This Parisian Hotel Delivers An Unapologetically Cool Girl Vibe

When it comes to a neighbourhood as full of contradictions as Pigalle, capturing its essence is no easy feat. Its streets might now be filled with raunchy sex shops, nightclubs and questionable souvenir stores, but this richly historic corner of Paris (straddling the 9th and the 18th arrondissements) once played host to the first cabaret opened by the iconic Josephine Baker and welcomed legends such as Adelaide Hall and Pablo Picasso. So it seems only right that today, this same little haven in the city should attract the coolest and most creative minds from Paris and beyond.

Step in, Le Pigalle, a hotel brought to life by French interior designer duo Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay from Festen Architecture. At this urbane Parisian crash pad, a terrazzo floor in the lobby and the restaurant recall the look of old-school cafés, while upstairs, the leopard-print rug and blood-red accents (as well as the stripper pole in the lobby) are a nod to the brothels that once thrived in these parts.

Great for design enthusiasts, everything is curated down to the last detail. French artist Jean André was brought in to create the cheeky illustrations you’ll spot across the property, all of which vividly capture the hotel’s identity. His iconic mouth and other playful symbols pop up everywhere, from the fun keychains to the condoms provided in each room.

Le Pigalle fully reflects the vibrant neighbourhood it’s ensconced in. A fiery, eclectic and mischievous affair, it’s the perfect base at which to enjoy a few days of fun in the city.

Rooms

The hotel is small but mighty, with just 40 rooms and suites. All are designed to feel like a trés chic local apartment, where modernity meets a cosy 70s vibe: think velvet armchairs, wooden furniture and a stylish selection of knick-knacks, records and art by local artists. The beds are big and extremely comfortable. A few larger rooms feature a free-standing bath, but even if you’ve only got a shower, it’s spacious and perfectly stocked. While you won’t find robes or a fancy dental kit in your bathroom, the towels are soft and feel luxurious, and the toiletries are by Le Labo (Santal 33, to be specific).

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast is served from 7am till 4pm, to cater both to guests waking up early to explore the city and the ones staggering in after taking full advantage of Pigalle’s nocturnal offerings. There’s no buffet, but the à la carte menu is fairly extensive – and the included breakfast offering is generous: two dishes from the breakfast menu, a hot drink and a juice. Expect French classics like croissants and baguette with butter and jam, alongside homemade granola with yoghurt, avocado toast with a twist (citrus fruit slices layered between the avocado) and a delicious bacon, egg and cheese bun that will keep hunger at bay until lunch.

How about lunch and dinner?

If hunger strikes at any time during your stay, simply tap on your room’s iPad to get something scrumptious delivered to your door. The hotel kitchen is open all day, serving lunch items from 11am to 11pm, plus a list of selected dishes through the night.

Prepare for a mix of French favourites – roasted camembert with honey, rosemary and figs, and croque monsieur – as well as some revisited international classics – Italian arancini, mezcal pasta (a twist on the popular vodka pasta dish), and a grilled cheese toastie with mushrooms. There are lighter options, too, including a lentil salad, and grilled octopus. In our book, few things are more indulgent than diving into roasted camembert, baguette first, after a big night out.

Is there a bar?

Yes, and it’s buzzing. The hotel’s lobby (which doubles as a café, restaurant and bar) has positioned itself as a hub for the neighbourhood’s creatives. From sunrise to sunset, Parisians gather here to chat, brainstorm and work over a coffee, before switching to after-work mode, when hot drinks give way to cocktails, the lights dim and the atmosphere becomes electric. The drinks menu includes classics – a margarita (made the Pigalle way) and espresso martini – but also unique creations like the gin-based souvenirs de Pigalle and the sweet Madame Claude, named after the famed French brothelkeeper. A few alcohol-free choices are also available, as well as a small selection of wines.

Amenities

Limited. Guests choose this hotel for its fabulous location, great atmosphere and fuss-free comfort, but it’s not the kind of place that offers a lot of extras. Le Pigalle is located in an old building and the unconventional lobby – featuring a big wooden table where the receptionist sits – is the hotel’s USP. In rooms, an iPad is the keeper of all important information and anything guests may need to request. A guide to the neighbourhood can be found onscreen, including recommendations from the hotel staff. There’s no gym, pool or spa, but then Le Pigalle is not that kind of hotel. What it lacks in traditional amenities, it makes up for in entertainment. Expect events throughout the year, from Christmas markets and art exhibitions to cabaret and DJ sets. And don’t miss the custom playlist found on the iPad, as well as, in some rooms, a record player and good selection of records to enjoy during your stay.

What are the hotel’s eco-credentials like?

Le Pigalle recycles wherever possible and those full-size, refillable Le Labo products prevent unnecessary plastic usage. In the rooms, there’s limited use of paper and plastic. The room directory is on a tablet; all minibar drinks (pre-mixed cocktails? Yes, please) are made of glass and recycled. The cleaning products used are eco-friendly, the kitchen works with local suppliers, and the hotel supports business owners and artists from the neighbourhood.

What about accessibility?

Two rooms are designed to be wheelchair-friendly and a ramp is available upon request.

What’s the crowd like?

During our stay, our fellow guests ranged from cool, artsy types who chose the hotel for its design to those drawn by its prime location in the City of Lights. Head to the restaurant and bar at any time of day to rub shoulders with Paris’ cool kids.

Things you should know

The hotel gets busy and noisy in the evening, especially at the weekend, when DJs play in the lobby. It’s possible to ask for a quieter room at the back of the hotel, but if you’re looking for a tranquil, silent escape, Le Pigalle might not be the right choice for you.

Within a short walk I can find…

The hotel is very well-positioned for Paris explorations, thanks to its proximity to the Pigalle metro station. Being in the heart of Pigalle, guests have at their fingertips endless entertainment options (we’ll swerve the strip bars to visit cocktail spots like Dirty Dick, Lulu White and Le Lipstick), while Montmartre, with its charming roads and cute shops, is only a short stroll away. If you don’t mind walking, you could also get to Opéra in 20 minutes and the Louvre in 35.