Paris
Metropolitan Hotel: Modern
57 Rooms, Starting at €185.00
TripAdvisor

Here's an interesting value proposition, a step up from the spare budget hotels in weird and remote neighborhoods you often settle for in the City of Lights. La Manufacture, a small, clean and tidy property of 56 rooms, located right off the Place d'Italie in Paris' southeast corner, caters to a clientele of young, leisure travelers and middle tier business travelers. It's decorated in a cheerful, contemporary style and has a variety of room options. Don't let the location deter you from choosing this as your base of operations. It's a quiet place, in excellent repair, with modern baths, lots of hot water, good water pressure, and views which look out on the ornate back facade of the Hausmann-era Hotel de Ville. The hotel doesn't skimp on soft towels, and there are excellent olive oil cosmetics as complimentary amenities in every room. This is backed up by friendly, agreeable service and a knowledgeable staff. And the location is in many ways a plus: you sit at the crossroads of 4 key metros, meaning you're only 20 minutes on direct lines from Etoile, or the Gare du Nord, or 15 minutes from the Quartier Latin, Louvre or Tour Eiffel. No changing trains. There's good, reasonable eating in the immediate neighborhood, and just across the Place d'Italie you will find a massive Centre Commerciale, where you can do much of the shopping you need, including stalking the aisles of the local branch of our favorite cheap thrill, the amazing Tati store. You are only a few minutes' stroll from the historic Manufacture Les Gobelins, where tapestries have been woven in the classical style for 200 years- today you can tour the workshops whose hand-looms are operated by career artisans, creating contemporary designs- ask the front desk to be sure your guide speaks English. You are strolling close to the rue Mouffetard, Place Contrescarpe and Pantheon. And you could do a half-day walk all the way down to the Boulevard Saint Germain and be back at the hotel in time for a leisurely nap before dinner. Other advantages of this hotel: security, since you're literally around the corner from the local police station; access: there's wi-fi, and a state-of-the-art internet coffee bar only a one-minute walk around the corner; economy: at these prices you can't expect the little extras higher-priced options give. There's no room safe, so check your valuables with the front desk. The breakfast buffet is rudimentary, but there's an abundance of fresh fruit served in a cozy dining room on the main floor. You may want to bring in your own bottled water as they can be pricy at the hotel. These are not major concessions to make. Hot tip: when you get off the metro at Place d'Italie, look for the exit door marked Philippe Auriol. It's the fastest route to the hotel, whose surprising convenience, casual style and typical ambience will make your Parisian stay all the sweeter. (From our inspector Stanley Moss)

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