Résidence du Palais

Boasting a posh location literally across the street from the Luxembourg Gardens, the old-fashioned Résidence du Palais offers charming rooms with shared facilities at very reasonable rates.

Quick read

Pros: Right across the street from the Luxembourg gardens. Clean, well-maintained rooms.
Cons: Sparse furnishings. Only shared toilets available.

Rooms

The Résidence du Palais' rooms are well-kept, with freshly painted yellow or pink walls and restored crown moldings. They either look onto the rue Vavin or overlook the courtyard (which would be quieter). Furnishings are sparse: All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and not much else.

As for facilities, every room has a sink and shower placed into a corner, mostly without a closing door (which could be awkward or no problem at all, depending on your situation). Rooms on each floor share two toilets, which are cleaned throughout the day.

Hotel facilities

The Résidence du Palais is run by the friendly Monsieur and Madame Vabre (who speak English). They’re assisted by the adorable Oscar (the Jack Russell), and Garfield and Felix (les chats). The animals stay put, however, in the second-floor reception.

The entire pension is non-smoking. The pension does have an elevator. Wi-Fi is available throughout, but guests may be charged (depending on the length of stay). Breakfast is available for €5, and, for long-term guests, dinner is available.

Location

About that location: The 27-room pension occupies the second, third and fourth floor of a residential building along the rue d’Assas in the 6th. Walk downstairs, through the courtyard and cross the street directly into the garden. It’s truly formidable! Aside from the garden, you’re also close to the Boulevard Montparnasse, cafés, shopping and several Metro stops.