Paris Butte-aux-cailles And Chinatown

Though not at the center of it all, the 13ème is home to several inexpensive accomodations in an ethnically-diverse and residential area, providing travelers with an opportunity to escape the steep prices and occasional phoniness of Parisian chic.

Oops!, 50 avenue des Gobelins (www.oops-paris.com), The first boutique hostel in Paris, Oops! has the fashion sense of a teen with an attitude problem. Animal print wallpaper, bold colors and a kaleidescope of patterns generate a fun, young feel. The rooms themselves are less remarkable than the decor, but are average in size and include a bathroom and shower, though no lockers are available. Guests are free to use the rainbow-colored lounge and its free Wi-fi. Les Gobelins. Email to make a reservation. No deposit required if booking made through website. Cancel within 24hr. Breakfast included. Dorms €23-€30, private rooms €60-70. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access. Has internet. Has air conditioning.
Hotel Magendie, 2 rue Magendie, 6 rue Corvisart A standard two-star hotel with the fake plants and whitewashed, concrete walls of a county hospital, Hotel Magendie offers clean and box-like rooms that are affordable if forgettable. The first floor atmosphere is a lot more welcoming, with warmer colors. Les Gobelins, Corvisart . Breakfast €8. Check-in at noon. Check-out at noon. M-F Singles €75, doubles €89, triples €110. Sa-Su singles €66, doubles €79, triples €98. Dec.27-Dec.31 singles €84, doubles €97, triples €119. Takes credit cards.
CISP “Kellerman”, 17 bd. Kellermann 01 44 16 37 38 (www.cisp.fr), Close to Chinatown in a residential neighborhood, this branch of the Centres Internationaux du Sejour de Paris (CISP) offers sparse dorm-style rooms for up to week-long stays. The industrial metal rods and high-ceilings make it feel like a psych ward. Takes credit cards. Has internet.
Association des Foyers de Jeunes: Foyer Tolbiac, 234 rue de Tolbiac 01 44 16 22 22; foyer.tolbiac@free.fr (www.foyer-tolbiac.com), Normally the Foyer Tolbiac shelters young working girls (no, not the kind you're thinking of), but, travelers staying for at least 3 nights are welcome within the establishment's salmon-pink walls. All rooms are dorm-style, bathrooms are shared, and no boys are allowed. If you're a woman in a bind, you can always rely on a clean, safe place to sleep here. Singles €20; doubles €19. Takes credit cards.