Les Jardins du Luxembourg
5 impasse Royer-Collard, 5e, Paris, 75005, FranceWhy We Like It
Far from a glamorous hotel, its location between the quiet Latin Quarter and Saint Germain is absolutely prime. If you're on a budget, not too particular about décor, and don't plan to spend a lot of time in the hotel, we say go for it.
Fodor's Expert Review
Blessed with a great location and the welcoming ambiance of a family owned hotel, this reasonable convenience lodging set on a serene cul-de-sac offers its own old-style ambiance and puts you a block away from the Jardin du Luxembourg. It's an easy commute to either the airport or the Eurostar via the RER train that stops at the end of the street.
You Should Know This is not a contemporary hotel by a stretch of the imagination and is somewhat dated but well-kept and comfortable. If you're looking for streamlined design, this isn't for you.
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Room
Smallish rooms are furnished with wrought-iron beds topped with Provençal fabrics. Ask for a room with a balcony if you want a view, or request a larger ground-floor unit with a private entrance if you crave some privacy. Top-floor suites have pretty views overlooking the rooftops.
Bathroom
Modern baths are standard issue, with fancy tiling that's showing some wear and handheld showers in the tubs. Though small, they are very clean with quality bath products.
You Should Know The two suites in the secondary building have more spacious, modern bathrooms than in the hotel proper.
Lobby
The hardwood-floor lobby has a fireplace that's used in winter and a small lounge area.
Dining
A hot and cold buffet breakfast is served in the cheerful dining room.
Tip Why stay indoors when you can grab a buttery croissant or pain au chocolat at a nearby pâtisserie and head to the park? Or, if you'd like to sample some of Paris's best, it's worth the 5-minute walk to Pierre Hermé, near Saint-Sulpice church on the Rue Bonaparte, or Gérard Mulot (76 Rue de Seine), two of the areas best and beloved pastry and bake shops.
Chocolate
Chocolate lovers don't walk run to Franck Kestener, a few minutes away, one of Paris's Master Chocolatiers known for his sublime and imaginative creations, particularly his hand-dipped cookies (try the Atlantique, a butter cookie dipped in salted caramel) and his rich chocolate-covered marzipan. On the other side of the park, Jean-Paul Hévin's glorious pastries and chocolates are also favorites among Parisians. And on the Rue Bonaparte, near Saint-Sulpice church, Pierre Hermé's chocolate macarons are some of the best in Paris.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Your nearest metro stops are Odéon, about a 5-10-minute walk away, and Vavin, across the park. A minute from the hotel RER station Luxembourg takes you direct to both airports. This is a heavenly location at the edge of the leafy Latin Quarter just at the border of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a few steps to the lovely Luxembourg gardens and museum, as well as the stately Saint-Sulpice church. Smaller museums, like the Musée Zadkine, and its hidden garden, or the Musée Délacroix, and the Musée Cluny are wonderful finds. You're also very close to all the charms of the Latin Quarter, and an easy walk to the Panthéon, and all the attractions of the Jardin des Plantes: its lovely greenhouses, zoo, and museums. And shopping abounds throughout Saint-Germain, both near and farther afield.
Restaurants
Les Papilles "cave à manger" (a few minutes away at 30 rue Gay-Lussac) is renowned for a well-priced 3-course menu, though you won't get a huge amount of choice, you're assured of the best, seasonal menu around with great wines to match. Le Comptoir du Relais, at the Carrefour de l'Odéon (5-minute walk), is a favorite small bistro with outdoor dining, a big mirrored menu of the day, and plenty of fresh bistro salads. Get there at noon or before to snag a table for lunch; reservations for dinner should be made in advance. For a great budget meal, head to the popular Breizh Café, one of Paris's more famous crêperies (10-minute walk) at 11 Rue Grégoire de Tours.