CitizenM has become one of our reliable go-to hotels, and now that it’s joining Marriott, we think more travelers will hop on board.
The brand has a very specific style and layout that you can count on, whether you’re checking into Paris, LA, or Taipei. After several stays, we’ve noticed the things that consistently work really well and a few things that don’t.
Here’s the breakdown with everything you need to know.
8 Things We Love About CitizenM
1. Consistency Across Hotels
No matter where you go, the rooms look almost identical. For some, that might sound boring, but for us it means predictability. And the designs are really cool. We know the bed will be comfortable, the shower will work well, and the blackout curtains will actually block out light. There’s no guessing game with CitizenM.
2. Super Comfortable Bed
It’s worth saying again: the bed is the best part of the room. It’s massive, comfortable, and nearly guarantees a solid night’s sleep every time. After a long day of sightseeing or traveling, it’s the number one feature we look forward to.
3. Blackout Curtains and Quiet Rooms
Sleep is clearly a priority at CitizenM. The blackout curtains do their job well, and combined with solid soundproofing, we’ve always had restful nights, even in busy locations like Paris Gare de Lyon.
4. Great Shower Design
In a lot of hotels, small rooms come with bathrooms that steam up or don’t ventilate properly. CitizenM figured this out. Their showers have good water pressure and ventilation, so you don’t end up fogging up the entire room. Even though the rooms are very small, they provide an adequate curtain for privacy, or you can opt to keep the glass bathroom room on display for a more open feel.
5. Storage in a Small Space
The rooms are small, but they’re designed to make the most of it. There’s storage under the bed for luggage, shelves for smaller items, and even a mini fridge. It’s not a suite by any means, but it works for a short stay.
6. Fun Communal Spaces
CitizenM clearly wants you to spend time outside of your room. The lobbies and common areas are stylish, colorful, and full of places to sit, work, or meet friends. In Copenhagen, the lounge overlooked the square, which made it a great spot to grab a drink and meet fellow travelers.
In Austin, the rooftop pool was the highlight with great views of the city.
Most CitizenM properties have snack stations, bars, and delicious cocktails. They also offer great views (like the picturesque view of the Eiffel Tower from Paris Gare de Lyon), and it’s a good setup for an evening without leaving the hotel. We love it for a first or last night when we want to enjoy a city without venturing out.
7. Tech and Check-In
Check-in is quick and efficient. The kiosks in the lobby make the process painless, and you can keep your key card to use again on your next stay. If you download the CitizenM app, you can even reset keys and handle most of your stay from your phone. The in-room iPad that controls the curtains, lights, and TV is another practical touch. You can set the ambiance and even play music.
8. Corner Room Upgrade and Other Add-ons
If the budget allows, and it’s available at your location, upgrade to a corner room. They usually have more space and better views. Our corner room at Paris Gare de Lyon was noticeably more comfortable than the standard one, and we got to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle from bed. Other convenient add-ons (for a fee) include guaranteed 2 PM checkout, breakfast, and rooms with a view on a higher floor (but no extra space) like at the Tower of London location.
4 Things We Don’t Love About CitizenM
1. Extremely Small Rooms
The rooms are functional, but they are undeniably small. If you’re just using the hotel as a place to sleep and shower, it works great. If you like to spend more time in your room, it may start to feel cramped and inefficient, especially if you’re not traveling solo.
2. Bed Placement
While we love the bed, it’s pushed up against the wall on three sides. That means if two people are sharing, one person has to climb over the other to get up at night. It’s fine for a solo traveler or couple, but less than ideal for anyone else.
Every CitizenM room comes with the same king-sized bed. If you’re traveling with a friend, family member, or coworker, you’ll be sharing that bed. There are no twin or double-bed configurations available.
3. Expensive Snacks and Drinks
The communal spaces are fun, but if you buy coffee, snacks, or drinks there often, the costs add up quickly. In some cases, it can feel like you’re negating the money saved by booking a CitizenM. We recommend exploring local markets, cafés, and bars instead of relying on the hotel lobby (as alluring as it may be). But you should definitely try one Citizens Jasmine or their take on an Espresso Martini if you’re into cocktails.
4. Not Built for Working in the Room
The communal areas are fine for working, but the rooms themselves don’t have a practical desk setup. There is a chair and a small desk, but if you plan on working long hours in your hotel room, CitizenM is not ideal.
Who CitizenM Works Best For
- Solo travelers: The small size feels less noticeable when it’s just you.
- Couples: If sharing a big bed isn’t an issue, CitizenM makes a cozy, affordable base.
- Short-stay travelers: If you’re only in town for a night or two, the efficiency of CitizenM really shines.
Who Might Not Like It
- Business travelers who need an in-room workspace: The room setup just isn’t practical for long workdays.
- Groups or friends traveling together: Sharing one king bed is unavoidable.
- Travelers who prefer spacious rooms: If you like to spread out, CitizenM won’t deliver that except in the common spaces.
Pro Tips for Staying at CitizenM
- Book a corner room if you want extra space.
- Use the communal spaces for working or hanging out instead of the room.
- Bring your own snacks or coffee if you want to avoid high lobby prices.
- Hold on to your key card so you can reuse it at other CitizenM properties and set it up through the app.
- Download the app for easy check-in and key resets.
Our Verdict
We love it for the prime locations, swanky style, comfortable beds, and nice communal spaces. It’s sort of like the bougie adult version of the hostels of your youth, only you get a sleek private en-suite room: It’s cheaper than the alternatives, in a great location, and has plenty of communal space for socializing, and the room is primarily meant for sleeping. We wouldn’t stay here for every trip, but CitizenM is a perfect spot for a short trip in an expensive city.
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I don’t think I’ve ever stayed at a Citzen M. Thanks for this!
There are a few in Paris! Definitely worth it if traveling solo or as a couple. We love the vibe but the rooms are tiny. I made sure I got a photo of the bathroom for you!