Paris Hostels: The Affordable Accommodation Alternative

Paris – the glamorous, world-renowned capital of France – is not widely known for being the cheapest of European destinations. Precisely because of this, leisure breaks in the City of Lights are known for setting tourists back a considerable amount. Between souvenir purchases, entrance fees to the city's many monuments and essential items such as food, drink and toiletries a short break can turn into a big expense.

One might imagine, then, that high expenditure levels are unavoidable when visiting Paris; this is not, however, entirely true, and savvy tourists can find a plethora of ways to save money on a short break to the city. One of the best ways to go about saving money when visiting the French capital is to seek out accommodation in one of the many excellent Paris hostels, rather than a hotel.

Staying in Paris hostels may seem (to some) to be a less than glamorous option, however the amount of money saved will be considerable and these establishments are, today, a far cry from those of the past. In a city even the locals dub over-the-odds expensive, staying at a comfortable and central hostel rather than a hotel can make the difference between a wonderful and fulfilling experience and a budget breaking one.

Excellent Accommodation

To certain people, the word 'hostel' is, in their view, associated with low-quality accommodation, with large shared dorms and the bare minimum in terms of infrastructure. This is certainly not the case nowadays, including in the French capital, where this type of accommodation keeps up with the standard held by the rest of the city. Visitors first arriving in the city looking for an affordable base from which to explore will discover that Paris hostels offer an altogether surprising level of accommodation, both in regards to the rooms themselves, where services and amenities are concerned and the helpful staff on hand.

Furthermore, many are located in very trendy or central parts of the city, making them an even more viable alternative to an expensive hotel. Young at heart and adventurous travellers will relish the opportunity to stay at comfortable accommodation in the historic neighbourhood of Montmartre or the lively Quartier Latin, while those wanting to take on the 'touristy' experience will find themselves just a short Metro ride from the city's main attractions. The wonderful and much-loved City of Lights offers a wealth of opportunities for the traveller who arrives with an open heart and an open mind – and luckily, that doesn't mean they have to maintain a constantly opening wallet as well!

Looking for your dream travelling experience? Jason H. Cunningham works for Hostelling International, a company with more than 4,000 hostels worldwide in fantastic locations. For the best Paris hostels, or anywhere else, join our global community and say hi to the world. From quality, affordable accommodation and backpacker tips, to meaningful volunteer opportunities and enriching our eco footprint, we are the world’s local hostelling hub.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.