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Paris: the city of lights, where art reigns supreme and the scent of croissants is never far. But the question on most visitors’ minds is less romantic: how much will a trip cost you? I have good news, mon ami. Affordable hotels in Paris do actually exist, and they’re more common than you might think.
In fact, hotels in Paris can be surprisingly reasonable if you know the right places and more importantly, book early. Don’t get me wrong – we’re still in a cosmopolitan, incredibly popular cultural capital, so it’s never going to be cheap. But there are ways to experience Paris more affordably without skimping on that signature French charm.
Ready to discover where to stay in Paris without the financial shock? Let’s dive in.
Getting a good hotel deal in Paris
First, let’s talk about the big city rule. Places like Paris, London, Barcelona or Hong Kong rarely reward a last-minute budget traveler. You might get lucky, but the rule of thumb is that if you’re looking for a deal, you’ll want to book in advance.
If you’re unsure on plans or keen to try bag a last-minute bargain, at least cover yourself by booking a plan B with free cancellation (remembering to either commit or cancel before the cutoff date). This will give you the flexibility to look for other options closer to the time without risking needing to settle for expensive accommodation, a dodgy neighbourhood, or a spot way outside the city. Which brings me to the next big city rule: everything depends on location.
Understanding the Arrondissements of Paris
In Paris, location is usually measured in arrondissements (essentially neighborhoods). These are numbered districts that spiral out from the center of the city like a snail shell. Each of the 20 arrondissements has its own unique vibe, landmarks, and personality. Knowing a bit about them can help you choose the perfect spot to stay. Very generally:
1st to 8th arrondissements:
central districts where you’ll find major attractions like the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Champs-Élysées. It’s a gorgeous area, but tends to be pricey.
9th to 12th arrondissements:
mix of residential and commercial areas, offering a balance between local life and accessibility to attractions.
13th to 20th arrondissements:
more residential, authentic Parisian life unfolds here and at gentler prices. The trade off is that these districts can vary greatly in atmosphere and safety.
Like any big city, Paris also has some not-so-desirable areas. Nighttime at the train stations (like Gare du Nord or Gare de l’Est) is not somewhere I like to be, for example. If you find a cluster of hotels priced significantly less than other areas, there may be a reason for it, whether that’s poor soundproofing on a street full of night clubs, limited transport options, or sketchy activities after dark. Do a bit of due diligence.
Don’t be discouraged though – the same can be said about any capital. Paris remains a fantastic city packed with history, culture and gastronomy. It may seem vast at first, but it’ll warm to you.
Without further ado, let’s get into some affordable hotels in Paris. A disclaimer: the prices below give an idea of the cheapest rates, and don’t factor in peak times such as Fashion Week, summer weekends, or sports tournaments. And because it’s all about location, I’ve divided the list by arrondissements of Paris.
Affordable hotels in the 1st to 8th arrondissements
Odeon Hotel by Malone (5th)
Star rating: 3***
Starts at: £95, more likely £150 on a weekend
Location: Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement)
Located in the vibrant Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement – the oldest in Paris), this 3-star hotel packs a punch. It’s a hop, skip and a jump from the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens and strolling distance from Notre-Dame Cathedral, Châtelet les Halles, and the chic Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Rooms come with cable TV and air conditioning. Staff is friendly and multilingual, ready to point you to the best pain au chocolat in town. Considering its location and good reviews, its starting price of £95 is a steal.
Hotel Saint-André des Arts (6th)
- Star rating: 4****
- Starts at: £150 per night, but more like £200-£300
- Location: Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 6th arrondissement
It may be cliché (or is it classic?), but the café, shops and restaurant-lined Saint-Germain-des-Prés remains one of my favourite places to stroll, people watch and stay. If you want a deal in this area of Paris, you’ll almost always need to book in advance, as it’s tough to land offers here. Rooms can be small and you better like stairs, but boy is it a lovely neighborhood.
One hotel in this area is the Hotel Saint-André. Combining bold, colorful decor with classic Parisian charm, you’ll find exposed brick walls, eclectic furnishings, and a variety of room types. The hotel’s location in the left bank of the Seine makes it easy to explore the lively cafes, shops, and galleries that define this storied neighborhood.
I hesitated to include this one because normal rates around around £200 or £300, but I have seen an Expedia deal for £126 a night for a standard room, so I’m sharing it just in case. If you see a deal for under £130, snag it!
Hôtel de la Boétie (8th)
- Star rating: 4****
- Starts at: £115
- Location: Champs-Élysées, 8th arrondissement
Just a block away from the bustling Champs-Élysées, the renovated Hôtel de la Boétie is another art deco Paris find. The location is pretty unbeatable for Central Paris – it’s a few steps away from the vibrant shopping streets and close to both the Arc de Triomphe and the Grand Palais.
Inside, there’s a 24-hour reception, a bar, plush fabrics and bright fixtures. Noted Swedish architect and designer Beata Heuman worked on the hotel, preserving the history of the building while adding a modern touch. The result? ‘A symphony of periods, a patchwork of harmony where the 20th century meets current needs,’ according to la Boétie, that is.
If you like what you see, Beata Heuman’s bestselling book, ‘Every Room Should Sing’, may hit a similar chord.
Astotel Hotels (8th, 9th)
Astotel has a series of cute and cosy hotels in Paris in central locations. The following are all three stars, 8th or 9th arrondissement, and with a starting rate of under £90 per night.
➡️ Hotel 34B (8th arrondissement)
➡️ Hotel Joyce (9th arrondissement)
➡️ Hotel Astoria (8th arrondissement)
➡️ Hotel Augustin (8th arrondissement)
➡️ Hotel Acadia (9th arrondissement)
➡️ Hotel Caumartin Opera (9th arrondissement)
They also have a number of 4-star hotels (like the 123 Elysees and 123 Sebastopol), but they’re more expensive.
Affordable hotels in the 9th to 12th arrondissements
Hotel Fabric (11th)
Star rating: 4****
Starts at: £130 per night, more like £200 on a weekend
Location: Oberkampf, 11th arrondissement
Once a textile factory, Hotel Fabric combines industrial charm with modern comforts. Think high ceilings, vintage decor, and a cool, unique character.
Located in the bohemian Oberkampf district, Hotel Fabric is close to local markets, artisan shops, and lively nightlife. You’ll find a communal lounge, a buffet breakfast, and free hammam access, making it perfect for a trendy and relaxing stay in the heart of Paris.
The hotel is popular, and you’d need to plan with plenty of notice to land the £140 starting rate (most often found on Sunday nights). I’ve found the best rates going direct with this one. One great thing about Hotel Fabric is that you can see rates in the calendar, so it’s easy to see if the dates you have in mind are in budget or not.
➡️ Hotel Fabric
Hôtel Les Deux Gares (10th)
- Star rating: 4****
- Starts at: £95
- Location: 10th arrondissement
Turning back to the art-deco theme, we have the Hôtel Les Deux Gares. This playful, art-centric hotel is aptly named, as Gare means train station in French, and the hotel is located between Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est. With retro decor that combines vibrant patterns and mid-century modern touches, it’s a cosy and unique stay near Canal Saint Martin.
The hotel is ideal for people coming in by train who want to get around the city quickly. As aforementioned, the areas by the train station aren’t great at night and can get very loud. Still, as long as you don’t walk around alone late night and keep an eye on your belongings, you should be fine (I’ve stayed there myself several times). And the trade off is pretty nice – you can pay less £100 for a centrally located, 4-star hotel in Paris, which also has a small gym and sauna. In central Paris, that’s very rare.
Le Général Hotel (11th)
- Star rating: 4****
- Starts at: £100
- Location: République, 11th arrondissement
Modern, sleek, and a little cheeky, the Hotel Le Général is a contemporary option for travelers who want comfort without blowing the budget. Located near Place de la République, this boutique hotel is known for a bold, eclectic aesthetic, fitness facilities, and even a small spa area.
The République neighborhood has a little bit of everything: buzzing cafes, trendy bars, and plenty of transport links to whisk you around Paris. This makes the Hotel Le Général a fantastic choice for first-time visitors who want a well-connected base to explore the city. Plus, rates can drop as low as £100 per night both in advance as well as last-minute – quite a win for a 4-star hotel in the heart of Paris. Of course the availability is not guaranteed if booked late, but it’s worth checking, and through their direct website.
Affordable hotels in the 13th to 20th arrondissements
Solar Hotel (14th)
Star rating: 2**
Starts at: £85
Location: 14th arrondissement (Denfert-Rochereau)
For a no-frills place that embodies conscious living, look no further than the Solar Hotel. It bills itself as the first green budget hotel in central Paris, and combines environmental responsibility with genuine affordability.
Rates are refreshingly simple. Single rooms start at £85 (€99) and go up to £170 (€199), while doubles start at £93 (€109) and also go up to £170 (€199). The rate includes organic breakfast, free Wi-Fi, TV, garden access, and even free bicycle use. The rooms are not particularly luxurious (it’s a 2** hotel), but it will be hard to find a better price-location ratio.
The hotel occupies two eco-friendly buildings (the Solar and its annex, the Lionceau) near the pedestrianized rue Daguerre. The location is brilliantly practical too. Just south of trendy Montparnasse, you’ll have direct airport connections via Orly-bus or RER, plus you’re a stone’s throw from the Denfert-Rochereau metro station.
➡️ Solar Hotel
The 3 Ducks Eiffel Tower by Hiphophostels (15th)
Star rating: Hostel
Starts at: £25 for a shared dorm, £85 for a private twin
Location: 15th arrondissement
We can’t talk about budget accommodation without mentioning a hostel. 3 Ducks Boutique Hostel (and bar) is set in the 15th district. The area retains a cosy charm while still having everything in reach. You could walk to the Eiffel Tower in around thirty minutes, or take one of the many nearby transport options to get around.
The hostel is set within a renovated 18th-century building, with modern, colourful rooms, a terrace and a bar. You can book a bed in a shared dorms starting around £25, or £95 for an en-suite private twin (although you’d have to book direct and early to find that rate).
Being that central and paying less than £100 per night would be a celebration for anyone overnighting in Paris. The only snag is you won’t be the only one celebrating – as with many hostels, there’s a bar, and it can get loud. It also may not be a great one for the summer, as there’s no A/C.
C.O.Q. Hôtel Paris (13th)
Star rating: 4****
Starts at: £100
Location: 13th Arrondissement
A stylish boutique hotel located in the 13th arrondissement, C.O.Q. (short for Community of Quality) offers cozy rooms with elegant interiors. The hotel features a chic lounge area and a garden terrace, making it a cosy retreat for unwinding after exploring the city.
Situated near the Quartier Asiatique and the charming Butte-aux-Cailles district, this area combines cultural richness and local charm. Visitors can enjoy varied cuisine, explore picturesque streets, or visit nearby landmarks like the National Library. With excellent metro connections, the hotel ensures that Paris’ main attractions are never far away.
Hôtel De Neuville Arc de Triomphe (17th)
Star rating: 4****
Starts at: £80
Location: 17th Arrondissement
I used to stay here when I was coming to Paris a lot for work, and thought it was such a gem. Tucked away in the 17th arrondissement, the De Neuville is housed in a former mansion and has everything in reach – either through a longer walk or through the metro a couple of minutes from the hotel. The area itself is a mix of upscale residential streets and more lively market areas, making it perfect for a more relaxed but still convenient stay.
Interiors are warm and inviting, the beds are super comfortable, and the ambiance is friendly and cosy. It’s less modern than other hotels, but it’s a perfectly charming place to stay.
➡️ Hôtel De Neuville Arc de Triomphe
Babel Belleville (20th)
Star rating: 3***
Starts at: £75
Location: 20th Arrondissement
Located in the lively Belleville neighborhood, the delightfully creative Babel hotel captures the area’s artistic vibe with cozy, earth-toned interiors and hand-crafted design touches.
Belleville is a further afield from the tourist areas, and is a real melting pot of cultures. You’ll find vibrant markets, diverse dining options, and lots of street art. The nearby Parc de Belleville also makes for lovely walks with beautiful city views. You’ll get better bang for your buck here – although some tourists will prefer to stay in other more touristy areas.
➡️ Babel Hotel
Tips for finding affordable hotels in Paris
And there you have it! Hopefully this little tour around the arrondissements has shown that it’s absolutely possible to find affordable hotels in Paris.
By the way, this is just a tiny selection. There are actually loads that come in. under £150 per night. Still, remember: getting a great deal in Paris is as much an art as it is a science. Here are a few final tips to help you land a budget accommodation.
Book early.
Book early when you can. If you want to stay on the lookout for flash sales and last-minute bargains, make sure you have a backup plan.
If booking late, use filters.
Of course booking early is the ideal, but we’ve all been in the situation where something comes up and you need to book quickly. If you’re in that situation, Google Maps is a fantastic tool. Go to maps.google.com, write ‘hotels in Paris’, pop in your desired guest rating (I immediately exclude anything under 4 out of 5 stars for guest reviews), add your price filter, and voila! You’ll have a list of what’s available within your budget and price rating shown on a map.
You can do the same on Booking, Expedia and other trip booking platforms, but I find Google Maps is the best way to get an idea of availability quickly. The screenshot below shows a search for tomorrow (November 23rd, 2024) for example, when there’s a lot of last-minute availability. Remember to always check the direct websites, which sometimes have deals that don’t show up on aggregators.
Book direct.
Sometimes, Booking or Expedia status can get you great deals for hotels. However, for every single one of the hotels I’ve listed above, the direct rate was consistently and significantly more favourable when researching. Finding a deal through a third-party is possible, but make sure you cross-reference.
Check the timing.
Prices skyrocket during big events, from Paris Fashion Week to the Roland Garros, the Six Nations or Rugby Sevens. Late January and February often have the best deals. Also, factor in that midweek stays are often cheaper than weekends (except Sunday nights, which are usually the cheapest of all).
Use alerts.
Set up price alerts on platforms like Google Travel. It’s a hands-off way to pounce on price drops.
Consider the arrondissements.
While the central districts are undeniably convenient, don’t dismiss outer neighbourhoods like the 13th or 14th arrondissement. They’re quieter, more affordable, and often just a quick metro ride to the action. If you’re comfortable taking the regional trains, you can also stay on the outskirts of Paris and commute in, like many locals do every day.
Prepare for the elevators.
Less an affordable hotel tip and more of a general disclaimer for Central Paris: hotels, especially older buildings, can have small elevators. And when I say small, I mean tiny. It’s charming, but if you have a lot of luggage or need a spacious lift for accessibility, check in advance before you book to avoid a nasty surprise.
Check the city tax.
If a hotel asks you to pay an additional amount after you’ve paid online, you’re not getting scammed – it’s the city tax. Sometimes rates include this sometimes they don’t. If you’re comparing different options, make sure you factor this in. City tax varies according to the hotel’s location and classification.
A trip to Paris does not have to break the bank. With a bit of strategy and savvy, you can enjoy the city’s magic without emptying your wallet. Bon voyage!
If you’ve made it down here, I’d love to know:
- Are there any affordable hotels in Paris you loved that I should add?
- Should I write a similar article for luxury hotels in Paris?
Don’t fancy Paris? Check out the rest of France by rail with our ultimate guide to French trains.
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