Hello everybody,

I‘m thinking about booking a hotel in the 14th arr. for 3 nights in September.
It would be right on pl Denfert-Rochereau.

From what I could „see“ on Google streetview, there seem to be lots of eateries, cafes and „normal“ restaurants nearby - which would be exactly what we are looking for (no „fine dining“ required).

Just to be on the safe side since I am not familiar with that neighborhood: Am I overlooking some downsides?
(I am aware that the area is a bit away from the center and that there may be traffic noise etc but that‘s not a problem)

no, there are no particular downsides, it's a fine area, in general. The one downside is obviously, being right ON a main square can be a bit hectic and that one is rather large as it is the locaiton point for the RER stop, the airport bus stop, and the entrance to the Catacombes on one side.

But those are the only downsides I can think of, I wouldn't personally choose to stay in a hotel right ON any square like that, but if the room is in the rear, maybe. It's certainly convenient for transportation, that's for sure.

There aren't really hardly any hotels right on that square, which one is it? There is the Midi, the Lion and the Floridor, I think that's it. There is a new eco hotel not far from there that I've been interested in, I think it would be a bit more reserved as far as noise, if you want to look. It's a 2*.

http://www.solarhotel.fr/

When we lived on Blvd Raspail for 3 months in 2012, we walked through that area almost daily enroute to Parc Montsouris. Not a bad area. You've id'd the possible downsides (noise and away from the Seine attractions), but it is a transportation hub (RER & metro), giving you good access to just about everywhere. The Catacombes entrance is there, but that shouldn't be an issue. Nice tree-covered route from there to Parc Montsouris. I think there is an Aussie expat hang-out (bar) near the RER station, but never went in to verify. There were lots of Aussie flags flying, though. Plenty of restaurants, of course, and a nice walk to Luxembourg Gardens. If it were me, I would try to get into a more neighborly area (we like the Auteuil neighborhood in the 16th), but, for three days, probably doesn't make much difference.

Denfert-Rochereau is a fine neighborhood and rue Daguerre is one of the most famous market streets in Paris.

Thank you very much for all your input. Very much appreciated!
The area sounds very much like what we're looking for.

And yes, it's the Lion I'm currently looking at. But will also check out the Solar Hotel.
The rates are quite tempting, though the Lion is not much more pricey.
And the rooms on the top floors have small balconies with views of the Eiffel tower
Budget romance, so to speak

I loved that area and the market street was one of my favorite.

well, if this is supposed to be romantic, I don't think the Solar would do.

No worries - the "romantic" was tongue-in-cheek as my budget is probably insufficient for the really romantic places in Paris.
In fact, I ended up booking the Solar.
Aside from its probably bit quieter location, the price was hard to beat: €89 per night/per room for 2 persons with breakfast included.

I know rue Boulard better than most because one of my closest friends grew up at 26 rue Boulard and I spent a lot of time there. It is also the location of the studio of the world famous artist Agam, and he used to yell at her when she was a little girl because she would walk on top of his glass skylight. The best thing about the street is that it has never "upgraded." It is as authentic "old Paris" as you can get.

Thanks for this insider info.. now I'm really curious how it will be there for those three days.

I just finished reading The Bones of Paris by Laurie R King. A rather interesting, dark novel featuring the surrealist artist scene of 1929 Montparnasse. Denfert-Rochereau is often mentioned. Might be an worth a read to get you in the mood for this neighborhood.

Great idea! Thanks for mentioning it!

I ve only stayed in the 14th once, but its absolutely fine.. stayed there alone with my 11 yr old and walked around all day and evenings with no issues at all.

<<my budget is probably insufficient for the really romantic places in Paris.>>

No budget is insufficient for that.

I really admire what they are doing with that hotel in terms of ecology. And they give you free bicycles, also, that's really nice. I was also impressed that they have AC for such a budget hotel, which might come in handy in September, actually.

I hope you can remember to come back later and let us know how the hotel was, I'd really like to know for future reference. It looks like a great bargain hotel, although I realize it's very "basic" in design and comforts.