Name: Hotel Whistler
Address: 36 Rue de Saint-Quentin, 75010
Telephone: 33 1 53 20 09 09
Price range: $$$

Fodor's Expert Review

If proximity to the Gare du Nord is what you're after, or you'd like to discover an authentic Paris neighborhood full of locals-only treasures, look no further than the Whistler. Newly opened in late 2017, this sleek, travel-themed boutique hotel, not far from the Canal St-Martin, offers much more than just basic comforts, and the price is right.

You Should Know The hotel is a block from busy Gare du Nord, not a quiet neighborhood. Though the hotel has taken every precaution for noise and security, some might prefer a less bustling neighborhood.

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Room

In keeping with the travel theme, each floor takes a route of the old Paris railway line—Budapest, Berlin, Venice, etc.—and it's easy to imagine you're traveling in a "wagon-lit" sleeping car of the Orient Express, with bright brass fittings and doors, armoires, and shelves designed to recall old fashioned steamer trunks. Rich colors and plush carpets add to the coziness.

Tip Upper floor street-facing rooms have views of the recently restored Gard du Nord.

Bathroom

Brand new bathrooms offer sparkling new fixtures and huge walk-in rain showers. Robes and slippers are a big plus, as are bath products by the luxury French perfumer Histoires (in the scent 1828 Jules Verne, who lived in the neighborhood).

Lobby

The stylishly furnished lobby and breakfast room really do make you want to relax with a drink or a newspaper.

Spa

There is no gym but the guest's only steam room is a pleasure after a day on the town.

Dining

A high-quality buffet breakfast is served in the chic breakfast room, a very comfy place to relax and enjoy your meal.

Drinking

The honesty bar is stocked with wine, beer, some spirits, and soft drinks for enjoying in the lounge or your room.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

From the Gare du Nord and Gare du l'Est you can get six metro lines and two RERs, including RER B, direct to both airports.

Almost equidistant between the Gare du Nord and the Gare du l'Est, you won't have to worry about getting around, but you may want to stick around this authentic, rough-around-the-edges neighborhood and explore a bit too. The Gare du Nord, a block a way, has become quite the social scene with a new brasserie run by a top Michelin-starred chef and tons of public artworks, you're also within walking distance of some very chic up-and-coming neighborhoods: Canal St-Martin, Pigalle, and Chateau d'Eau, with tons of great dining, cocktail bars, and nightlife.

Restaurants

The L'Etoile brasserie (and bakery next door) in the Gare du Nord is helmed by Thierry Marx, one of Paris's top Michelin-starred chefs, but nearby Chez Michel, is among the city's best Breton restaurants and always a good bet for a high-quality menu of seafood dishes and French classics. For something a little less pricey, Chez Casimir, next door (and by the same owners), is also a good bet (a two-minute and ten-minute walk respectively). You could also head over to the Canal St-Martin, about 10-15 minutes on foot, where the Rue des Vinaigriers is now foodie central, lined with gastro bistros, wine, bars, Asian food, pastry shops, and the like.

Bars

We like the brasserie L'Etoile for a drink and to watch the sunset from the station, but the historic Alsatian Brasserie Flo, opened in 1871, is an atmospheric place to settle in for a beer or glass of Reisling (both within five-minute walk). At the the Canal St-Martin you'll find tons of lively bars, like Chez Prune, on the canal, the popular Comptoir Général, or La Caravane, near République (10-15-minute walk).