Hôtel Saint Dominique is a delightfully charming 2-star hotel located in the 7th arr. on rue Saint Dominique.  This is a bustling street filled with fun clothing shops, coffee shops and fast food-ish restaurants (if there is such a thing here) as the surrounding area is home to a large population of foreign students (mostly American) attending AUP (American University in Paris).  If you don’t mind the pace and perhaps late night noise, this would be a great home away from home that won’t break the bank.

I would think that waking up in this tiny, yet charming guest room with a sunny courtyard right outside my window a most pleasant way to start the day.  There is a recently re-decorated dining area that serves buffet breakfast which looks out onto the street that reflects picture perfect “French-ness”.  My experience with 2 star hotels has been a bit sketchy–this one is as nice as any 3 star you might find, and they too can be run the gamut from “we need to leave this place immediately” to opulent. It’s weird to me how they came up with their rating system as my daughter and I never knew what to expect when we checked into hotels around Europe. There are many fabulous and funny stories as a result! 

 Location could not be more perfect as the hotel is sandwiched between the Eiffel Tower and Esplanade des Invalides, the grassy park area that extends from the Quai d’Orsay to Les Invalides, an old soldiers home built by Louis XIV, that provided housing for up to 4,000 individuals.  It is currently home to Musée de l’Armée and L’Eglise de St-Louis-des Invalides, home to Napoleon’s tomb.  There is a convienent metro station in walking distance, as well as an RER(train station) that will get you many places, including Versailles.

My advice would be to book early.  Word is out about this place and getting a room here is a lot harder than getting one at Plaza Athénée! 

Photo credits:  Hôtel Saint Dominique

Post from: The Paris Traveler