 I guess that the Bvd Barbes is not the coolest part of Paris though I like the exotic feel of the area around Chateau Rouge Metro If it makes you nervous get off the Metro at Marcadet Poissoniers and walk uphill It s not much further anyway 
 The hotel reception is smart and clean and the reception staff very helpful and friendly The hotel as a whole has a nice clean look to it The room was a decent size with a nice clean and well designed and made bathroom and tea coffee making facilities The curtains were almost total blackout and the soundproofing excellent The bed was very comfortable I have slept in a lot of Parisian hotel beds and this was one of the best I didn t have breakfast but the English lady I met in the lobby did and said that it was excellent I like this area Walk west and you arrive at a pleasant residential area with decent bars and eateries It s quiet and not touristy at all 