and airy and makes for a nice destination for morning coffee and croissant.
Other amenities at the Generator Hostel Paris:
- Travel shop (which includes a travel shop where you can book tours and buy awesome Generator merch)
- Luggage room with lockers
- Laundry units
- Free WiFi
The post Where to Stay in Paris: Generator Hostel appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.