Le Robinet d’Or

Le Robinet d’Or (“The Golden Tap”) takes its name from its former incarnation as a tap factory, and has an appropriately industrial blue-hued interior with concrete walls and floors, and exposed pipes throughout the hotel. Guests are greeted by a steel-blue lobby that, despite its hard colors, is still inviting and cozy. A red leather couch sits by a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the street, and this functional, stylish corner is full of comforts and conveniences: bottles of water, daily newspapers, guidebooks, a Mac computer, and a basket of umbrellas are on hand.

Stepping past the lobby, guests will find an atrium-like space housing the bar and lounge, which adjoins Le Robinet d’Or Bistro. The centerpiece is a living wall sprouting all sorts of hanging plants, which imbues the space with life. The burst of green complements a beautiful decorative tiled floor in warm yellow shades. Round tables and seats are neutral toned, featuring brown and gray colors that match the concrete walls. The atmospheric bistro, with worn wooden floors and furniture, and bare concrete pillars throughout, gives off industrial and rustic vibes in equal measure. Popular with Parisians as well as hotel guests, the bistro offers a range of communal and individual tables, and sidewalk seating. Floor-to-ceiling windows illuminate the interior, where decorative elements include exposed piping and a colorful distressed wall with strips of liberty-print wallpaper peaking through. Farther back, the lighting becomes dimmer and the ambience moodier.

The hotel attracts a mix of travelers, including tourists who are drawn by the ambience and character of the property, as well as its proximity to train and metro stations, and business travelers, who can use the meeting rooms and event facilities, the free Wi-Fi, and the in-room laptops (available on request). Large suites with kitchenettes suit families and groups.

Le Robinet d’Or is located on a fairly busy street in the 10th arrondissement, a block from the Canal Saint-Martin, and near many forms of public transportation, including the Gare de l’Est and Gare du Nord train stations, which are within an eight- to 15-minute walk,  and the Chateau-Landon metro station, which is within a five-minute walk around the corner. Though a bit removed from most top sights and attractions, they are easily reached via metro, bus, or Velib city bikes. The hotel is near many restaurants and down the block from a park by the Canal Saint-Martin. The lovely Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a 17-minute walk away.

There are several room types at Le Robinet d’Or, from Classic Rooms that are a bit small though comfortable, to larger Superior Rooms that can sleep up to four, to several suite choices, the largest of which sleeps up to five. The stylish rooms have lovely crimson accent walls speckled with pale-blue flowers that complement the blue curtains framing the large windows. Each comfortable bed is covered in crisp white linen topped with a sweet gift of macarons, with a rustic bedside table and industrial-style lamp sitting alongside. Rooms all have vintage wooden writing desks, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and modern coffeemakers with a selection of free coffee and tea, though no minibars or mini-fridges. Superior Rooms are larger than standard Classic Rooms, and have comfortable couches. Suites have spacious separate living rooms and kitchenettes with stoves, microwaves, and mini-fridges. The large Executive Suite has an iMac computer.

Bathrooms are modern and chic, with gray and black tiles paired with blue and white walls, and are equipped with either walk-in rainfall showers or shower/tub combos, as well as heated towel racks and high-end toiletries. Note that there is no elevator in the hotel, but staff happily delivers luggage. Guests have complained about noise from the fairly busy street.

Le Robinet d’Or has a popular bistro that attracts Parisians and guests alike, with its industrial-chic ambience and delicious French fare. Room service is also available. A full breakfast, including fresh pastries and breads, cheeses and meats, cereals, yogurt, fruit, fresh juice, and hot drinks, with optional hot dishes like eggs, is available for an added charge. A lighter breakfast is also available.

The hotel also has meeting rooms and event space available. There is a Mac computer available for guests' use in the lobby, and the hotel provides in-room laptops on request. Freebies include Wi-Fi throughout, unlimited bottles of water, newspapers, and magazines.