If you are planning a trip to Paris and hoping for inspiring yet affordable accommodation, you might want to consider the 25 Hours Hotel.
In a city where smiles are earned, there is no shortage of welcoming faces in the 25 Hours Hotel. From the all-seeing concierge to the relaxed staff at reception, you will be looked after as soon as you walk in.
Location
Whether your trip to Paris is for business or pleasure you will not be able to miss the 25 Hours Hotel as you stride off the Eurostar and out of the Gare du Nord. The large 4-star hotel takes pride of place opposite the station meaning that you can walk straight off the train and into your hotel.
Dropping the bags off and commencing your Parisian adventure is one advantage of choosing the 25 Hours Hotel. The other is that when it’s time to leave you won’t have the stressful “will we, won’t we make it” feeling whilst sitting in the seemingly nonstop rush hour that is Paris traffic.
The hotel is located north of the River Seine, around 1km from the Sacre Coeur, 3km from the recently reopened Notre Dame, and 6km from the Eiffel Tower.
The Rooms
They offer a range of rooms from cute Single rooms up to Extra Large Balcony rooms from which you can live out your Parisian balcony dreams with dramatic up-close views of the Gare du Nord.
I have stayed at this hotel twice and I can honestly say it’s the best night’s sleep I have had in years. They offer king-size beds with no annoying zipper down the middle. The mattresses are new and with just the right spring to them, and the rooms are double-glazed to minimize any noise. Bravo. I have debated hopping on the Eurostar just to go and get a good night’s sleep here, they are that good.
The Vibe
25 Hours Hotel is quirky and eclectic with a strong African art aesthetic. Lots of the vibrant artwork draws inspiration from migrant communities that have settled around the Gare du Nord. There is something to look at from every angle from the plastic doll toys which were the first ever manufactured toy in Africa, to the Kollywood poster referencing the large Tamil community in the area.
The communal co-working spaces feel practical and friendly with people going about their business and there are cute, kitsch touches like the typewriters on which you can type out a love letter for posting at the main reception.
Sape Bar
The Sape Bar is inspired by the flamboyant yet elegant clothing of Sapeurs, whose extravagant outfits contrasted against their living conditions in West Africa. Expect a dark gentlemen’s club feel with luxe velvets and bright colours. There is a large bronze bar where you can pull up a chair and order from an exciting cocktail list featuring a bright green Gin Basil Smash and a very drinkable mezcal-based Purple Rain.
The Food at Neni
Neni is where you will find a classic French/continental buffet breakfast to fuel your days of sightseeing, and at night it transforms into Neni the Persian/Arabic-inspired restaurant.
I could not believe my eyes when the Maître d had a Kir Royale waiting for me on my table. It was an entire year since I had eaten in the restaurant, and he remembered by aperitif of choice, bravo! What fabulous service! It is a great space in which to enjoy a meal with views of the Gare du Nord and fantastic fun artwork throughout.
I enjoyed a delicious steak, cooked the French way, i.e. much more on the rare side despite the friendly reminder from the Maître d that I might want it medium. I obviously forgot where I was, it was succulent, and yummy nonetheless.
I highly recommend this hotel for its friendly service, the most comfortable beds, and convenient location – you will not be missing the Eurostar back to blighty!
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
Feature image supplied
