Caulaincourt Square Hostel

This hostel looks classically Parisian from
the outside, with its limestone facade and wrought iron window banisters, but inside
it’s clear that the property has seen better days. Paisley wallpaper can be
found peeling from walls in several places due to age and/or water damage, an
effect that can’t be diminished by bright paint jobs, wildly patterned accent
walls, and carnival-esque light fixtures. There are a few areas for guests to
sit while they wait for their rooms to be cleaned during afternoon room lockout
hours, but cheap semi-circular armchairs or rickety wooden tables aren’t exactly comfortable. The breakfast room is a fine enough place to start
the day, though it feels a bit like a cafeteria, and the neighborhood has way
more charming options. Guests here are predominantly tourists -- solo
travelers, couples, and groups -- and on the young side.    

This hostel is located in Paris’ historic
and scenic Montmartre neighborhood. But be warned: guests need to walk steep
hills and stairs if they’re staying here. The gleaming white Sacre-Coeur
Basilica, with stellar views over Paris (particularly at sunset), is a 10-minute
walk from the hostel through narrow, winding lanes. Montmartre is packed with
quaint cafes, artist’s shops, and restaurants and is worth at least a full day
of exploring. Moulin Rouge, the world-famous Parisian cabaret, is a 13-minute
walk south from the hostel and the trendy boutiques and eateries of South
Pigalle along Rue des Martyrs are a 15-minute walk south. The Lamarck-Caulaincourt metro
station is a four-minute walk to the end of the block for connections to
destinations like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame. Orly Airport to
the south can be reached in about 35 minutes by cab, while Charles de Gaulle
Airport is 25 minutes to the northeast barring traffic. Both airports can also
be reached using the metro and RER trains in 45 minutes to an hour.

Light wood laminate floors and bold,
graphic leaf-print wallpaper make these rooms eye-catching, especially when
coupled with the bright accent walls. However, the cheap and spartan furnishings
in the dorms are beat up, and the desks and nightstands in private rooms show
significant wear and tear. Dorms are on the small side and come in four-bed and
six-bed configurations with bunk beds and windows that open onto decent street
views in some rooms. However dorms have no personal lockers or closets,
and none of the guest rooms have air-conditioning, all of which are big
problems in hostel settings. Private units come in a variety of sizes, including Single, Twin, Double, and Triple Rooms. Decor is largely the same as
dorms, with graphic-print wallpaper in an array of floral patterns and bright
accent walls. Private rooms also have outdated desks, electric safes, and
flat-screen TVs as well as beds with motel-style comforters. (Dorm beds only
have sheets.) Most rooms, including dorms, have extremely
cramped en-suite bathrooms finished with modern brown and white tile work.
Spaces feature tiny stand-up showers, sinks, toilets, and bar soap. Towels must
be rented from the hostel for guests who don’t bring their own, and we saw lots
of dirty grout throughout the bathrooms. Guests are also asked to leave rooms
during a set time period during the day so that rooms can be cleaned, and should
therefore check ahead with the hostel regarding this policy.

The Caulaincourt is the definition of budget hosteling, and the features and
services on offer are underwhelming. There are several small common areas
throughout the property, mostly comprising computer lounges with uncomfortable,
worn wooden chairs and tables. There’s also a cramped on-site kitchen for guest
use with a mini-fridge, microwave, electric kettle, and tiny electric range.
Free breakfast is limited to breads, cereals, and pastries; the neighborhood has better
options, including a patisserie right next door. The building does
not have an elevator and there are many narrow flights of stairs, so guests
with mobility issues may want to reconsider staying here. Wi-Fi is free, though
only works well in the lobby and reception area. The hotel can also hold
luggage for early check-ins and after checkout.