Libertel Canal Saint-Martin

The Libertel Canal Saint-Martin hotel is comprised of three buildings that were renovated in 2014. One is located on the street -- a modern, cream-colored facade with pops of bright orange -- and the other two behind it. Walkways through an outdoor courtyard allow guests to reach rooms in the other buildings. The lobby has a sleek, modern design with dark wooden floors, armless banquette seating, a gray-patterned front desk, and reflective orange walls. There are also a few 60s-style primary-colored tables that add a playfulness to the lobby. The breakfast room is more subdued. Wooden floors, simple cafe tables and chairs, and white walls provide a neutral backdrop that's adorned a little with an accent wall of red-and-gray wallpaper behind the buffet and a cheeky two-dimensional rendition of a classical sculpture. Most guests are couples looking for a budget-friendly option and can be seen congregating in the breakfast room. 

As the name of the hotel indicates, it’s only a minute’s walk to Canal Saint-Martin, which allows for a nice stroll with great views, as well as cafes and bars along the way. There’s also a decent selection of dining options on surrounding streets that can be reached in less than a five-minute walk. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a nine-minute walk away, while Parc de la Villette is a 20-minute walk along the Bassin de la Villette. To explore other parts of the city, travelers will need to drive or take the metro, with the closest station, Jaurès, just a two-minute walk away. It takes about 25 minutes to reach Charles de Gaulle Airport. Note that past guests have complained that some neighborhoods surrounding the hotel can feel a bit dodgy, including the area from Stalingrad metro station to Montmartre. 

The rooms are designed to maximize space and comfort. Styles vary across the small rooms but include wooden, gray, or orange headboards, patterned carpet with dizzying designs or concrete floors, and simple gray furniture. While rooms lack closets and storage space, most guests can make do with the built-in wall shelving, and hooks to hang clothes. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, coffee/tea facilities, and free half-bottles of water on arrival. The Paris Comfort Rooms have balconies with views of Montmartre and the Sacré-Coeur, while Family Rooms include three single beds and a bit more space. Some higher-end rooms come with Nespresso machines, minibars, and bathrobes and slippers. Guests have noted that interior- or courtyard-facing rooms are quieter, though complaints have been made about hearing guests in other rooms. Bathrooms are quite small, with little counter space, and have white, red, or orange tiles; each has a hairdryer and a shower or shower/tub combo. Toiletries are limited to a bar of hand soap and a soap dispenser in the shower. 

The Libertel Canal Saint-Martin serves a daily breakfast buffet for a fee in a charming breakfast room. The spread includes fruit, pastries, yogurt, cheeses and meats, cereal, jams, and hot and cold drinks. Guests can also buy refreshments from a vending machine the lobby. There’s an outdoor courtyard between the three buildings with plotted plants, though it lacks any seating. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, but it can be a bit slow.