Hotel Review: Moxy Paris Bastille

Located in the 11th arrondissement, just a croissant's throw from Place de la Bastille. The hotel is at the junction of rue St Sabin and rue du Chemin Vert. Both Bréquet Sabin and Chemin Vert Métro stations are close by - the first is on a direct line (number 5) to Gare du Nord, handy for Eurostar-hoppers. There is a car park below the property. Stroll west, and you reach the delightful Place des Vosges and the inviting shops and restaurants of the Marais. There is a weekly market in boulevard Richard Lenoir on Thursday and Sunday mornings, mostly selling food.

By plane: Flights from London or Manchester to Paris Charles De Gaulle take 1 hour 15 minutes and the hotel is 45 minutes' drive away. Parking costs €36 per day. Book flights to Paris.

By train: Eurostar from London to Paris Gare du Nord takes 2 hours 20 minutes and the hotel is 20 minutes' drive away. Book flights to Paris Gare du Nord.

Rising to seven storeys, this nondescript modern block is enlivened by a large, ground-floor lounge with funky interiors and a student hall feel. Think hanging bicycles, pink flamingoes, bookshelves with rollerskates, pot plants and retro furniture. Lifts feature maps of Paris and a selfie mirror and the music never stops with a DJ at weekends.

The Reception is at one end of the bar, and you may have to wait for attention, but Wi-Fi is speedy and guests are offered a welcome drink. There's an ironing room, even though this appears to be something most guests don't require. Avoid the insecure luggage lockers on the lower ground floor.

• Sun terrace
• Bar
• Coffee house
• Lounge
• Family-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

The rooms come in five categories, including triple and family options. Some face the street, others an inner courtyard. The style is pared down and a bit tired in places with a plain white queen-size bed, rails for clothes, a tiny work desk, and an oversized drinks can for a bedside table. Bathrooms are small with a shower and grey tiling.

Room types: Moxy Sleeper, Moxy Sleeper Balcony, Moxy Sleeper Triple, Moxyfied Family Sleeper

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Muk toiletries, hairdryer, sitting area, TV, free Wi-Fi

While there's no restaurant the bar stocks draught beers and offers cocktails including the gin-based 'Got Moxy'. Snacks from cheese plates to lasagne and 'Lord of the Onion Rings' are available. Breakfast is a standard buffet with decent coffee plus fruit salad, scrambled eggs and sausages, but it can get crowded.

Moxy Bar: lobby-lounge bar, casual dining. Buffet breakfast and light bites. Open daily, 24-hour.