From the outside, Hotel Le Royal is a modest neoclassical building dotted with Juliette balconies. The doors open into a sophisticated lobby with a black-and-white checkered floor, dark paneled walls, and espresso-tone wood furniture. Natural light is reflected off the floors and bright white ceiling, so the surrounding area looks luxurious, not gothic. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the common areas do wonders to brighten the space, particularly in the soft-blue lounge, which is filled with pale-gray and beige chairs and has windows looking out onto the boulevard. The breakfast room is eggshell-white with contemporary dinettes; it extends into a separate room with a gorgeous atrium ceiling and a cool, mirrored back wall. Guests are mainly couples, though some families also stay here, and the surrounding neighborhood has large sidewalks that make it safer for children. 

Montparnasse has a legendary cultural history as the resting place of early 20th-Century artists and writers, and that spirit of creativity is carried on by the galleries, cafes, and bars that fill the neighborhood. Hotel Le Royal is in the middle of it all with the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Quarter about five minutes away by car or 20 minutes on foot. The Luxembourg Gardens and Montparnasse Tower can be reached on foot within 10 minutes. The hotel is also a two-minute walk from the Vavin metro station, which gets to the Louvre in about 25 minutes. The Eiffel Tower can also be reached by metro in 27 minutes (or taxi in 15), and the Arc de Triomphe is 30 minutes by metro, or 17 minutes by taxi. Charles de Gaulle Airport is about 45 minutes away by car.

The rooms at Hotel Le Royal are a smart balance of light and dark with deep brown furniture and bedding, mixed with brightly colored walls and tons of natural light. Eclectically patterned fabrics and varying textures such as velvets and silks lend sophistication. The look is tasteful and achieves a balance between comfort and minimalism. Unfortunately, the bathrooms have unflattering marigold tile throughout and orangey marble vanities. They aren’t very pretty, and some of them have showers that are painfully tiny. Also, there aren't any washcloths --  only hand and body towels. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Family and Junior Suites are more spacious, and some have room for four people with additional sofa beds. Some street noise can be heard in the rooms facing Boulevard Raspail, but it’s dulled significantly by the building’s double-paned windows.

Hotel Le Royal has a handful of conveniences for travelers on the go including a 24-hour reception desk and luggage storage. The concierge can assist with shows and concerts, and airport transfer reservations are available, too. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and a business corner with two public computers (but no printer). Breakfast is served in the sunny breakfast room on the first floor, but there’s also an option to have it delivered to rooms. Most room rates don't include breakfast, but guests note it's a good mix of pastries, bread, cereal, eggs, meats and cheeses, tea and coffee, and fresh fruit. Tea and coffee are also available free in the lobby all day.