“Forget the Eiffel Tower and ignore the Champs Elysees. The young, the weird and the beautiful wine, dine and, er, rendezvous here in the 20^th – arrondissement.” —Inside The Travel Lab.

Mama says hello.

This Philippe Starck-designed hotel is trendy, fun and perfect for those conscious of their budget. Depending on when you book, the rooms start at 90 to 150 euros and pets are just 25€/day. For the small price, you do get a lot: free WIFI + in-room movies, a hip restaurant with delicious menu + drinks, pizzeria and a rooftop bar for the design crowd. But note: you’ll probably be spending the rest of your budget on transportation. Being that it’s located in East Paris (with not much else around), the metro is a 15 minute walk and 15 minute train ride to central Paris. I ended up taking Ubers everyday which took about 20 minutes and also added up!

I did enjoy my stay and loved the Mama branding. Lotions with “Mama Wants To Cream You Up” and olive oil labeled “Virgin Mama”? Chic. Mama Hotels are also extremely dog-friendly. I brought Fira inside the indoor restaurant multiple times and everyone was so friendly bringing water bowls for her. They didn’t even mind her sitting on a chair once. I’m so used to USA where dogs are never allowed inside eateries!

The rooms are simple and cozy with dark carpet and black + cement walls. I’m currently writing this during my last night here before I check into another hotel tomorrow and feeling really hermit-ish in the plush bed. Another Uber to the center is not calling my name. Gonna take advantage of my day off and being a little removed in East Paris is just the right place to do it.