Paris is one of those places where finding affordable accommodation can feel like a genuinely impossible task. It’s either pay a small fortune, or settle for a hotel with mouldy ceilings or an AirBnB which is so far out you may as well be in Lyon. Luckily, there are a few good options out there if you know where to look (and if you’re willing to settle for something without bells and whistles).
StayCity is one of them: a neat, well-equipped apart-hotel within walking distance of Gare De L’Est station. If you’re looking for good value for money and no-nonsense rooms, head here for a reliable base to come back to after a long day exploring.
Why stay at StayCity Gare De L’Est?
Book this if you want an easy trip away that doesn’t break the bank. StayCity is a chain of apart-hotels across Europe which offer well-connected locations, modern facilities and simple design – they’re known for their convenience and reliability, and Gare De L’Est didn’t disappoint in that regard.
That said, most rooms at this particular location are definitely on the smaller side (that’s Paris for you), and the reception itself is tiny – so if you’re planning on spending significant time at the hotel or want somewhere a bit more aesthetic, this is probably not the place for you. But if you’re less about lounging around and are more of a get-up-and-go sort of traveller? You could do a lot worse.
I stayed over a long weekend during the Paris marathon and packed so much into the three days that I was rarely there anyway – I was so exhausted after a day of croissant eating and wine drinking that all I cared about was getting home easily to a comfy bed.
What are the rooms like at StayCity Gare De L’Est?
In one word: functional. The rooms are simply and inoffensively decorated, with an accent cushion on the bed and poppy framed art on the walls. Wifi is available (as you’d hope) and there’s a TV. You might find it slightly claustrophobic at first – the bathroom, for example, only has room for one person at a time.
That said, they manage to fit an impressive amount into a small space. You’ll find a well-equipped kitchenette area with a working hob, fridge, crockery and sink (we easily made a cooked breakfast and coffee to fuel us up in the morning), as well as a double bed, open wardrobe and chairs. The only let down was – despite the room itself being clean – the shower filled up with water fast, suggesting it hadn’t been thoroughly seen to.
What are the best things to eat at StayCity Gare De L’Est?
Remember when we said this was small? Yeah, don’t be expecting grand breakfasts or swanky onsite restaurants here. You’ve got your kitchenette and there’s also a small downstairs tuckshop area – with a fridge of drinks, basic coffee machine, pastries and snacks – tucked away past reception after you walk in. But you’re in Paris: you’d be much better off heading to one of the nearby traditional boulangeries instead.
What is the service like at StayCity Gare De L’Est?
Friendly – but basic. Don’t be expecting much more than you’d get from a hostel or Premier Inn.
Reception closes at 11pm and they will change your rooms over, at request. They were also very accommodating when we asked for late checkout – from 11am to 2pm. You can store luggage, too, but that’s about it.
What is the area like around StayCity Gare De L’Est?
Situated close to both the canal and train station in the 10th arrondissement, the surrounding area has a gritty Parisian charm. It’s home to the colourful arcades of Passage Brady and a ten-minute stroll from the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin, where you can cosplay being a local at trendy wine bars and al fresco bistros serving up onion soup and pommes frites.
It’s also well situated to explore the rest of the city with ease. Walk fifteen minutes west and you’ll soon be in the cobbled streets of the Marais, where you can check out the Victor Hugo museum and independent boutiques; hop on the Metro (it’s close to lines 2, 4, 5, and 7) and in twenty you’re wandering the Louvre or looking up at Notre Dame.
Why you should book a stay at StayCity Gare De L’Est
Book here if you’d rather save your pennies on accommodation and instead spend them on steak and frites or souvenirs – or, if you want somewhere with basic cooking facilities without going for a full-blown AirBnB. StayCity Gare De L’Est might be small, but it uses space well and you can count on it for all your basic needs.
DETAILS
Address: 5-7 Pass. Dubail, 75010 Paris, France
Price per night: Starting at around £99 per night
Closest transport: Gare De L’Est is a five-minute walk away
Book now: Click here