Hotel Michelet Odeon

Given the Michelet Odeon’s swanky location near the Luxembourg Gardens and its boutique-styled rooms, its rates seem reasonable. Or at least less than you’d pay elsewhere.

First of all, if paying €220-€245 a night isn’t too rich for your blood, the Michelet Odeon could work out well for you. It recently underwent renovations, which gussied up all of its rooms with a modern “boutique hotel” look, new furnishings, and pristine bathrooms. Rooms now have refreshed wallpaper and carpets, plus a few surprising (and quirky) design extras.

Each of the 42 rooms has a window facing a street, although only eight open directly onto the Place and the theater (ask ahead). Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV (with cable), free Wi-Fi and a telephone.

And then there’s the location: Situated on the semi-circular Place de l’Odéon, the hotel faces the Odéon Theater, which hosts world-class performances year-round. It’s also one block from the Luxembourg Gardens, which is obviously a major selling point.

One notable drawback: Rooms are pretty small, even by Paris standards, at around 118 square feet. One that we inspected was quite tight, as you can see in the photo. Still, that doesn’t bother the hotel’s faithful clientele, who come back year after year.

Breakfast is served downstairs in the lounge for a not-so-cheapo €12.