Plug-Inn Hostel

The Plug-Inn’s vibe is similar to a college dorm, with a hodgepodge of clashing color schemes, dizzying wallpaper and mismatched chairs in the lobby, and plenty of sunshine streaming in from large plate-glass windows. The front desk is covered with help-yourself brochures and maps, and a couple of vending machines dispense snacks and drinks. A small table behind the reception area holds several laptop computers for guest use. Connected to the lobby is a glass-roofed breakfast room/locker room for hanging out, watching TV, and storing backpacks and valuables. Unfortunately, the room is so small that it can only fit 15 people at a time, so guests may need to wait their turn for breakfast. As with most hostels, the clientele here tend to be young budget travelers, though the vibe isn't nearly as social as at other hostels, in part to the lack of quality common spaces.

The Plug-Inn is located on a cobbled street behind Rue Lepic, a historic road leading to Montmartre where Vincent Van Gogh once lived. Once-artsy, now slightly seedy Montmartre is home to landmarks like the Moulin Rouge and Sacre Coeur Basilica, which is stunning and has lovely views out over Paris. A six-minute walk downhill is the iconic Pigalle area, which is still home to peep shows and tourist-y restaurants. Rue des Abbesses, a three-minute walk from the hotel, features a selection of late-night cafes, bars, and restaurants. The area south of Pigalle is worth exploring. It's up-and-coming and there are plenty of trendy dining spots and cafes to be explored just by crossing Boulevard de Clichy. The property is within easy walking distance to three metro stations, with Blanche and Abbesses both just five minutes away on foot. Most Parisian hotspots, such as Luxembourg Gardens, the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Musee d’Orsay are reachable via public transportation in 40 minutes or less. It takes about half an hour to reach Charles de Gaulle Airport and about 40 minutes to get to the smaller Orly Airport by taxi, though both can also be reached by train in around an hour.

The Plug-Inn offers dorm rooms with three to six beds as well as female-only dorms and Private Single and Double Rooms. Both dorm and private units include en-suite bathrooms and all units have power and USB outlets near each bed. Rooms are narrow, with metal bunk beds in most dorm rooms plus light wood laminate floors and boldly painted walls. Some rooms feature small desks or armoires, while private rooms include reading lamps, night tables, and flat-screen TVs. Each room has a fan but no air-conditioning. Dorm rooms also lack any personal storage space, and there are no in-room lockers. Tiny bathrooms feature rustic wood-look tile and include a stand-up shower and hairdryer (which may or may not work). Sheets and towels are provided. Travelers should request a lower-floor room if they don't want to wait for the tiny elevator or haul luggage up the narrow, winding staircase. 

Amenities at the Plug-Inn are limited, but do include free breakfast -- just don't expect much more than cereals, coffee, tea, juice, and croissants. There is a flat-screen TV in the breakfast room, and a small kitchen for guests to use, but little else in the way of common areas. The hostel also have Wi-Fi. The reception desk is staffed 24 hours a day, and early arrivals can use the shower facilities. Lockers are available downstairs, though they aren't large enough to hold luggage.