Checking In: A Smart Stay In An Overlooked Corner of Paris

My appreciation for a full-length mirror increases considerably during fashion month. It’s something I usually take for granted, but you'd be surprised at how many hotels don't have them, especially in Europe. (Cut to: me at my previous hotel stay, standing on my bathroom sink to try to see my full outfit.) Thankfully, at citizenM Paris Gare de Lyon, there was a huge one right by the door when I walked in. We were off to a good start.

I stayed at the contemporary, conveniently-located hotel during Paris Fashion Week, when my requirements were pretty basic: somewhere clean to come back to, a comfortable bed, and a location that made getting around easy. citizenM delivered on all of them. Its biggest selling point is right there in the name. Next to Gare de Lyon, the hotel puts one of the city’s major transportation hubs within easy reach. You might be thinking: why would you go to Paris and stay next to a train station, of all places?! If you're someone who plans on running all over the city, it might be the best choice you make.

Location: The 12th arrondissement, between Gare de Lyon and the Seine.
Vibe: Contemporary and casual, with colorful communal spaces that invite you to settle in.
Best For: Working trips, solo travelers, and anyone prioritizing easy transport.
Rooms: 338 rooms, with XL king beds, rainfall showers, and tablet-controlled lighting and blinds.
Photo spot: The full-length mirror for a pre-show outfit check.

The rooms follow hotel brand citizenM’s compact, contemporary formula, with a large bed as the focal point and red accents. When I walked into my room, there were two fancy fizzy juices in glass bottles waiting for me, along with chocolate cookies and a hand-drawn note welcoming me for my stay (so sweet). The bed, however, was the star of the show. Mine took up the entire end of the room, with a huge window right above it. It was cloud-soft and so cozy; during fashion month, when sleep becomes a precious (and rare) commodity, that makes all the difference.

A bedside tablet controls all the features including the television, lighting, temperature, and blackout blinds, which I used every night. It’s an efficient setup, though if you're someone who packs heavy, keep in mind the closet is quite compact. One small thing I loved: the television directly in front of the bed felt like the ultimate hotel luxury. I wish I could've had a cozy movie night in. Next time!

Breakfast every morning was a highlight of my stay. Having it downstairs made starting the day easier; before heading out into Paris, there was one less decision to make. The hotel’s canteenM serves a breakfast buffet with hot and cold options, including pastries (the pain au chocolat was perfectly flaky and buttery), while food and drinks are available around the clock. I also appreciated the cozy restaurant as somewhere to work. On a trip like this, a hotel’s usefulness extends beyond the room: having a comfortable place to sit with your laptop can make such a difference.

What I remember most about citizenM Paris Gare de Lyon is how easy it made my stay in Paris. I slept comfortably, enjoyed my coffee and croissant each morning, and was always greeted by smiling front desk staff. Getting around all over Paris was a breeze because of the proximity to the train station. Sometimes, the best thing a hotel can do is make the rest of your day easier, and citizenM did just that.