Gone are the days when Paris was all about romance. Minimalist design is sweeping through the city fast and hotels are following suit. Paris now has many stylish and efficient options to cater for the cool couture kids who prefer less fuss more functionality.
I first visited the up-and-coming area of Canal Saint Martin a few years ago to gorge on grub at the popular pizza joint, Pink Flamingo, but I have never been fortunate enough to stay in this part of town before. The nonchalant and carefree 10th arrondissement now boasts many characterful independent coffee shops, juice bars, boutiques and restaurants – a great place to explore if you are bored of the familiarity of the famous sites. It is an area often seen in Parisian arthouse films, the charm is waiting to be discovered rather than being shoved in your face with a red rose in its mouth. To me it felt like real Paris.
The discreet Le Citizen Hotel is disguised among the many doors along the canal, only a small sign indicates its presence. We arrived late in the evening and were greeted and directed up to our room, number 1 on the first floor. It was a tiny room, dominated by the big double bed, with intriguing little nooks and crannies to explore; there was a small wardrobe space for storing clothes, a little selection of snacks for midnight feasting and a kettle for hot drink emergencies!
The room was clean and slick, and felt basic yet deluxe simultaneously, the materials were comforting and aesthetically pleasing but with no space wasted on unnecessary features. Round the corner we discovered our blue tiled mini bathroom, which felt a little like a aeroplane toilet, albeit one that has been beautifully designed with lovely Omnisens toiletries. For fresh air and daylight the windows opened out to views of the neighbourhood, the canal and people on the street.
There are fun features too, an ipad loaned to each occupied room filled with trendy suggestions for the surrounding area and offering wifi for internet browsing. In our room we soon found a little hidden den, concealed by a curtain… lined in soft cushions, the perfect place to sit and read the copy of ‘Paris my Sweet’ provided for one’s enjoyment.
Downstairs there is a communal area for hanging out, reading, chatting and eating. It is all very zen with structural arrangements holding a small library of art and culture books. We relished a basic but tasty breakfast here, just-squeezed orange juice and bouncy fresh croissants. Those wishing to go out and find their own morning meal might enjoy these recommendations: Ten Belles for coffee, Holy Belly for brunch and Tholoniat Patissier for the best pain au chocolat you will ever eat.
Le Citizen is reasonably priced, brilliantly located and creatively designed. I felt a little cramped in room number 1 but loved the concept and character of the place, and the free-spirited neighbourhood totally won me over.
More information and book here: www.lecitizenhotel.com
Thanks to the Paris Tourist Board, more information here.