Hotel Rivoli

The Hôtel Rivoli is an old-fashioned cheap sleep with a price that’s hard to beat—a great option for those who aren’t fond of youth hostels and don't mind the constant hum of the busy Rue de Rivoli. Located in the Marais across from the Hôtel de Ville (city hall) and a Metro station, it's very centrally located.

First, the big selling point: The zero-star Hotel Rivoli is located across the street the Hotel de Ville on the Rue de Rivoli. Given this incredibly central location, the fact that you can get a clean double room with a private bathroom for around €124 a night in peak season makes it one of the best remaining cheap sleeps in Paris.

As for the 20 rooms, they’re unapologetically plain and a bit scruffy, with thin carpeting and no artwork on the walls. The beds have one long, cylindrical pillow instead of two standard ones. Rooms have a phone and Wi-Fi access, but there's no TV.

All rooms face rue de Rivoli, and eight sport wrought iron terraces with a view of city hall. Two rooms on the sixth floor (no elevator) peek out at Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. (The proprietor explained that he usually reserves these for his youngest—and fittest—clients.)

About 60% of rooms are currently equipped with a private bath, so be sure to state clearly which type you’re after when reserving. There are rooms with their own toilet, sink and shower, rooms with just a sink and shower, and rooms with only a sink (both with toilets in the hall).

The reception on the first floor has a sterile, 1970s look to it, with linoleum tiling and bland furnishings. There's a small lounge area for watching TV, not to mention one of the last surviving pay phones in town that takes coins.

The hotel doesn't offer breakfast at this time.

Location

What the Hotel Rivoli lacks in charm and amenities, it makes up for in location. While not much of a hotspot itself, the Hotel Rivoli borders the trendy Marais neighborhood on the Right Bank, the heart of both gay and Jewish life. You’ll be a few minute’s walk from bars, vintage shopping, and the best €6 falafel in town.

If you're willing to shell out a bit more for a room, the Grand Hotel du Loiret is located just next door and offers newly renovated three-star rooms (with a curfew). Meanwhile, the quirky Hotel de Nice is less than a block away along the rue de Rivoli and has design to spare.

Transportation

Reaching the Hotel Rivoli is easy. The Metro stop "Hotel de Ville," serviced by the lines 1 and 11, is a convenient station for those coming from most airports and train stations.

Charles de Gaulle Airport: Take the RER B to Chatelet and switch to the line 1. Or take the Roissy Bus to Opéra, take line 8 to Republique, and switch to line 11.

Orly Airport: Take Orlyval train to RER B to Chatelet and switch to line 1 to Hotel de Ville. Or take the Orlybus to Denfert-Rochereau and switch to the Metro.

Gare de Lyon: Take Metro line 1.

Gare de l’Est or Gare du Nord: Take Metro line 5 to Bastille and switch to line 1.