25hours Hotel Paris - Great station: The colorful multicultural house at Gare du Nord
It is only twelve steps from the exit of the metro station to the entrance of the hotel. The automatic glass door reflects the façade of the Gare du Nord, which has already been freshly renovated for the big rush of the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games.
"The Gare du Nord is not only a hub in Paris' public transport system, but also the heart that collects the blood and distributes it to the neighborhoods during the day and at night," writes historian Alex Toledano in the book "Portraits of the Gare du Nord", which is available in the hotel's 237 rooms. For him, the 10th arrondissement has not yet been fully gentrified.
Commuters characterize the district, which, unlike the area around train stations in Germany, does not make a run-down impression, but instead appears colourful and lively thanks to the stores and restaurants of the immigrants, who mainly come from Algeria, Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Cameroon and the Congo.
The strong ethnic character of the outside world is also reflected visually in the reception area of the 25hous Hotel. Not only is the room card handed out here, but travel accessories, magazines and clothes are also on sale in the lobby.
Effect over functionality
In the rooms in particular, guests continue on a visual journey around the world, immersing themselves in warm African-Asian-inspired color schemes and patterns. Some of the furnishings, such as the lamps, are more about effect than function. Unfortunately, the lamps do not provide light where it is needed. The filigree desk lamp only dazzles and keeps tipping over.
The washbasin with its gold-colored ceramic bowl looks nice, but is probably a nightmare for the staff when it comes to cleaning. The bed frame rests on wooden wine crates and the contents of the suitcase are hung in a trolley on wheels for clothes bags instead of in a wardrobe.
The special thing about the 25hours Hotel is its location, right in the heart of the city and with many famous brasseries in the vicinity, such as Brasserie Bellanger, Brasserie Flo orthe classic Brasserie Terminus Nord, which is located on the first floor of the hotel.
By the way: Paris has long since become a more bicycle-friendly city. Bikes can be rented at reception to discover the district with its unusual stores - more about this at the end of the photo series.
More info: 25hours Hotel Paris Terminus Nord, 12 Boulevard de Denain, Tel 75010 Paris, Tel +33 1 42 80 20 00
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The 2024 Olympic Games are scheduled to take place in Paris, with the Gare du Nord station already undergoing renovations for the event. The area around the station is characterized by its multicultural population, with commuters from countries like Algeria, Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Cameroon, and Congo contributing to the vibrant atmosphere. The 25hours Hotel Paris Terminus Nord, located in the heart of the city, offers a colorful and lively reception area, reflecting the diversity of the neighborhood. Interestingly, the design of some of the hotel's rooms, such as the use of filigree desk lamps and gold-colored ceramic washbasins, prioritize aesthetic appeal over functionality. Despite these quirks, the hotel's location in Paris, with famous brasseries like Brasserie Bellanger and Brasserie Terminus Nord within easy reach, makes it an attractive option for tourists.
Source: www.stern.de