Hôtel Le Chat Noir
68 Boulevard de Clichy, Paris, 75018, France
Why We Like It
The location, which we happen to love, isn't for everyone, but it isn't easy to find a hotel with so much going for it for these prices.
Fodor's Expert Review
Named after Toulouse-Lautrec's favorite Montmartre cabaret, this small, budget hotel, just minutes from the Moulin Rouge in Paris's eclectic Pigalle neighborhood, take the the artist's iconic black-cat and runs with it.
You Should Know Though the hotel is in the heart of Paris's so-called red light district, be not afraid. This is rather a strong term for a few random sex shops and strip clubs. You may experience some noise, however, as the hotel, set right on busy Bd. de Clichy, is also next to a lively bar-restaurant of the same name.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
The moody atmosphere created by dusky carpets and black furniture is offset by jewel-toned curtains, bedspreads, and accents that don't entirely dispel the gloom in some of the lower rooms. But rooms are spotless and spacious by Paris standards, and higher category rooms on the two upper floors have plenty of light and romantic views (from the double balconies of the apartment suites) of the Paris rooftops and a distant Eiffel Tower. Coffee and tea-making facilities are a bonus.
Tip The voluminous apartment suites' two balconies and oh-so-Parisian views are worth the extra splurge.
Bathroom
Contemporary bathrooms are even more stylish than the rooms, with bath-and-shower combos or rain showers and all the amenities.
Lobby
The small, dark reception area is brightened by the friendly staff and the Estaminet lounge, where you can relax with a hot drink at any hour of the day or night.
Dining
You can recharge at the hotel's Estaminet with a hot drink or a bottle of wine and a menu of small dishes or snacks.
Tip For a fine breakfast and quality coffee you've got some great choices in this neighborhood, starting with KB Café Shop a few minutes away on the rue des Martyrs, Rocketship a five-minute walk on the rue Henri Monnier, and our very favorite, Le Bal Café, two minutes away at 6 Impasse de la Défense. We love their terrace and wildly popular weekend brunch.
Drinking
Wine, spirits, soft drinks and a comfy, attractive place in which to enjoy them are all to be had at the Estaminet.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The hotel is a minute walk from the Blanche metro station. Many buses pass by the hotel.
Straddling Pigalle, Montmartre, and the elegant Nouvelle Athènes neighborhood, this is a fascinating place to wander, full of hidden gems, like the Musée National Gustave Moreau, which was the artist's home and studio, and the must-see Musée de la Vie Romantique with its charming garden café. From here, Montmartre is a quick uphill walk, or you can head down to explore the historic covered passages—Jouffroy, Verdeau, and Panoramas—15 minutes in the other direction. Head down the rue des Martyrs, two minutes from the hotel, to experience a Paris market street par excellence!
Restaurants
Though the Chat Noir bar-restaurant next door is perfectly serviceable for a meal at any time of day, this neighborhood is packed with good dining. Le Pantruche (5-minute walk) excels in classic French bistro fare, and Buvette (5-minute walk) is a Paris foodie favorite, especially for their weekend brunch. Le Bal Café (2-minute walk) is great for lunch, dinner, or their wildly popular weekend brunch and terrace in warm weather.
Bars
This area is jammed with some of the city's hippest and liveliest bars, starting with Glass, a hybrid lounge-disco, featuring craft beer, a frozen drinks machine, and American-style snacks. Dirty Dick's chic Tiki bar atmosphere and flaming-bowl cocktails attract a lively crowd. Both are on Rue Frochot (5-minute walk). For a lavishly romantic—slightly naughty—atmosphere, the bar at Maison Souquet hotel (once a brothel) is worth a stop for the over-the-top gorgeous décor, and you'll like the cocktails too. The trendy bar at the Hotel Grand Pigalle is always abuzz.
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