If you’re in Paris to have a good time but also want to keep one eye on your budget (and who doesn’t?) it’s hard to imagine a smarter hotel choice than the citizenM just by Gare De Lyon. Beaming straight up into the lobby from street level is a space-age experience. One minute your negotiating one of Paris’ busiest Seine-side, glass-and-steel interchanges, then one short elevator ride later, you step out into a colourful, modern hotel lobby.
Yes, citizenM is a wallet-friendly chain that lets you do a self-service check in, but there are plenty of capable staff on hand at all times should you need any help. And that’s the defining thing about this venue, a lot of effort’s gone into making the experience as slick and as comfortable as possible, despite the price tag. It’s inarguable that they’ve succeeded in this: everything from the massive bed to the room’s functional but fun decor. This isn’t a place you’ll ever find scuffed edges, visibly hung-over staff or broken air con.
Special shout out to the hotel’s breakfast bar. It’s can’t be easy to provide a viable breakfast in a gourmand's paradise like Paris. But citizenM’s buffet breakfast isn’t just a ‘decent option’, it’s actively very good. Combine all of this with the 12-minute journey to and from the Eurostar and you’re looking at a fairly unbeatable option for Brits longing for a quick dose of Parisian pleasure.
Neighbourhood
The area around Gare de Lyon, the 12th arrondissement, is fun, unpretentious and - crucially - ideally located to reach pretty much any part of the city. The Bastille, an area synonymous with interesting bars and cafes, is also just a short walk away. Young, fun and student-y, the Bastille is a great late-night area that isn’t rammed with tourists like some of the more central neighbourhoods. You can also access the Coulée verte René-Dumont, Paris’ plant-filled elevated walkway from here.
Nearby
Jardin des Plantes The dictionary definition of a ‘modestly sized, picturesque park’, this is a perfect place for a morning stroll, just a hop across the river from the hotel. Paris’ palatial Natural History Museum is situated at the far end of it, too.
Le Baron Rouge For our money, one of the coolest little bars in Paris. A fantastic mix of old and young clientele, friendly (and knowledgeable) service and a lovely line in delicious yet affordable wines. Odd opening hours though, so don’t rock up without checking.
Bistrot Des Tournelles A brilliant, old-school restaurant not too far from citizenM. You really can’t do better than this place if you’re looking for warmth, authentic French atmosphere and rustic cooking. Incredibly reasonable prices, too.
Time Out tip
Sounds a bit outre, but citizenM actually provide a kind of bespoke sleep guide for guests. If you have trouble getting some kip, just fill in some basic information and your room’s iPad will make sure wake-up times, lighting and heating are all suited to your particular chronotype. Sounds gimmicky? People pay thousands of Euros for that kind of service, so our advice is snap it up when it’s free.