Have you tried something like hostelworld or hostelbookers (one of the two is probably behind the listing here on Eurotrip too)? Most properties are rated & reviewed and there is a map view which is useful (well, not for Eurotrip, but the other two have it). Actually, a good alternative seems to be Travellerspoint. Once you’ve done an availability search, enlarge the map at the top of the page and set the Order By set to Distance. You can then drag the biggish pink marker around and it will show you the available properties nearest. Cool They also seem to have some other budget accomodation types.

Last time I was in Paris I stayed in a tiny little hotel, so not much help in terms of specific hostel recommendations; sorry

Le Village Hostel in Montmarte (Sacre Coeur) is not that far from Gare Nord.
The breakfast was kinda crappy, and you rent sheets, but the bathroom was spotlessly clean and the staff friendly.
Le Village

You can book and get a list of hostels based on rating right here at Eurotrip.

check out our Paris Hostel Page.

Take some time and read over the hostel web sites as well as guide books like Let’s Go, Lonely Planet and Rick Steves. It is one thing to book a cheap hostel and find out you are in the Red Light District by the Moulin Rouge and Sacre Coeur. Do your homework and look at many different ratings.
I have heard good things about the BVJ hostel by the Louvre. Great location. But not a party hostel.
Be sure to find out check-in time, lock outs if any and get a map and directions to your hostel to safe time.

Thanks for all the help. The best place I found on the web seems to be Perfect Hostel (in Montemarte), even though a little far from main sites it is next to metro and seems to have best reviews for its price.

not sure if it’s a little late by now, but Caulaincourt Square Hostel was fantastic.