Odéon Hôtel: A Left Bank Address in Paris

When it comes to accommodation in Paris, we are drawn to the 6ème arrondissement. The left bank area surrounding boulevard saint-germain has somewhat become our second home. Rich in café life, some favourite restaurants, bars, even a fresh market, this an area Paris that makes us feel less of a visitor and more of a resident.

During one of our longer stays in Paris, we split our accommodation among two hotels due to availability. We stayed at Odéon Hôtel for one week then at Hotel de Buci.

Odéon Hôtel from the street

Odéon Hôtel is located right in the heart of Saint Germain des Près. The 3 star hotel is set in a convenient and relatively quiet position with Odeon Theatre at the end of the street and the bustling carrefour de l’Odéon on the other. The 33 room hotel has an intimate lobby and a tiny lift servicing the floors.

Large and comfortable bed

Our superior double room is spacious and has an odd mix of décor. Large patterns on wallpaper in dark tones mix with bare stone walls and dark timber poles. Strangely enough, it provides a homely feel. Long drapes over French windows give the impression of living in a Parisian studio apartment rather than a hotel.

French windows and long drapes tell you this is Paris

Although the room overlooks the street and the buildings in front, it feels very private. Sound-proofing ensures we are not disturbed any time of the day or night.

View from window

The wardrobe is slim with little space to hang clothes if you are staying for more than just a few days but we somehow manage.

Bed head and narrow wardrobe

There is a little writing desk but surprisingly no fridge.

Writing desk and chair

As spacious as the room is, the bathroom is best described as a narrow alley. Concertina doors lead you inside, with a toilet on one side, a shower head over a bathtub on the other, and the basin in between. The bathroom is not comfortable to access or move around by any means and therefore it is not suitable for a large person.

Concertina door leading to very narrow bathroom

Breakfast is provided at an additional cost and can be served either in the room or in the lobby area. But with so many cafés in the 6eme arrondissement, we prefer to take our petit dejeuner parisien outside.

The staff at reception are welcoming and at times they can be a little slow if there are other hotel guests being served. The lobby is a small area and does not lend itself to a number of people waiting around but don’t let that put you off.

Night view

Wifi is included in the room rate. However, a problem with connections and resetting passwords leads to the purchase an internet card. The next day, I check with the manager if the internet is working and once I show him my card, he says that we should not have been charged and refunds the cost.

If you like the St Germain area, Odeon Hotel offers reasonable rates in a good location. Métro station Odéon is only 2 minutes away. Cafés and brasseries abound, some even at your doorstep. There is a pharmacy nearby, a cinema and a good range of restaurants.

One word of advice if choosing this hotel as your accommodation. There are three hotels that bear similar names. There is Hotel Odéon St Germain (in rue Saint Sulpice), Jardin de l’Odéon (in rue Casimir Delavigne) and this one, Odéon Hôtel in rue de l’Odéon. If you’re catching a taxi there, best if you tell the driver the name of the hotel and the address or you could find yourself elsewhere.

Odéon Hôtel
3 rue de l’ Odéon
Paris 750006

Métro: Odéon (# 10, # 4 lines)
RER: Saint-Michel (RER B and C)