Republique Hotel

What happens when you merge a basic two-star hotel with a pop-art poster shop (and throw in a couple of graffiti artists for good measure)? You wind up with something fun and curious, like the République Hotel.

Quick read

Pros: Fun “rock ‘n’ roll” theme. Well equipped rooms, some with great views.
Cons: Rooms are a bit shabby. Thin walls.

Rooms

Located one block north of Place de la République, the hotel was transformed by its 2010 renovation into a love-letter to the rockers of the past six decades. In the lobby, stairway, halls and rooms, you’ll find posters, collages and drawings of rock and pop legends. David Bowie, the Doors, the Beatles, Marilyn Monroe... they’re all here.

Waking up to Debbie Harry (or that other Blondie) is, of course, always a pleasure. The République Hotel's rooms, however, didn’t quite give us “Rapture.” They’re fine, if a touch shabby. (Clearly the renovation effort was centered around the rock posters.) Walls seem a bit thin and furniture is surprisingly mundane.

However, rooms at the République Hotel are well equipped, each with a flat-screen TV, telephone and free Wi-Fi. Windows are double-paned to keep out street noise, although most of the rooms look out onto the small Cité du Wauxhall, which is relatively calm (given the hotel’s proximity to the bustling Place de la République).

We “dug” the fifth-floor rooms with their balconies (see photos) and great views. Even the bathroom opened to the balcony (although we’re not quite sure how that’s practical).

Like the rooms, the state of the bathrooms is unrenovated, although functional. Most are equipped with showers, but some bathtubs are available. All have a hair dryer.

Hotel facilities

The house graffiti artist went through dozens of cans in the République's hallways. Paintings around doors and along the staircase pop with stars, guitars and other rock themes. Downstairs, the lobby and breakfast rooms are comparatively chic, with exposed stones and spotlights.

Notes: Breakfast is available for €8. Rooms are mostly, but not completely, non-smoking. The elevator is laughably small—or perhaps "cry-ably" so (taking it made us a little nervous, and we thereafter stuck the staircase).