Generator Paris

Formerly a derelict office block, this imposing yet gently curving property has been reborn as the hottest hostel-cum-hotel in town. Opened February 2015, the Generator Paris has thrown out the characterless and uniform hostel aesthetic for something that oozes quirky chic throughout. The reception desk -- adorned with colorful shapes and topped with vintage fairground lighting -- very much sets the tone for this fun and funky Parisian upstart. Designer lighting (that mellows in the evening) illuminates industrial concrete slabs and flea market curios while each of the spaces -- from the Moroccan-inspired chill-out room to Metro-themed underground bar -- has its own individual flavor. A set of four elevators transport guests to one of 916 beds spread over the building's eight floors, or to the hotel's superb rooftop bar, decked out with striped couches and a reclaimed-wood bar and offering views over the Sacre Coeur Basilica, Montmartre district, and even distant Eiffel Tower. While the place has its share of backpackers and young solo travelers, it also attracts couples and families on a budget.

The hotel is located on the busy Colonel Fabien square roundabout in Paris's 10th arrondissement. While it's a bit far from most of the capital's main tourist attractions, the fashionable Canal Saint-Martin district -- with its numerous cafes, vintage shops, and art galleries -- is just five minutes away on foot. The Gare du Nord train station and Eurostar terminal is about a 15- to 20-minute walk away -- or about half that by taxi -- while the Colonel Fabien Metro station is a few minutes away on foot with subway connections throughout the capital. 

The Generator Paris has a mixture of accommodation, from shared dorms with between four and 10 beds to Private Twin and Double rooms to Private Quads. Decor is clean and contemporary with playful trompe l'oeil wallpaper, smart wood floors, and minimal furnishings. Every dorm has access to a shared floor bathroom and/or an en-suite bathroom with toilet room, shower, and exterior sink area; each bunk has it its own USB port power station and lockable drawer underneath. While even Premium Terrace Rooms are very light on amenities -- there are no TVs, phones, or minibars -- these all open to private terraces, each with a table, deck chairs, and hammock. En-suite bathrooms are clean and contemporary with vintage-style white tiling, toiletries, and hairdryers, while Premium Rooms also provide bathrobes. Despite the location, room are generally not prone to traffic noise, though most windows only partially open. 

The hotel has plenty in the way of space for guests to eat, drink, and relax. A continental breakfast is served (for a small fee) in the Café Fabien, which also offers a menu of locally inspired, budget-friendly food throughout the day which can be enjoyed in a bright conservatory overlooking an area of grass. Downstairs, the Metro-themed bar -- which used to be the underground parking lot -- takes its style cues from the Paris subway while Le Rooftop Bar on the rooftop terrace serves drinks with cityscape views. The North African-style lounge also provides a relaxing space to mingle or check emails on the free Wi-Fi. With keycard entry corridors and 24-hour guard, there's a clear emphasis on security, though it can feel a little dogmatic, especially enforcement of the no-food-or-drink-in-room policy. Arts and entertainment are also on offer, with the hostel regularly hosting art exhibits, DJs, and more.