Hotel Tiquetonne

The Hotel Tiquetonne is a massive, creaky and fabulously feminine place, providing 45 simple and homey rooms at low rates. The hotel offers a central Right Bank location, sitting a couple blocks north of Les Halles on the rue Tiquetonne, a pedestrian street filled with hip boutiques.

The Tiqueonne is one of the most popular hotels on EuroCheapo, and for good reason: Year after year, it continues to offer comfortable and clean rooms (most with private bath) in central Paris at very low rates. Indeed, most doubles with private bath go for €150. This is an especially good rate when you consider the size of the rooms, around 215 square feet, nearly double the size of a standard Parisian hotel room.

It also benefits from a healthy dash of charm. Built in the 1920s, it has retained an old-world vibe, even amidst its most recent wave of renovations. Ceilings are high (on most floors), the winding staircase is both elegant and spooky, the lobby is a frosty pink and the management exhibits a humorous disposition that seems straight out of central casting.

The hotel’s 45 guestrooms are mostly spacious (there are some narrow singles) and decorated with slightly tired red carpet, floral wallpaper and repro paintings. The furniture is vintage (or just plain old). Notably, rooms do not have TVs, although each has free Wi-Fi and a telephone to receive calls.

Most rooms have nicely tiled baths equipped with showers. Guests staying in the singles with shared facilities will need to shell out an extra €5 for use of the shower. Note that several rooms with private bath actually open from the hallway into the bathroom, which could lead to surprising situations if you’re not careful. (This layout does have the benefit of blocking hallway noise from the bedroom.)

Half of the rooms look out onto the pedestrian rue Tiquetonne (filled with cute and hip shops), while the others face a large back courtyard (see photo). We like those facing the street, and we definitely prefer higher floors. There are some wonderful views to be had here, so ask when reserving—don’t be intimidated! Tip: Room 701 offers a classic view over Parisian rooftops towards Sacré-Cœur.

Certainly, the hotel isn't for those looking for a modern room equipped with a TV and air conditioning. However, romantics will appreciate the sense of history that lives in every thick, pink brushstroke of the Tiquetonne.

The hotel does have an elevator, but no breakfast.

Note: Speaking French is a plus, as not all of the Tiquetonne's staff speaks English. Also, this hotel is quite popular—you should contact at least two months in advance to reserve.