The 50-room, two-star Grand Hôtel des Balcons is nicely situated: make a left out the door and you can head to the Odéon National Theater and the Luxembourg Gardens, make a right and you'll step onto the Boulevard St-Germain. Heck, go straight across the street and you'll end up at Berkeley Books, a pleasant English-language used bookstore.
The hotel itself has some nice touches. The lobby features large stained-glass windows and fresh flowers.
Rooms vary in size, although none are small. Most have some artwork livening up the cream-colored walls, as well as red and black bedding adding a bold touch. Each has a telephone, small TV, and Wi-Fi access. Of the 50 rooms, 30 face the calm street outside—we recommend asking for one of these. And, as the name suggests, the Grand Hôtel des Balcons has a few balconies. Request ahead.
The Anglo-American style buffet, which serves up eggs, sausage, and bacon, is available for a hefty €12. But for those guests sick of the petite French-style breakfast, it could be worth it.
» Mike Kirwan
Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor and is recommended based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.
About the Grand Hotel des Balcons neighborhood
Just west of the Latin Quarter in the direction of the Eiffel Tower, St. Germain des Prés is a class act. Located in the 6th arrondissment, St. Germain is flanked by two Parisian gems—the Luxembourg Gardens to the south and the banks of the Seine to the north. The iconic neighborhood borrows its name from the church of St. Germain des Prés. It is defined by the boulevard of the same name, which slices through the quarter’s winding streets. St. Germain's designer fashion boutiques and world famous cafés pack the neighborhood.
St. Germain is the perfect place for unguided walks. Art galleries and swank shops can be found on just about every corner. Everything costs a little bit more here; from cocktails to double rooms, visitors should be prepared for higher rates and pricetags. Nonetheless, St. Germain is home to some moderately expensive (and quite charming) sleeps.
more about St. Germain des Pres