Nestled in the 20e arrondissement, Lyf Gambetta is the third European hotel in the Singaporean group Ascott. Housed in a historic building (the Cité Presse, once devoted to printing crossword puzzles!) in the Gambetta district, the hotel has been entirely redesigned by the architecture firm Hardel Le Bihan Architectes.
Indeed, the architecture preserves original elements, such as the building’s metal framework and the industrial hall, while reimagining the spaces to accommodate 140 rooms. But more than a simple hotel, Lyf Gambetta presents itself as a hybrid living space.
Travelers rub shoulders with local residents in spaces designed to foster interaction: shared kitchen in the style of an affordable youth hostel, a vegetated rooftop with a greenhouse, spaces for coworking, Bistouille cocktail bar or even gym.
Part of the hotel's staff was recruited directly from the 20th arrondissement, and numerous collaborations have emerged with local players such as the boulangerie Graine. The establishment also regularly hosts events open to all, such as literary gatherings, creative workshops and music evenings.
Among the activities worth trying even if you’re not staying at the hotel: chess tournaments every Wednesday from 7 p.m., a knit-and-coffee café on the first Sunday of each month from 2:30 to 6 p.m., plus 2D/3D animation workshops, writing workshops, karaoke nights, game nights, etc!
Location
Lyf Gambetta
4 Rue de la Cour des Noues
75020 Paris 20
Route planner
Official website
www.discoverasr.com
