Cluny Sorbonne

Located across the street from the Université de la Sorbonne and near the Panthéon in the Latin Quarter, the Hotel Cluny Sorbonne possesses a quaint charm, prime location and basic rooms, including a few starving-poet-worthy garret rooms. The affordable rates are pretty poetic too!

Quick read

Pros: Low rates. Friendly owners. Great Latin Quarter location. Free Wi-Fi.

Cons: Dated décor. Small bathrooms.

Room

The Cluny Sorbonne’s 23 rooms are modest but comfortable, decorated with vintage (er, “dated”) linens and well-loved, well-worn wooden headboards, armoires and, yes, writing desks.

The rooms on the fifth and sixth floors provide dreamy rooftop views of the historic Latin Quarter. There is no air conditioning (fans are offered), but renovations are in the works. Free Wi-Fi is now available throughout and most rooms have a flat-screen television.

The teeny-tiny bathrooms, currently old but tidy, are next on the renovation list.

Hotel facilities

The same famille has been managing Cluny Sorbonne since 1976, and the staff is approachable, kind and helpful. (Desire touring recommendations? Ask charismatic Wesley!)

Fun fact: Remember that starving poet? Upon his passionate return to Paris in 1872, the dashing Rimbaud wrote by candlelight in room 62, overlooking the hotel’s “bottomless courtyard.” And speaking of Rimbaud’s poem, “Eternité,” keep your eyes peeled for friendly spirits! The hotel is rumored to be haunted.

Breakfast is available in their bright and sunny breakfast room for €6.

Location

The Cluny Sorbonne is located across the narrow rue Victor Cousin from the Sorbonne University (Université de Paris IV) in the academic heart of the Latin Quarter (as opposed to the “tourist heart” near Place St-Michel, about 5-10 minutes away). The lovely Jardin du Luxembourg is also about a five-minute walk from the hotel.