5 reasons Motel One in Paris the perfect hotel with kids

Heading to Paris with the kids?

Think you can't stay in a design hotel? Then think again. As the German chain of affordable design hotels Motel One proves, luxury isn't always about room service, mini-bars and deep bathtubs (although, all these things are of course lovely!). A luxury hotel in a city with children can still mean luxury, but just on a simpler scale. Motel One is like a modern B&B but so extra!

Yes, you still want those hotel comforts but what you really want is centrally located base near to a underground or train station, comfortable and spacious beds, a good filling breakfast to start your day off well and, staff that make you feel so at home that if you and the kids kicked back in the lounge area - and say you played a game or wanted to casually sip a Kir Royale while the kids played on their devices - you wouldn't be asked to keep quiet. In fact it's the bustle of families, business travellers tapping on their laptops and groups of friends that makes it a buzzy, yet welcoming motel for all.

A family break at the Motel One Paris-Porte Dorée

Junior headed to the Motel One Paris-Porte Dorée, to discover its excellent location - as it's a bit of a hidden gem in the 12th arrondissement. But, also the fact that its the ideal starting point for exploring the city - as it's just a 20-25 minute journey by public transport to major attractions including the Paris Zoo, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral and of course, the Eiffel Tower - but, also a beautifully design motel that ticks all the luxe boxes yet leaves you enough euros to hit the Champs-Élysées!

The Paris-Porte Dorée motel is famed for its bold lobby design that is inspired by its green surroundings, as you are first greeted by a vibrant lighting concept comprising Ingo Maurer Butterfly and Flatterby lights and suspended dragonfly chandeliers by Damien Langlois-Meurinne. The animal theme continues in the design hotel’s reception area with a collage-filled 3D installation by Paris-based street artist Madame Moustache featuring two large elephants to really set the scene, all while complementing the authentic shabby-chic Parisian reception desk.

BOOK HERE >> Motel One Paris-Porte Dorée

5 Reasons Motel One is the perfect base for a city break with children

Simple Luxe. Motel One may not come with an official 5-star hotel rating but it certainly receives 5 stars from us! On check-in you will be greeted and struck by the unique combination of high-quality interiors and attention grabbing art work. As each hotel has an individually designed entrance lounge, all known as the One Lounge which acts as a lobby, breakfast café and bar in all one. Littered with designer furniture and art/sculptures by international artists it immediately invites you to sit back and relax. The Paris bar lounge area is reminiscent of a vintage French salon with chandeliers, leather-upholstered counter fronts and mirrored wall panelling.

The Motel One exclusive design aesthetic and signature colours of brown and turquoise offer a pleasing *read instagram approved* palette, and the excellent 24hr service - we for one can vouch for welcoming and helpful staff - that make you feel like nothing is too much trouble all without being overbearing. No mean feat in modern hospitality. And, as we mentioned above they are all situated in outstanding city centre locations making quick family getaways and city breaks easy, hassle-free and above all enjoyable for all.

Small, but perfectly formed. Rooms are on average 16-25 square meters. And, we warn you they come without a closet but, for quick weekend getaways this isn't an issue as there is a few shelves and coat hooks. There is also no telephone (who uses these anymore anyway?), no mini-bar (although water is provided) and no room service. But, they do all have comfortable box-spring Queen-size or double beds with Mühldorfer 100% Egyptian cotton bedding , a selection of pillows, free wi-fi, flat-screen TV's, comfortable desk and leather chair seating.

The bathrooms are again small, but touted as the smallest spa in the world with Hansgrohe - brand 'Raindance' rain showers, refreshing organic linden flower hand soap and organic mint & lemon hair and body washes and luxurious fluffy towels - what else do you need? P.S They also have hair dryers in each room!

GOOD TO KNOW:

One child up to 6 years old may stay in the parents’ room free of charge, with breakfast also included. Children aged between 7 and 12 years old can also stay in a room with an adult for free – or, if an additional bed is permitted (some Motels cannot offer this due to fire hazards), with two adults. In this case, you only pay for breakfast. Depending on the hotel, families with two or more children can enjoy special conditions. Please contact the relevant hotel for more information on the availability of family rooms.

Motel One also allows dogs to stay for an additional fee. Contact the hotel directly via phone or email if booking with children/pets or get in touch via their contact form

Hunger Games. OK so the Motel One doesn't offer room service but, as you will have likely grabbed a Croque Monsieur or takeaway crepe whilst out-and-about and more than filled those endless 'snack attacks' requests. But, if you do find yourself needing supper then the central locations means a restaurant, takeaway or fast-food chain is never too far away, the One Lounge also serves a small selection of snacks, nibbles and hot drinks (think toasted sandwiches, crisps and nuts). The bar however is a frazzled parents dream with a vast selection of gins (over 50 to be precise), wines and after-dark cocktails.

At Motel One the breakfast is what it's all about! After a good nights sleep you can set yourselves up for a full on day of tours, sights and shopping with its infamous 'Urban Bio Breakfast'. Motel One are praised for leading the way with this new breakfast concept in Germany and Austria, with a focus on a broader selection of organic products. The buffet includes a vast selection of organic cheeses, meats, sausages, eggs, milk, butter, yogurts and mueslis/cereals. They also offer organic breads, rolls and pastries, jams, honeys and various spreads. Organic juices are offered alongside fair trade organic coffee and gourmet teas. Trust us even those fussy kids will find something they like. What's more the leisurely timing (see below) means you can all start your morning stress-free.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Urban Bio Breakfast is an additional cost. From £9.50/11.50euro per person and served Monday to Friday: 6:00 am - 10:00 am Weekends, holidays: 7:00 am - 11:00 am

Motel of the Future. As families and especially, children are more conscious of travelling more 'green' and the impacts its has on the environment we can't not mention how impressed we are by its sustainability programme. The "One Planet. One Future" campaign has seen all Motel Ones' switch over (since 2016) to green electricity sources and obtaining 100% of their electricity from renewable sources such as hydropower, solar or wind energy. Also, the toiletries provided to guests are refillable pump dispensers made from recycled PET that are reused many times over. In fact they use and dispose of only three to four dispensers per product (handwash and hair and body shampoo) in each room each year! They also support the One Foundation non-profit organisation promoting equal opportunities in society, primarily supporting socially and economically disadvantaged children and young people, helping to give them new prospects and a better future through education.

GOOD TO KNOW:

You can check in from 15.00 on the arrival date and check out is up to 12 noon.

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