Paris changes. It gentrifies. It gets expensive. But then there is the Au Royal Mad Hotel, a place that feels like a stubborn holdout from a version of the city that doesn’t exist much anymore. Tucked away on Rue Sedaine in the 11th arrondissement, it is essentially a relic. Some call it a "no-frills" sanctuary. Others might call it a shock to the system if they’re used to the velvet curtains of the Ritz. Honestly, if you are looking for a minibar and a concierge who remembers your name, you are in the wrong place.
Staying here is a choice. You choose it because you want to be near the Bastille without paying €300 a night. You choose it because you’d rather spend your money on natural wine at a bar around the corner than on a fancy lobby you’ll never sit in. It’s basic. Really basic.
What You Are Actually Getting at Au Royal Mad Hotel
Let’s get the elephant out of the room. This is a one-star establishment. In the world of Parisian hospitality, that means something specific. You get a bed. You get a roof. You get a door that locks.
Most people booking the Au Royal Mad Hotel are doing so because of the price point. In a city where "budget" often starts at €120, finding something significantly lower feels like a win. The rooms are tight. We’re talking about the kind of square footage where you have to move your suitcase just to open the bathroom door. But it's clean enough. It works. The décor is… well, let's call it "vintage" without the irony. Think floral wallpaper that has seen a few decades and carpets that have absorbed the footsteps of a thousand backpackers.
Is it loud? Yeah, sometimes. The walls aren't exactly lead-lined. You’ll hear the hum of the 11th arrondissement outside. You’ll hear someone laughing in the hallway at 1 AM. It’s part of the vibe. You aren't here to hibernate; you are here to have a base of operations in one of the coolest neighborhoods in Europe.
The Shared Bathroom Situation
Some rooms have private showers. Some don't. If you book a room with a shared bathroom, be prepared for the reality of that. It’s a hallway trek in your flip-flops. Surprisingly, the communal facilities are kept in decent shape, but it’s still a shared space. It feels like being a student again. For some, that’s a dealbreaker. For others, it’s a small price to pay for being walking distance from the Place de la Bastille.
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Location is the Only Amenity That Counts
Location. It’s the word real estate agents scream, but for the Au Royal Mad Hotel, it is the genuine saving grace. Rue Sedaine is perfectly positioned. You are minutes away from the Marais, but you aren't stuck in the middle of the tourist traps.
The 11th is where Parisians actually live and eat. You’ve got the Voltaire metro station (Line 9) and Bastille (Lines 1, 5, 8) right there. If you walk five minutes, you’re at Septime or Clamato—some of the hardest dinner reservations to get in the city. You can stumble out of a late-night set at a jazz club and be back in your room before your ears stop ringing.
- The Morning Routine: Walk to Boulangerie Utopie on Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud. It’s not far. Their sourdough is legendary.
- The Evening Vibe: Head to the bars along Rue de Lappe. It’s chaotic, loud, and smells like cheap beer and ambition.
- The Sunday Plan: The Marché Bastille is one of the biggest open-air markets in Paris. You can get a wedge of Comté the size of your head for a few euros.
Dealing with the Realities of One-Star Paris
Look, there is no elevator. If you are packing a 50-pound trunk, you are going to regret your life choices by the third floor. The stairs are narrow. They creak. It’s very "Old World," which is a nice way of saying "bring a backpack, not a suitcase."
The staff at Au Royal Mad Hotel are usually described as "efficient." This is French for "they will check you in, give you your key, and leave you alone." Don't expect a curated list of "hidden gems" from the front desk. They’ve seen it all. They know you're there for the price, and they respect the hustle.
One thing that surprises people is the WiFi. It actually works better than you’d expect for a place that looks like it belongs in the 70s. You can stream a movie or check your emails without wanting to throw your phone out the window. It’s a small mercy, but a vital one.
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Why Do People Keep Coming Back?
It’s about the lack of pretension. Paris can be an exhausting city of "shoulds." You should dress up. You should know which fork to use. You should spend a fortune. Au Royal Mad Hotel asks nothing of you. It is a place to crash.
I’ve met writers there who stay for a month because the monthly rate is cheaper than an apartment rental. I’ve met travelers who are on a year-long trek across the continent and just need a place where the sheets are changed. There is a specific kind of camaraderie in these types of hotels. You nod to the person in the hallway because you both know the secret: you’re paying half of what the people three blocks away are paying, and you’re seeing the exact same sunset.
Technical Details and Booking Advice
Booking this place requires a bit of strategy. Don't just show up. Use the major platforms, but also check their direct site if it’s functioning—sometimes you find a quirk in the pricing that saves you an extra tenner.
- Check-in: Usually 2:00 PM. They are pretty strict about this.
- Check-out: 11:00 AM.
- Payment: They take cards, but keep some cash for the city tax (taxe de séjour), which is a few euros per night.
If you are sensitive to smoke, ask for a non-smoking room explicitly. It’s an old building, and smells linger. Also, if you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room facing the courtyard rather than the street. The street isn't a highway, but Paris garbage trucks are famously loud at 6 AM.
Comparing the Alternatives
If you decide the Au Royal Mad Hotel is too "rustic" for your tastes, your options in the 11th usually jump significantly in price. You could look at a hostel like Les Piaules, which is more modern but involves bunk beds and 20-somethings partying until dawn. Or you move toward the "affordable chic" hotels like Hotel Fabric, but then you’re looking at triple the price.
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The Royal Mad occupies a very specific niche. It’s for the person who views a hotel room as a locker with a bed. If you plan on spending more than eight hours a day in your room, you’ll probably get cabin fever. If you plan on being out until the metro stops running, it’s perfect.
The Verdict on Au Royal Mad Hotel
Is it "good"? That depends on your definition. Is it a functional, safe, and incredibly well-located place to stay for people who prioritize their travel budget for food and experiences? Yes.
It is a reminder that Paris isn't just for the wealthy. It’s a city that, at its core, belongs to the flâneur—the wanderer. And every wanderer needs a place to sleep that doesn't break the bank. Just don't forget your own soap; sometimes the little things are the first to go in a one-star setup.
Actionable Next Steps for Travelers
- Check the Floor: Before confirming your booking, message the hotel to ask which floor your room is on. If you have mobility issues, a ground-floor or first-floor room is a non-negotiable since there is no lift.
- Pack a Power Strip: Older Parisian hotels are notorious for having exactly one power outlet located in the most inconvenient spot possible. A small travel power strip will save your life when you need to charge a phone, a laptop, and a camera simultaneously.
- Download Offline Maps: While the WiFi is decent, the 11th arrondissement is a maze of small side streets. Having a Google Map of the "Bastille/Oberkampf" area downloaded will help you navigate back to Rue Sedaine after a few glasses of wine.
- Confirm the Bathroom: Double-check your reservation "Room Type" specifically. If it says "Shared Bathroom," that means the toilet and shower are in the hallway. If that makes you uncomfortable, upgrade to the "Ensuite" option immediately, as they rarely have room to move you once you arrive.