The 17 best cheap hotels in Paris to enjoy the capital on a budget

Designed by Philippe Starck, Mama Shelter is a step in a new direction for any Paris fan. The vast room on the ground floor is modern and warm and from the outside, the place is impressive – the massive building faces the Flèche d’Or and you see the full impact once you’ve entered the reception area. It’s one of three Mama hotels in Paris – this one opened first – and its whole ethos is based around a relaxed sense of youthful fun.

The rooms are like a very cool and upmarket take on student accommodation, with exposed passages of concrete wall, eclectic furniture and an array of movies (including x-rated cartoons). There are also meeting spaces available for hire if you need to work while staying here.

The other draw is the relaxed restaurant with live music and a good sharing-focused menu. But if the weather is fine and you just fancy cocktails, head upwards to the rooftop bar to stetch out on all those cushions.

Another reason to stay here is that it’s pretty close to Père Lachaise cemetery, which is always worth a visit (or a re-visit).

The mood? Urban chic. 
Location perks? Close to the 20th arrondissement, known for its village feel and wealth of greenery. 
How cheap is cheap? Seriously cheap.

The glitzy four-star ReMIX Hotel is full of club vibes and a musical atmosphere, without breaking the bank. Refurbished by the well-known designer Saar Zafrir, the 259 rooms are unique and very cool, with lots of neon, velvet, and marble for added luxury. There's a variety of room sizes to choose from, and they're all decorated with a blend of Parisian glamour and 80s rock. Located in the trendy La Villette district in Paris, you'll be close to the city centre, green space and water. On-site, there's a bar and restaurant with subtle Rock 'n' Roll vibes, and there's space for co-working, should you have to answer emails on your city break. 

The mood? Retro-glam. 
Location perks? You're 10 minutes down the road from The Zenith and Philharmonie de Paris concert venues.
How cheap is cheap? Dirt cheap - perfect for being bougie on a budget lot.

Within two miles of two mainline railway stations and the Pompidou Center, guests at Babel Belleville are in a great position to travel around the city and get to grips with its art scene and culture. But don’t forget to also explore the local neighbourhood and its eclectic blend of cultural and historical influences. It’s a really interesting area for giving you a slightly alternative view of the city.

As for the hotel itself, every corner of this place is designed with style and ambience in mind; there is a dark, warm colour scheme running throughout the interiors, making them super cosy and inviting – perfect, in other words, for if you’re planning a wintertime trip to France rather than the traditional summer one.

The one-site restaurant-bar is a real highlight. The menu is inflected with North African and Middle Eastern influences, along with some Mediterranean classics. If it feels too early for wine, consider sampling their mint tea while sitting outdoors instead.

This place is both pretty and pretty special.

The mood? Eclectic but cosy.

Location perks? Surrounded by transport links, it's found in the popular, bustling neighbourhood of Belleville.  
How cheap is cheap? A steal for what it is. 

Always filled with a hubbub of laughter and clinking glasses, the hotel’s reception melds into the restaurant and the conviviality will have you staying longer than planned. Designed by two inspirational architects, Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay, from the Festen agency, the decor is inspired by the neo-classicism of the Nouvel Athènes micro-neighbourhood. Just a one-minute dash from the nearest metro station and only five minutes away from Moulin Rouge. 

The mood? Sultry and modern. 
Location perks? Guests love this spot for its lively atmosphere and 'chilled, cool vibe'. This one's also a good shout if you're looking for no-fuss vegan options. 
How cheap is cheap? Still kind of cheap by Paris' standards, especially if you split between two. 

Jardin de Villiers is a five-minute walk from a metro station, providing direct access to Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées. Aside from its convenient location, this small yet charming hotel has a lot going for it; except a private garden, serving as a sanctuary away from the city, a sauna and a buffet breakfast that will see you through a day of exploring.  

The mood? Peaceful and quiet. 
Location perks? Close to the charming village of Battignoles and within walking distance of multiple museums and theatres. 
How cheap is cheap? Super reasonable. 

Opening in 2006, Five Hotel was the first boutique hotel in the French capital and its reputation has blossomed thanks to the creative and passionate team behind it. Close to Jardin des Plantes, Vincent Bastie and Marie-Paule Clout’s design conjures up images of romantic adventures and enchanted cosmic spaces. Tuck into delectable French pastries each morning (for just over a tenner) and enjoy the fully-stocked complimentary snacks and beverage bar available throughout the day. 

The mood? Retro funk.
Location perks? Hits ringard chic on the head, while offering you a comfy and spacious room. You'll also have Les Gobelins Metro Station and Luxembourg Gardens on your doorstep. It also sits in the oldest area in Paris. 
 How cheap is cheap? Pretty cheap and super central. 

Not long ago, a trip to Paris meant choosing between an extravagant (but exorbitant) palace or a three-star chain lacking style and taste. But now Paris is home to plenty of independent micro hotels with a modus operando of being trendy and reasonably priced. And Hotel Paradis fits this mould perfectly. If you're only in Paris for the weekend, you'll probably want to avoid the faff of getting around as much as possible, which is why this super central location is a winner. Close to Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est and Château d'Eau Metro so you can just hop on. 

The mood? The classic croissant on the balcony moment.
Location perks? A short stroll from the effortlessly chic department store, Galeries Lafayette. 
How cheap is cheap? Pretty cheap for a decent size room. 

This small hotel on the left bank is not far from the Manufacture des Gobelins and blends several eras with precision and charm. The nineteenth-century wallpaper and contemporary coloured tiles in the entrance hall go together wonderfully. The majority of the decorative objects come from the personal collection of Vanessa Scoffier, the former editor of Marie Claire and a complete accessory queen. Think Guariche coffee tables and Platner armchairs.

The mood? Uber stylish. 
Location perks? Just 10 minutes away is the picturesque Rue Mouffetard, buzzing with restaurant options and street stalls. 
How cheap is cheap? A decently priced couples stay. 

The spirit of Marilyn Monroe has been kept alive in the 15th arrondissement, not far from the Beaugrenelle shopping complex. A true shrine to the star, the hotel's cinematic touches catapult you into a world of fifties sass with Vincent Bastié, architect and renowned hotel decorator, at the helm. Think pastel yellow accents, diffused lamps, vintage furniture and black and white checkerboard floors – not to mention, Marilyn in video and photo form.

The mood? A tad sexy. 
Location perks? Located in the 15th arrondissement where you'll find a sh*t tonne of boulangeries and only a 20-minute gander to the Eiffel Tower.  
How cheap is cheap? Decent starting prices.  

"With the spirit of a Parisian house, we combine elegance with a cool attitude": there’s no doubt that style is of the utmost importance at the C.O.Q. ("Community of Quality"). Expect Memphis lamps, Zanotta furniture, Farrow & Ball paint on the walls. Designed by Pauline D’Hoop and Delphine Sauvage from Favorite Agency, Michel Delloye’s C.O.Q hotel can be truly proud of its trappings.

The mood? Cosy and chic. 
Location perks? Hop on at Place d’Italie Metro (just five minutes away) with direct access to the Eiffel Tower.
How cheap is cheap? A little more spenny, but c'est la vie, it's Paris.  

Just the right distance from the chaos of the Madeleine and main Parisian shopping district, Hôtel Chavanel is the epitome of peace. Its take on discrete luxury makes it feel like home: exposed wooden beam ceilings and contemporary design with all the features of an upmarket hotel. At the outset, it may seem a little mish-mash, but take time to examine the details in the 25 rooms and you will see that nothing is left to chance.

The mood? Minimalist but fancy. 
Location perks? Close to popular attractions like Fragonard Perfume Museum and the Louvre Museum - no trip is complete without laying eyes on the Mona Lisa.  
How cheap is cheap? A budget-friendly steal (especially when you go halves). 

Hotels now have to make a statement: each new address tries to stand out with a stronger aesthetic, quirkier touches and more original décor. Take the aptly named Hidden Hotel, nestled at the bottom of rue de l’Arc de Triomphe, a few steps from the monument of the same name. The first of Elegancia’s ventures, which also runs OFF Paris Seine, boasts décor that will trump all the tired clichés.

The mood? Sultry-chic (bet you're tired of hearing that word). 
Location perks? Plenty to explore on foot, including Parc Monceau.
How cheap is cheap? On the pricier side of cheap. 

The 9th arrondissement is well-equipped when it comes to hotels, owing to its geographical situation and its lively reputation. Rue Clauzel, a stone’s throw from rue des Martyrs, Monmarte and Moulin Rouge, boasts several addresses including the great boutique shop Nous at number 19, the vintage store Zach & Sam at number 13, and of course hotel Matins de Paris at number three. This four-star hotel has 33 rooms with minimalist and functional decor, such as its kitsch paintings of Pigalle and beautiful brightly-coloured curtains. For that much-needed downtime, there's also an on-site with a Turkish bath and pool. Delightful. 

The mood? Minimalist kitsch. 
Location perks? Walk to Sacre-Coeur in just 13 minutes. 
How cheap is cheap? Pleasantly low-cost for a classic room.

SoPi (South Pigalle) is the new hotspot in Paris and tourists have duly taken note. With its designer boutiques, trendy restaurants and concept store bakeries, the streets just south of Pigalle are full of surprises. Far from the hustle and bustle of the famous Pigalle drag, those in search of the livelier side of Paris will delight in this address nestled away in a courtyard.

The mood? Button cute decor. 
Location perks? With Pigalle and Saint-Georges metro so close by, you'll have the best of Paris at your beck and call.  
How cheap is cheap? Light on the wallet. 

Located in the 14th district of Paris, guests can find brasseries and theatres and the hotel is a 15-minute walk from Montparnasse Train Station. The 24-hour reception hotel offers a bar, garden and soundproofed rooms with air-conditioning and a satellite, LCD TV. Free Wi-Fi access is available. Here, you'll find light-filled rooms, with cosy-minimal decor that gives off a laid-back vintage vibe much like the effortless sophistication of Paris itself. We're sold. 

The mood? Vintage chic.  
Location perks? Close to Catacombes de Paris, Place de Séoul and Luxembourg Gardens. 
How cheap is cheap? Sooo cheap. 

A colossal building that towers eight floors high and includes 198 rooms and 920 beds, Generator might as well be a small village. Owned by the British group Patron Capital, Generator is a monster in the hotel industry, with hostels in London, Berlin, Rome, Dublin and even Barcelona, each one with a well-established strategy: reasonable prices, in a cool area and with decor by up-and-coming designers. Head down to the lounge and you'll find the cafe serving a local-inspired menu, while the DJ selection at the terrace bar ensures good vibes all night long. 

The mood? Coffee lounge vibes. 
Location perks? Hipster hub, Canal St Martin has plenty of bars and vintage boutiques for rummaging around. 
How cheap is cheap? Super cheap. 

The bourgeois-bohemian Hotel Panache is on the corner of Poissonnière, one of the liveliest streets in the 9th. Adrien Gloaguen chose this area, wedged between SoPi (South Pigalle) and Grands Boulevards carefully for his hotel-restaurant comprising 38 very Parisian rooms decorated by the excellent Dorothée Meilichzon – who also designed the Hotel Paradis.

The mood? Simply elegant. 
Location perks? A short walk to Galaries Lafayette, and lots of restaurant options including the veggie and budget-friendly, Caffe Jadis. 
How cheap is cheap? Pretty decent.