Hôtel Trianon Rive Gauche

"Rive Gauche" in the hotel name refers to this hotel's location on the Left Bank of the Seine. On one side of the small lobby, a green marble-topped front desk doubles as a tiny wine bar. On the other side is a lounge with a mix of silver-and-magenta striped chairs, chrome-legged tables, and high-backed white couches. The molded ceilings and aged wood paneling get lost in a menagerie of lighting from wall sconces with hanging sparkly beads, and stark black floor lamps with oversize shades. A few antiques placed alongside mass-produced baubles complete a decor that  might strike some as, well, gauche. 

The hotel sits behind an administrative building, at the junction of Saint- Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, on the Rue Vaugirard, a four-mile street that runs from the Boulevard St. Michel to the Porte de Versailles, passing alongside the Jardin du Luxembourg and skirting Montparnasse. It's surrounded by quiet streets, restaurants, and cafes, and is within walking distance of the Odeon metro station, and the RER Luxembourg station, which has a connection to Charles de Gaulle Airport. 

This hotel has 110 rooms, all decorated in the same red-and-brown color scheme that makes them a little dark. Striped carpets and curtains, with alternating red and brown walls, do little do enliven the palette, although many rooms have small Juliet balconies; others have balconies large enough for a small bistro-style table and two chairs. Some rooms have wardrobes covered with curtains in lieu of closets and shelves. All have laptop-size safes, flat-screen TVs, kettles with coffee and tea available, small wooden desks, and free Wi-Fi; some have mini-fridges. The bathrooms include updated fixtures and modern sinks with shower/tub combos, and toiletries. Connecting rooms for families or groups are available. 

The Trianon Rive Gauche Hotel's small lobby packs in a few handy amenities, such as a huge Nespresso machine with all the necessary accoutrements, and a small wine and liquor bar integrated into the front desk. There's also a shoe-shine machine. The business corner has two computers on an attractive black and chrome table, and a printer. The breakfast cafe serves a continental breakfast of yogurt, fruit, ham, cheese, boiled eggs, bread and croissants, as well as a larger buffet breakfast -- both of which come with an extra fee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, the Luxembourg lounge can accommodate business meetings.