Le Regent Montmartre

Located at the foot of Montmarte, Le Regent Hostel is housed in a classic 19th-century stone building with lovely iron railings. The lobby is upbeat and quirky, with a silver front desk with images of musical instruments; chalkboard walls with fun drawings and messages; and turquoise, red, neon-green, and orange trim and furniture. Exposed stone walls are found in some parts of the hotel, hinting at the building's age. Despite the bright decor and festive ambience, the hostel shows significant wear and tear. Scratches are visible on the front desk, hallways show scuff marks and a bit of grime, and furniture looks worn. The vibe is young and social, and the hostel draws large numbers of international students, and travelers in their twenties and thirties looking to save money.

The hostel is located on the busy Boulevard Rochechouart on the northern edge of the 9th Arrondissement, with restaurants, cafes, music clubs, and shops within walking distance. Aside from Montmarte and the Sacre-Coeur -- a 10- to 12-minute walk away -- the hostel is not within walking distance to any major sights, but the Anvers Metro station, which connects to the transportation hub at Gare du Nord, is a one-minute walk from the hostel. The Louvre is a 15-minute trip on the metro, and the Eiffel Tower is a 23-minute metro ride. Music venues such as La Cigale and La Boule Noire are a five-minute walk from the hostel; the Moulin Rouge Cabaret and the newer -- and hipper -- La Machine du Moulin Rouge are a 13-minute walk away. It’s a 40-minute drive to Charles de Gaulle Airport, while Orly Airport is about a 45-minute ride.

The 56 rooms at Le Regent Hostel range from dorm-style rooms with bunk beds that sleep four to 10 people, with en-suite or shared bathrooms, to private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Dorms are coed or women-only, and private rooms are for one to six guests. Fairly attractive for a hostel, rooms have tiled or carpeted floors, colorful accent walls in lime green, teal-blue, or orange, and Andy Warhol-inspired curtains. Plaid sheets cover the bunk beds, while  private rooms have colored linens and bedding. Dorm rooms have lockers for valuables, and many rooms have tiny balconies -- some with views of the Sacre-Coeur. Private rooms come with flat-screen TVs. Be aware that there is no air-conditioning, and furniture shows obvious wear and tear. Guests have complained about cleanliness, especially in the shared showers, which show visible grime. The en-suite bathrooms are small, with showers or shower/tub combos, and hairdryers. Toiletries are not provided, and towels require a fee. Rooms without en-suite bathrooms have sinks and hairdryers.

As a hostel, the property has barebones amenities, and many come with fees. It has a library room with books and padded seating, and a game room with foosball and an arcade game. Guests can use the communal kitchen most of the day and evening, and there's a lobby nook with three desktop computers, available for guests use for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout. A continental breakfast is served each morning, but it's not included in the rate. The small lobby bar serves Paris-brewed beer, and a few other drinks. There's also a coin-operated laundry room, and lockers can be rented to store belongings. The hostel will store luggage for no extra charge for up to one day following check-out.