St Christopher's Inn Paris Hostel

St Christopher's Inn Hostel
68-74 Quai de la Seine, 19th
M° Riquet

www.st-christophers.co.uk

The Hostel

Sitting right on the water next to a cute park and across from a historic building recently converted into student housing, this is the first purpose-built hostel in Paris with a capacity for 300 people. “Hostels in other European cities generally get client ratings on websites of 85-95%, but hostels in Paris typically get 65-75%,” says Romain, the Manager. “We’re going to change that.” St-Christopher’s is a chain of hostels that already exist in England, Scotland, Berlin, and Amsterdam. They actually started out as a pub that opened up a hostel, and expanded from there.

Rooms

Rooms are HUGE by Paris standards, with fewer beds in each room than most hostels cram in. They are not just plain metal-frame bunks either, but custom-made beds with privacy curtain, a light, a ladder and metal basket lockers that slide out from under the bed so you can lock up your stuff when you’re out. There’s no lock-out, no curfew. Beds are made (free linens) and showers are free. Woman’s only floor costs a bit more but you get towels and toiletries included. Top floor has private rooms with balcony overlooking canal, pricier but worth it. No A/C, but ventilation.

Facilities

There's a “Belushi’s” pub on the ground floor next to reception, open to the public, with a view over the water and live music most nights. Internet café/lounge and free WiFi for clients. A basement “club” room for parties, film screenings, or concerts. A sauna. Holiday Inn takes up the second half the building, if you decide you want a “real” hotel.

Neighborhood

As for location, I would normally say “non”, but it’s actually becoming a very cool part of Paris. The walk from line 7 metro is fast and not through a scary area, there are great cafés and shops nearby, the huge MK2 cinemas on the water at Stalingrad metro, the Parc de la Villette (which has open-air cinema festival and music concerts all summer long), and a bike rental & chocolate shop right across the street.

Rates

Dorms from €18-€25 off season, €25-€36 in summer, private rooms from €42. Book well in advance for best rates, including week packages.

NOTE: You don't have to be a certain age to book a room at this hostel. All ages welcomed.

Comments

[Ritesh]

Spent two nights here in Sep '10 and would really recommend it. The place is clean and safe and you meet the most interesting people at the bar