Hotel Jardin Le Brea

Popular with travelers looking for a quiet stay in Paris, the Jardin Le Brea is a boutique hotel with intimate interiors that lend it a dash of romance. Located on a quaint Parisian street, in the 6th Arrondissement, the hotel suits travelers looking for a neighborhood base outside the city center, with easy access to public transport links. The style is a mix of modern and dated decor, with some spaces decked out in modern wallpaper and dark wooden furniture, while others have less attractive colors and heavy oak accents that don't look as fresh. There are two lobby lounge areas and an outdoor patio area for relaxing before or after a day of sightseeing. Otherwise, features are limited and most guests -- the majority of whom are couples -- spend their day out exploring Paris while on vacation.

Located between Boulevard Montparnasse and Boulevard Raspai, the Jardin Le Brea is in a relatively quiet corner of the city, though there are still several local restaurants and shops nearby. It’s a seven-minute walk to the Luxembourg Gardens, while the Tour Montparnasse -- which offers great 360 degree views of the city -- is a 12-minute walk. While most of Paris' major sights aren't within an easy walk, the Vavin Metro station is just two minutes from the hotel on foot, and Notre Dame des Champs Metro station is a five-minute walk. From Vavin, it’s a 15-minute journey to the Odeon Theatre, or 25 minutes to the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower. Expect an hour-long train ride to either Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport, and depending on traffic, it can take as long to reach the former by cab. 

The rooms are a bit of a mixed bag at this hotel, though the Classic Rooms are easily the better option, as the Superior Rooms -- while pleasant -- are looking a little comparably dated. The Classic Rooms are decorated with bold Hermes wallpaper that adds lots of character when paired with statement headboards and dark wooden furniture. Some rooms have French doors with street views. The Superior Rooms are done in fuchsia Designers Guild wallpaper, but their furnishings look more solidly mid-range. Even though they're all compact, rooms feature desks and wardrobes. Other standard features include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, wall-mounted LCD televisions, and electronic safes. En-suite bathrooms are tiled throughout and have showers or shower/tub combos (some with rainfall showerheads) plus circular vanity mirrors and fluffy white towels. Toiletries and hairdryers are also provided. Room configurations range from singles to triples, so small families and solo travelers also have options. Noise from the street can be an issue in some rooms.

Like most budget and mid-range hotels in central Paris, there isn't much on offer here. The attractive breakfast room has exposed stone walls and is an appealing place to start the day, though the continental breakfast isn't included with all rates. There are two lounge areas, one of which is especially cozy, with a fireplace and armchairs -- it's worth grabbing a free coffee or a drink from the honor bar and unwinding here or on the small outdoor patio. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, though there's also a computer and printer.