Generator Paris

"From the moment you check in at the colorfully-painted reception, under the bright lights of the movie theater marquee-style sign above, Generator makes you feel like a guest at a long-running party. Envisioned as the next generation of hostels, the brand celebrates unique design, engaging experiences, and locally-sourced food, while offering a range of room styles and prices." - Sandra Ramani, Lindsey Tramuta

"How did it strike you on arrival?From the moment you check in at the colorfully-painted reception, under the bright lights of the movie theater marquee-style sign above, Generator makes you feel like a guest at a long-running party. Envisioned as the next generation of hostels, the brand celebrates unique design, engaging experiences, and locally-sourced food, while offering a range of room styles and prices. As with all Generators, the focus at this flagship Paris outpost is on the shared social scene, so past the reception lies an always-buzzing Café Fabien, with ping-pong and foosball tables and a garden-view conservatory. A spiral staircase leads down to a nightclub inspired by the Paris Metro, while elevators—operated by keycards, for extra security—lead up to a rooftop lounge with hammocks, a bar, and views out to Montmartre. Nice. What’s the crowd like?The hostel set-up mainly attracts a independent backpacker crowd from around the world, though the focus on design also draws budget-minded couples and a few long-terms guests. The emphasis on social spaces is a bonus for solo travelers looking to make new friends. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Choose between private rooms with either private or shared baths, and hostel-style group rooms with bunk-beds; the latter come in sizes that sleep up to 10 people, with female-only options available. All have a clean, Scandinavian-inspired design, and come with useful basics like USB and power plugs, clothes hanging units, and full-length mirrors. Private rooms have upgrades like desks and—in the Premium Terrace category—toiletries, complimentary snacks and water, and private outdoor space. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Private rooms are outfitted with twin beds, which can be pushed together in form a makeshift Queen. Bunk beds have privacy screens and under-bed storage drawers. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Private rooms come with fluffy towels (plus toiletries in the Premium category), while guests of the Shared rooms can request towels for an added cost. Bathrooms are basic, but will get the job done. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the hotel. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?Leaning in to the communal vibe, staffers are approachable and engaging, and happy to dispense local tips. The reception is manned 24/7. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.A rare perk in the city, the 9th floor rooftop is an Instagram-favorite for its cabana-inspired style and incredible views; on a clear day, look out for Sacré-Coeur. The lobby cafe is a lively spot for French pastries, snacks, and a shot of barista-pulled energy. Bottom line: worth it, and why?This is an ideal pick for travelers who aren't looking to break the bank, but still want a place with style and personality. Just remember to book a room with a private bathroom if you'd like to limit the socializing to the public areas." - Sandra Ramani

"The Generator brand was designed to attract cost-conscious, indie-minded travelers, and this flagship Paris location—opened in 2015 in the lively 10th Arrondissement—nails that mandate from the minute you check in under the flashing, theater-style marquee. A vibrant scene unfolds in the shared spaces, which include a garden conservatory, the lobby-level Café Fabien (outfitted with foosball and ping-pong tables), a rooftop lounge (ringed by hammocks, a bar, and Montmartre views), and a subterranean club with a Metro-inspired design. After working, mingling, or savoring a bite in the social areas, head up to one of the 920 beds, which are located either in private bedrooms (with private or shared baths) or hostel-style rooms (which sleep up to 10 in bunk beds and are available in co-ed and female-only configurations). Crisp, Scandinavian-inspired décor rules throughout, and shared rooms come with useful touches like full-length mirrors, privacy screens, under-bed storage, and USB outlets; towels and bath products are available for an additional fee. Private rooms have desks and towels, while the top-category Premium Terrace option goes all-out with robes, toiletries, free water and snacks, and a small outdoor area. Everyone enjoys free Wi-Fi, making it easy to follow the new friends you made over drinks on the rooftop."