Hotel Joke - Astotel

The Hôtel Joke - Astotel sits in a modern, six-story building with a flat white facade. The hotel is a 2015 addition to the Astotel chain's repertoire of over a dozen mostly mid-range properties strung throughout Paris. Like other hotels in the Astotel chain, Hôtel Joke balances its limited amenities with hip, modern decor and a dash of whimsy. In the lobby, a funky geometric floor and circular "target" rug are measured by soft pastels, plywood accents, and trendy furniture inspired by mid-century modern design. Light fixtures double as playful accents, like the "balloon lights" that hover over the reception desk and a bright string of lights that twirls, doodle-like, across the ceiling near the entrance. The hotel draws budget-minded tourists looking for a clean but cool place to stay while exploring the city. Most rooms are for two, but single rooms are available, too. 

Situated in the 9th Arrondissement, this hotel is within walking distance of some of Paris’ famous cabarets, like the Moulin Rouge (three-minute walk), and parts of the neighborhood still retain a bit of the district’s former red-light character. There are plenty of trendy restaurants and cafes in the area as well, particularly the area south of Place Pigalle along Rue des Martyrs, a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The picturesque Montmarte neighborhood and Sacre Coeur Basilica are about a 15 to 20 minute walk. For sights farther out, the Blanche Metro station is just a three-minute walk -- the metro goes straight to the Arc de Triomphe in under 20 minutes; the Louvre will take about 25 to 30 minutes and the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral about 35 minutes. Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport are each about an hour via public transit.

Clean, modern, and playful, guest rooms offer simpler versions of the common area's decor. White walls and modular white furniture give an airy backdrop to funky geometric wall-to-wall carpeting in jewel tones. On-trend accents such as tray-table nightstands and wooden pendant lights give a dose of glamor. Bathrooms are simple and contemporary with geometric floor tiling, white walls and fixtures, and usually shower stalls. Rooms can be quite compact -- Standard Doubles measure as little as 140 square feet, the same size as Single Rooms. Upgraded rooms might add more space and seating, bathtubs, French doors with Juliet balconies, or other extras. Guests find rooms clean and, with double-glazed windows, fairly well insulated from outside noise. Rooms are air-conditioned and have desks, flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi, along with coffee service (electric kettle) and a mini-fridge stocked with free non-alcoholic drinks. Bathrooms include hairdryers and posh Algotherm individual toiletries. 

Like many mid-range hotels in Paris, Hotel Joke has few extra property features. There are a couple of sitting areas in the lobby, but the main common space is the breakfast room (a stylish spot featuring a wall of shelves packed with books and toys). The breakfast buffet is pretty good, with cold and hot options, from eggs to crepes, but it may cost an extra fee. Guests' favorite bonus is the free snacks and (non-alcoholic) drinks offered near reception throughout the afternoon. Room service is available during limited hours, but there's no full-service restaurant or bar on-site. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and can arrange laundry service or store luggage. Wi-Fi is free.