Ibis Styles Paris Cadet Lafayette

very very small room

This was one of the smallest hotel rooms I’ve stayed in. It was basically a narrow, long-ish capsule. But considering that, it contained a single bed, a small table that folds out from the wall, an open wooden wardrobe, and a chair. If you’re a single traveller who’s okay with a tight space, and want to be near Gare du Nord, this kind of room is a good option. I would not call it cheap, though; you’re paying for being close to a transport hub. In hindsight, I might not pick this hotel again, because if you have luggage, it’s a bit of a trek to and from Gare du Nord - at least ten minutes, some of it uphill. Getting to and from the nearest metro station, Poissoniere, involves a set of stairs, but that’s only about a four-minute walk. Overall, it’s probably among the more budget-friendly hotels closest to Gare du Nord that is not in an iffy location. There’s a little ledge running above the bed that you can use to keep things on, and a smallish shelf too. Also, a reading light. The fittings in the bathroom were nice and seem to have been installed recently. The shower is tiny, and you shouldn’t really try to turn around when you’re in there, but I (think) I have used smaller ones! In the room I was in, water tended to seep out of the shower onto the floor below, but not so much that it was a big deal. All-purpose hair and body gel is provided in the shower, and handwash by the sink. The “view” was of the walls of a building, but I’d rather have that than a nicer view that comes with more noise. Breakfast is the usual Ibis Styles one - a cold buffet, with boiled eggs as the hot option. The fresh orange juice (that you squeeze yourself) is a standout. There are a couple of well-rated restaurants at the square down the road, and a Franprix and Carrefour not far away.

I have stayed several times at this hotel, and it will always be my first choice for any trip to Paris. First, it’s beside the Metro at Poissonnière with easy links to central Paris and Gare du Nord. Secondly, the hotel staff are exceptionally good and have made every stay really good. It is also quiet and stylish.