For those that are on a budget but don’t want to compromise on style Motel One is ’The One’ as Emma Smith found out.
Paris will always have a place in my heart, especially at Christmas. I love boarding the Eurostar and heading to the the city to pick up some festive treats and gifts that cannot be found here in the UK. However I don’t want to be spending lots of money on where I rest my head, at what is a particularly expensive time of the year. So it’s great news that the successful Munich-based budget design hotel group, who operate 63 hotels including locations in Germany, Austria, the UK, Switzerland and Spain, have opened their first French hotel in the city of light.
Located in the the capital’s 12th arrondissement and within a stones throw of the metro, Motel One Paris-Porte Dorée takes its design inspiration from the nearby Bois de Vincennes park with its integrated zoo, and from the lively local art scene and smart-casual Parisian lifestyle.
Attention to detail is evident in the public areas, giving a good first impression when guests arrive. In fact the first thing I observed approaching the reception desk was an unusual collage-like installation featuring two giant elephants enhanced with fine gold accents and 3D effects. The work is an exclusive partnership with street artist Madame Moustache and I loved the motto featured in the artwork “Même les éléphants sont parfois faits de porcelaine” (Even elephants are sometimes made of china).
The clever combination of animal and plant themes certainly creates a unique and distinctive look and a room divider studded with plants gives guests the impression the park is growing inside the hotel.
The One Lounge contains the breakfast area and bar- think French salon style.Plants incorporated in the light fittings in the breakfast area appear to hang from the ceiling quite naturally. There are paintings depicting half-human, half-animal creatures by French designer Rachel Convers, brass pendant light fittings by Parisian designer Damien Langlois- Meurinne, that appear to hover like dragonflies above the seats in the entrance and the lamps designed by Ingo Maurer feature lots of colourful butterflies.
So what about the rooms? Simple in design with white textured walls, floor to ceiling windows, modern dark wooden furniture and splashes of colour from grey and turquoise textiles. There is everything you need, including proper hairdryers and a TV, but there is a lack of telephone, wardrobe (there are rails instead) and a proper desk chair. However these are merely reminders that you have to compromise in some areas to keep prices down. The black and white bathrooms have decent walk-in showers and fluffy white towels, but don’t expect a huge range of toiletries. I did experience a pretty good nights sleep! The box-spring bed and the Egyptian cotton bedding are just what is needed after a day in Paris.
In summary it may not be luxurious, but it’s fun, different and they put the comfort where it counts: in the beds and bathrooms.
Prices start from 79€