Paris is an expensive city.
I heard that all the time, but still, Ed and I were keen on traveling to Paris on a budget. We believed that it's not impossible, we just have to make smart choices. So, when I started looking for a place to stay for our 5-day trip, I let go of the thought of waking up a stone's throw away from the Eiffel Tower and focused on essentials - comfort and convenience at a cheap rate!
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Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements or districts. 1 to 9, where major attractions are located, has a clutch of luxurious hotels that are way beyond our budget. So, we looked further and stumbled on to a budget-friendly hotel in the 17th arrondissement.
The Budget Hotel
It was Ibis Paris 17 Clichy-Batignolles that caught our attention when we narrowed down our choices. Location-wise, it is in the heart of the new Batignolles-Monmartre eco-district. It is near the RER and Metro stations, so attractions are merely one or two train rides away. As for the service, I didn't set my expectations high, but I read good reviews in our trusted booking site.
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| Ibis Hotel in Paris' 17th arrondissement |
The Amenities
We took a red-eye flight from Dubai to Charles de Gaulle Airport; hence we arrived in Ibis Paris 17 Clichy-Batignolles dead tired. Exhausted, but while waiting for our turn to check-in, I noticed how sleek, clean and complete the budget property is. I could not ask for more! It is a 3-star hotel with more than 600 cozy rooms, a spa, an indoor pool, 3 restaurants, a 24-hour snack bar, and WiFi is available in all areas free of charge.
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| clean and sleek budget hotel in Paris |
The Room
We stayed in a Standard Room located in the 9th floor. It is compact, yet nothing was compromised. We slept soundly in a double bed with a "Sweet Bed by Ibis" bedding. All the things we need for a comfortable stay were provided; extra pillows, hot shower and hair dryer in our private bathroom, fast and free WiFi, flat-screen TV. But the best part of our room, I must say, is the view! We started and ended each day in Paris with a view of the Sacre Coeur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart) by the window.
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| "Sweet Bed by Ibis" |
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| en suite bathroom with hot shower and basic soap/shampoo |
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| The Sacre Coeur |
The Breakfast
Two out of the three restaurants serve breakfast, just apt as Ibis Paris 17 Clichy-Batignolles is a huge hotel with lots of guests. Breakfast is market-style; guests grab a tray and choose from the selections in the buffet counter. Choices include freshly baked French bread and pastries, eggs that you have to cook yourself, cereals, cooked meats, cheese, coffee and juices.
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| Market-Style Breakfast |
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| freshly baked croissants |
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| classic French breakfast |
Overall
We had a pleasant stay at Ibis Paris 17 Clichy-Batignolles. I guess it pays not to expect too much. Knowing it's a budget hotel, I didn't look for the fancy bathroom toiletries nor bedroom slippers; hence I wasn't disappointed.
And when it comes to service, Ibis went beyond my expectations. The staff were busy catering to big groups, but we never felt unattended. They even helped Ed with his surprise for me. So, at the end of Day 1 in Paris, a bouquet of 30 roses welcomed me back in our hotel room!
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| Roses delivered to our hotel room! I still don't know how. You can ask Ed for the deets! ;) |
Location:
Ibis Paris 17 Clichy-Batignolles
10 Rue Bernard Buffet
17th arr, Paris
Website: www.ibis.com
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