I'll be flying to Paris for an overnight before boarding a train at Gare de l'Est. I'd like to be able to walk there. Any suggestions of a hotel in walking distance? I'm not familiar with that area.
There's an Ibis on rue St. Laurent one block away from the front of the station.
I know this neighborhood well, I lived there for a few years. It is not a tourist area and the hotels located around the station are not very "glamorous".
Even for only one night I think that by going towards the channel (to the East) you will have a more pleasant environment.
See "The Citizen" indicated by Estimated Prophet.
Closer there is also the Tim Hotel (rue des Récollets) if The Citizen seems too far away. At the end of this street and along the canal there is the restaurant bar "L'Atmosphere" where I often went to eat or have a drink. More than 15 years ago it was very good with a very Parisian atmosphere. It was pretty much the only bar restaurant in the area, now this area has become very trendy.
So if you can get away from the station (500 meters), look there
Check out "Hotel Mademoiselle" short walking distance to Gare du Nord & Gare L'est. I found their direct booking via the hotel very helpful! I always write an email to the Front Desk/Reservations: usually I get the exact room I want!