6th Arrondissement along Boulevard Saint-Germain

Just returned from a quick visit to Paris. We stayed at Hotel Observatoire Luxembourg (5th). I've stayed there a couple of times and like the location- close to a metro and RER station and walking distances to many of the locations you have listed. Our trip was last minute so I chose to book a hotel I knew and was familiar with- no disappointments. Our room was at the back, facing a quiet street so no noise. Would recommend and stay there again.

I would look between les Invalides and the Jardin du Luxembourg. Blvd St Germain has a lot of traffic and can be noisy, I would not necessarily book right on the blvd. I do not generally offer specific hotel advice without budget guidance (preferably in euros) however, consider Hotel Madison which is just off blvd St Germain. I would include hotels within the Carré Rive Gauche, which is just west of St Germain, very quiet, and often overlooked by the American tourist hordes anxious to stay on rue de Buci or rue St André des Arts.

I would also check some of the many hotels on rue Jacob.

Our last few trips we have stayed in hotels south of Blvd St Germain. There are many within a few blocks of Jardin du Luxembourg. You are still very close to everything but this area isn’t quite as congested with people as it is north of the Blvd.

"Is the 6th Arrondissement along Boulevard Saint-Germain a good area for what I’m looking for?"
Yes, it is. I would stay a street or two off the Boulevard itself for the reason Tocard mentions. I"d look west of Odeon metro station.

It's a great location. I stayed at Hotel La Perle last year. It is in the 6th but a quiet street off Blvd St Germain. Close to two metro stops on different lines. I was going to take the metro to Orsay but the helpful gentleman at the front desk told me walking was quicker and mapped it out for me. Check it out and enjoy your time in Paris. Also I took a food tour with Niel at Paris by Mouth that was excellent.

I have also stayed at the Hotel la Perle and loved it. My room was on the small side, but the bathroom was large and luxurious. Great location, just steps away from the Saint Sulpice church and square.

I’ve been to Paris several times. For a first visit, I think the 6th is great. In fact, that’s where I chose to stay my first time.

On subsequent visits, though, I realized how easy it was to zip around on the Metro, RER and buses and have stayed in arrondissements a bit further out. Most recently, we stayed in the 14th near Rue Daguerre and loved it! Near Gaite and Denfert-Rochereau metro stops. I’m not saying you should do this. I am sharing as an example to help illustrate my point about choosing a place near transportation.

Thank you. Well, it looks like a good area to stay in.

I'm think I'll go with Hôtel Université Saint Germain des Prés. Also considered Grand Hôtel des Balcons but Hôtel Université looks to be a bit more centrally located and looks a little nicer, more comfortable.

A year ago we stayed at Grand Hôtel des Balcons and found it perfect for our needs. We walked to many of the places listed in your original post. We actually did not use any transport besides a taxi after one long day.

Very interesting. I would never have thought that Hôtel Université Saint Germain des Prés is more central than Grand Hôtel des Balcons. Hôtel Université Saint Germain des Pré is closer to the river for sure but I feel like Grand Hôtel des Balcons is closer to Notre Dame and therefore more central. They are both good choices and I think you will have a great time.