Hotel Andre GillEditor's Pick

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Nestled smack dab in the middle of Montmartre, Pigalle and Abbesses, the two-star Hotel André Gill cast a magical spell on us as soon as we turned off the bustling rue des Martyrs. The family-run establishment is quiet and offers clean, basic rooms at very low rates for Paris.

In each of the André Gill’s 33 rooms you’ll find simple furnishings along with quite a bit of space and a built-in closet stocked with extra blankets and hangers. When we say simple, we mean it: no TV, telephone or air conditioning. There’s a flat-screen television in one room on the top floor and on in the lobby. Fans are available upon request.

Bathrooms are tiled in blues, yellows or pinks and equipped with showers (several also have tubs). Most have dated fixtures, although some rooms have renovated baths. A few top-floor rooms have romantic views: Two look to the Eiffel Tower, and two face Sacré Coeur. One amazing room at the tippy-top boasts a panoramic view of the surrounding quarter and the Eiffel Tower—which you can see even from the toilet (talk about a "royal flush!").

Outfitted in deep blue, golden yellow, burnt orange and lavender, the André Gill reminded us of bright textiles from the South of France. We were charmed by the crystal chandelier and the family art in the lobby and adored the friendly mascot kitties. We also loved the stained-glass and the murals, painted by a local artist, of the Sacré Coeur and Moulin de la Galette.

The hotel is located just blocks from the Métro Abbesses and Pigalle and innumerable (and oh, so historic) clubs, bars and cafés. (Favorite pizza joint La Pignatta is located just one block away at 89 rue des Martyrs!) But the building itself, a centuries-old number with a brand-spanking-new awning and banner, is tucked away on a quaint cobblestoned street that is free of noise and traffic. 

Of historical note, André Gill was a political caricaturist, perhaps most famous today for painting the spunky rabbit on the famed Montmartre hangout Au Lapin Agile. The name is a pun in French (“lapin à Gill” means “the rabbit by Gill”).

Breakfast is included in the room rate. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.

» Theadora Brack

Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor and is recommended based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.