Hotel Magenta 38's chic decor and carefully curated accents evoke an atmosphere more commonly associated with upscale properties. Sleek, minimalist Scandinavian style mixed with a dose of mid-century modern makes the lobby inviting. The entrance is marked by an elegant chandelier with sky blue fixtures hanging from a ceiling cutout exposing pressed vintage tin underneath. By the curved reception desk, a small lounge in modern neutral tones with punches of red and an ornate white fireplace give a place to relax. Nespresso coffee, tea, and fruit are on offer as well. Farther back, private nooks offer lounge chairs clustered around low tables and a window seat lined with cushions. But it's the quirky details that give the space character, such as the sheet music for "Le Poinçonneur des Lilas" by Serge Gainsbourg framed on the wall. There's an adjoining outdoor terrace with chocolate brown wicker patio furniture and a 70s-style hanging bird's nest chair. The breakfast bar seating area is far less attractive but is said to be getting a refresh in summer 2016. Leading up to rooms is a charming spiral staircase with intricate finials at the base of balusters. The single elevator makes for an easier haul but some guests note that there are long waits for service. Clientele tends to be the young and young at heart looking for a fun and stylish atmosphere. Hotel Magenta 38 is part of the HappyCulture chain, with 19 hotels in Paris and a handful in eight other major French cities.

Canal Saint-Martin has been a magnet for trendy Parisians for roughly a decade, packed with restaurants, bars, and boutiques. But the hotel isn't within walking distance of major sights with the exception of Center Georges Pompidou and the Marais, located in the 4th Arrondissement, which is about a 25-minute walk. But the metro is a short walk away and can get you clear across central Paris in 45 minutes or less. 

• Two-minute walk to the Jacques Bonsergent Metro station 
• Eight-minute walk to Gare de l'Est 
• 12-minute walk to Canal Saint-Martin
• 13-minute walk to Gare du Nord for access to the RER B to Charles de Gaulle Airport
• 17-minutes to Musée du Louvre via Métro
• 25 minutes to Jardin du Luxembourg via Métro
• 26 minutes to Champs-Élysées via Métro
• 31 minutes to Musée d'Orsay via Métro
• 32 minutes to Arc de Triomphe via Métro
• 33 minutes to Sacré-Cœur via Métro and Funiculaire de Montmartre
• 38 minutes to Eiffel Tower via Métro
• 22-minute drive to Charles de Gaulle Airport; 26-minute drive to Orly Airport 

The lobby's Scandinavian-meets-mid-century-modern motif continues in the hotel's rooms. The overall look is minimalist, with a white-and-neutrals palette warmed up by splashes of tangerine and striped bed linens adding texture. Wood tones ranging from blonde to tawny brown in a variety of finishes further embellish the cozy effect. Floor-to-ceiling drapes are done in a sophisticated café au lait color, and walls are adorned with framed vintage-style street scenes of Paris. Simple wood desks are paired with Eames-style chairs. Rooms have free Wi-Fi, minibars, flat-screen TVs with cable and satellite channels, electric kettles with tea and instant coffee, safes, and air-conditioning. Some rooms offer balconies with views and triples are furnished with convertible sofas. White-tile bathrooms have bathtubs or stall showers; they're clean, but don't feel as posh. Fixtures are up-to-date but a few minor details could use refreshing such as the grouting and old-model hairdryers. Expect minimal toiletries, wall-mounted pump dispensers of shower gel, and ho-hum products. Singles start at about 100 square feet; upgrading to a premium room buys a little less than double the space. 

The Hotel Magenta 38 offers solid perks and a handful of small details that make for a pleasant stay. There's free Wi-Fi throughout the property and a happy hour with local craft beer and savory snacks. In the lobby, refreshments such as Nespresso, tea, and fruit are on the house, complimentary newspapers, and a bookcase packed with plenty to read. While there's no business center, computer workstations are set up near reception. There's also room service, a concierge, and umbrellas on loan for rainy Paris days. A breakfast buffet (for a fee) serves eggs and sausage, croissants and mini chocolate croissants, Saint-Paulin cheese and Rosette de Lyon Salami, a variety of cold cereal, and mixed berries. Small pets are allowed for a nightly fee, and there's a charge for parking and the airport shuttle.