Parisian Elegance: Terminus Nord

By June Ramli

Embarking on a train journey from London to Paris last weekend, after a five-year hiatus, was a delightful experience for me.
I secured my ticket from Sydney a week prior, with the entire round-trip costing around 296 pounds. Arriving in Paris at 9.45 am and departing the following day at 9.12 pm, the smooth train ride from Victoria tube station to St Pancras Station was a seamless journey.

Opting for the train over a flight was a strategic choice driven by the convenience of connectivity.
Unlike airports, which are often situated far from city centres, the train station in Paris places you directly in the heart of the city.

This, I found, eliminated the need for lengthy train rides or expensive Uber to return to the city center.
Seated in coach eight, close to the cafe, I shared the journey with a charming family from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, whose young son entertained me with a mix of Arabic and English throughout the trip.
Upon reaching rain-soaked Paris, I easily spotted my hotel, 25hour Hotel Terminus Nord, conveniently located across the street from the main entrance of Gare Du Nord.

Entering the hotel, I was met with a line of guests awaiting check-in.
Patiently waiting my turn, I was warmly greeted by staff at the reception named MD, who informed me that my room would be ready shortly, even though I arrived before the 3 pm check-in deadline.
MD handed me a coupon for a complimentary drink while I waited for my room to be ready.

Heading to the NENI restaurant with hopes of sipping hot chocolate, I discovered I couldn’t drink inside without a room number.
So, my drink was enjoyed outside the restaurant premises, a peculiar but later understandable rule.

MD eventually informed me that Room 516, conveniently located in front of the lift, was ready.
Entering the vibrantly decorated room, paying homage to India, I was impressed by the large bed and the view of Gare Du Nord’s iconic architecture from the room’s balcony.

The vintage phone, matching the room’s aesthetics, added a nostalgic touch.
The basic yet functional toilet lacked a bathtub, which didn’t bother me.
Putting the bed to the test, I found it comfortable and bed bug-free, contrary to rumors about Parisian hotels.

After a brief rest, I met with the Reservations Manager, Jonathan Albertini, to learn about the hotel’s heritage status and its focus on providing basic amenities to business and leisure guests.
The surroundings of the hotel exuded an old rustic charm, with narrow walkways that combined a modern twist with an old-school feel.
The entrance of the hotel, adorned with movies and CDs of Tamil actors, featured a broom reminiscent of those used in South Indian villages.

Quirky artwork adorned the walls, creating a unique ambience.
Downstairs, the hotel boasted a co-working space, sharing the floor with Neni and a bar featuring DJs on certain days.

An exciting addition was the pop-up booth, providing a platform for Parisian entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their goods to hotel customers.
Dinner at Neni offered a taste of Jewish cuisine, where I opted for familiar options like sashimi and mashed potatoes, accompanied by my trusty hot chocolate.

Despite not exploring the neighborhood, I spent the night in the hotel, ensuring the bed was bug-free, and it indeed was.
An unexpected false alarm at 10 pm briefly interrupted my sleep, causing a moment of confusion with a fellow guest.
The next day, after a refreshing sleep, I indulged in a spectacular breakfast at Terminus Nord.
The 28 Euro breakfast buffet, served from 7.30 am till 9.30 am, proved worth every penny.

Upon sharing my positive breakfast experience with Neni’s restaurant manager Kamal, I bid farewell to the staff, leaving my luggage temporarily behind as I explored my favourite city Paris.
Returning to collect my belongings, everything remained intact.
Despite the lack of bathroom slippers and amenities like toothpaste and a toothbrush, I would rate Terminus Nord a solid 9 out of 10.

They even provide an iron upon request, rounding out a comfortable and memorable stay.
With 237 rooms, Terminus Nord offers a diverse range of accommodations within its charming and unique setting.
Next time you’re in Paris, consider trying Terminus Nord for a delightful staycation experience.