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You’re coming to Paris to see the city, and you’ll need a hotel that puts you in the middle of everything. Not a short Métro ride away, but smack dab in the center. Toss aside any book that recommends a well-run little hotel next to the Gare du Nord or an adorable pension near Place d’Italie. They may well be well-run and adorable, but they’re not for you. You want to be able to walk out the door of your hotel and be within walking distance of at least two major sights. The river should be a short stroll away. Therefore, you absolutely need a hotel in one of the first eight districts. With the field narrowed to central Paris, you next have to décide which neighborhood you want. The city is made up of a patchwork of districts, and each has a distinctive style and character. The kind of Paris expérience you will have depends greatly on which neighborhood you choose. Here’s a run-through: Right Bank Louvre (1st) > Look for an hotel near the Louvre
You can’t get more central than the lst arrondissement, smack in the heart of Paris’s museums and monuments. Many of the city’s most important sights are within a five-minute walk of each other-the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, Musée de l’Orangerie, Place de la Concorde, Palais Royal, Place Vendôme-and there’s also haute couture shopping nearby on rue du Faubourg St-Honoré. Well connected by Metro and buses, this area makes for an ideal hotel location in terras of convenience, though it’s more crowded with tourists and less atmospheric than the nearby Marais.
In a Nutshell:
- You’ll be close to the Louvre and other major sights.
- The rest of Paris is easily accessible.
But…
- You may meet more tourists than French folks.
- The area isn’t known for its cheap hotels, so you may have to sacrifice ambiance if you’re on a budget.
My three favorite hotels in this district are :
Opéra (2nd) >Look for an hotel in the Opéra District
Dominated by the Opéra Garnier, the Opéra district is convenient to boulevard Haussmann’s big-name department stores (Galéries Lafayette, Printemps) and to most Right Bank sights. But the Bourse (Paris stock exchange) and grands boulevards make the area more business-oriented, and there’s also fewer glimpses of essential Parisian daily life (such as outdoor food markets and neighborhood shops) than in the more residential districts.
In a Nutshell:
- If you’re a ballet and opera fan, you’re in the right place.
- You’ll be close to the big department stores.
But…
- It’s not an atmospheric neighborhood for strolling and hanging out.
- You’ll see fewer slices of French life than in residential neighborhoods.
My three favorite hotels in this district are :
- The Hotel Golden Tulip Opera de Noailles
Marais (3rd, 4th) > Look for an hotel in the Marais District
This captivating district was built atop a reclaimed marsh (indeed, the word marais means marsh) and is Paris’s answer to Greenwich Village. Its labyrinthine cobblestone lanes are lined with Renaissance mansions that were residences of the noblesse, which today house hip boutiques, congenial bistros, and wonderful wine bars. Major sights include the Picasso Museum, Place des Vosges, and Pompidou Center. The city’s most eclectic area, the Marais is a hub of both the gay and the Jewish communities. It’s also the only neighborhood in which most shops and restaurants stay open on Sunday.
In a Nutshell:
- Only St-Germain-de-Prés rivals it for ambiance.
- The neighborhood isn’t dead on Sunday.
But…
- If you’re a light sleeper, it may be too animated.
- Narrow sidewalks and cobblestones are tough if you’ve got limited mobility.
My three favorite hotels in this district are :
- The Hotel Murano Resort Paris
The Islands (1 st, 4th) > Look for an hotel on these Islands
Paris has two islands, which lay side-by-side in the Seine: Ile de la Cité and Ile St-Louis. While the Ile de la Cité is a trove of top sights-Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie-tiny Ile St-Louis oozes an aristocratic brand of romance. The tiny Island is all atmosphere, with its gorgeous town houses, leafy courtyards, and tiny one-of-a-kind boutiques and antiques dealers. The location is superb, with the Marais directly across the river on one side, and the Latin Quarter on the other. Most Parisiens would give their eye teeth to live here.
In a Nutshell:
- It’s a picture-postcard Island idyll.
- You’ll be practically on top of Notre Dame, and the Latin Quarter and Marais are within walking distance.
But…
- The Islands often get overrun with visitors.
- Lots of tourists mean higher prices at cafes, shops, restaurants, etc.
My three favorite hotels in this district are :
- The Hotel Best Western Premier Royal Saint Michel
Champs-Elysées (8th) > Look for an hotel around the champs Elysées
If you’re into designer shopping, this is the place. The stately 8th district is best known for its swanky Triangle d’Or (“Golden Triangle”), formed by the Champs-Elysées, avenue George V, and avenue Montaigne. All three, but especially the avenue Montaigne, feature haute couture designer shopping at its very hautest. And on the other side of the Champs, the rue du Faubourg St-Honoré is also chock-a-block with designer shops. The Champs-Elysées itself is a mixed bag of movie theaters, touristy cafes, luxury shops, and Chain stores, but it’s been moving distinctly upscale in recent years. Major sights include the Arc de Triomphe and the Grand Palais, and the area bristles with tangible excitement day and night.
In a Nutshell:
- It’s tops for designer shopping.
- You’re never at a loss for something to do or see.
But…
- Budget hotels are scarce.
- The neighborhood’s commercial-driven personality can be impersonal.
My three favorite hotels in this district are :
Left Bank Latin Quarter (5th) > Look for an hotel in the Latin Quarter
The intellectual and free-thinking pocket of Paris that Hemingway so adored still overflows with university students and jazz clubs, and remains a hub of bohemian Paris. It’s also home to myriad cheap bistros and Greek kebab joints, which makes the neighborhood more downscale but perhaps more democratic than many in Paris. Sights include the Panthéon, Musée de Cluny, and Luxemburg Gardens.
In a Nutshell:
- You’ll be close to the Luxemburg Gardens.
- students and tourists keep restaurant prices down.
But…
- It’s harder to find a great restaurant among the mediocre, high-priced eateries.
- Room size is often tighter than in other neighborhoods.
My three favorite hotels in this district are :
- The hotel Best Western A La Villa des Artistes
St-Germain-des-Prés (6th) > Look for an hotel in St-Germain-des-Prés
For many travelers, St-Germain-des-Prés is a byword for everything there is to love about the Left Bank-the best sidewalk cafes, to-die-for boutiques, and immensely strollable streets that seem plucked from a picture postcard. It’s home to publishing houses, antiques dealers, and lucky residents like actresses Isabelle Adjani and Catherine Deneuve. But urbane chic comes at a price, and so the most romantic area of the city is also one of the most expensive. Nearby main attractions include the Luxemburg Gardens, fabled cafes (Café Flore, Les Deux Magots), the Musée d’Orsay, and last but not least by a long shot, super shopping.
In a Nutshell:
- You’ll be in the middle of the Left Bank’s best cafes and shops.
- You’ll be near the Luxemburg Gardens.
But…
- Establishments of all kinds are pricier than those in nearby Latin Quarter.
- There are comparatively few major sightseeing attractions at your doorstep.
My three favorite hotels in this district are :
- The hotel Au Manoir Saint Germain
- The Hotel La Villa Saint Germain Des Pres
Eiffel Tower & Invalides (7th) > Look for an hotel near the Eiffel Tower
The smart 7th district is the conservative yin to St-Germain-des-Prés’s chic yang. Here you find stately French government buildings (including the National Assembly and the Prime Minister’s residence), traditional bourgeois shops, and some of the most magnificent mansions in Paris. Travelers know it as the home of the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and the Musée d’Orsay. Overall, it makes a great base if you want to be central but still favor peace and quiet at night. On the other hand, it can feel rather staid if you want to go out on the town. Also, the Métro stations are scattered a bit farther apart than in other neighborhoods, which makes it slightly less convenient.
In a Nutshell:
- You’ll be near the Eiffel Tower and Musée d’Orsay.
- You’ll be surrounded by some of Paris’s wealthiest residents.
But…
- Nightlife is practically nonexistent.
- The mood is noticeably more sober than in nearby St-Germain.
- Métro stations are farther apart than those in other neighborhoods.
My three favorite hotels in this district are :
- The hotel Splendid Tour Eiffel
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This is great! I’m wondering if you can help me narrow this down even further. My fiance and I have one night in Paris as part of a layover. We get into the airport at 5pm and have to be back at the airport for a 1pm flight the next day. We’d like to stay in an area that we can cafe-hop for a couple hours and also see the Eiffel Tower closer than just a dot in the distance. Price is also a concern. Out of all of these areas, which would you suggest? Also, do you possibly have a specific hostel or budget hotel or two in that area that you’d recommend? thanks!
If I were you I would look for a two star hotel near the Eiffel Tower. Indeed you don’t need to have a very luxuous hotel if you spend only a few hours in Paris and if you don’t want to spend to much. I can propose you one 2 stars and one 3 stars hotels :
- Hôtel Tour Eiffel – 2 stars
- Hôtel de la Motte Piquet – 3 stars
They are both near the Eiffel Tower and I believe they will meet most of your needs. Depending on when you are planning to stay in Paris, you might get really affordable prices.
I hope this helps, let me know how your trip goes !
Stephane
Great selection. What do you suggest on the following 4 star hotels in the Saint Germain area? A friend of mine told me to choose one of these 3 but am not sure which is best.
Hotel Abbaye,
Relais Christine and
Pavillion de la Reine
I hope I got the names right.
Thanks.
Dear Marc,
Your friend seems to know quite well the parisian hotels. Indeed these 3 hotels are very nice but if I had to choose between them, I would prefer to sleep in the Hotel de l’Abbaye because it is a real 4 stars hotels with a great restaurant and with a nice garden. The rooms are also well decorated.
The Relais Christine has a very beautifull entrance with a stoned courtyard but the decoration is not as nice as Abbaye’s. If you want to be in Saint Germain des Prés don’t go to the Pavillon de la Reine, it’is on the right bank of Paris. As I already wrote it, for me, the 4 stars hotel that is perfect in Saint Germain des Prés is the hotel Au Manoir Saint Germain des Prés. You can not be more in the middle of it. It is on the boulevard Saint Germain, in front of the Café de Flore, Café Deux Magots and the Saint Germain des Prés Church. Also I think that they refurbished it last year.
Anyway I wish you a nice stay in Paris.
Stephane
This website is very helpful! However, I was wondering which district is best for young adults (22-25). I’m planning a ’siblings trip’ and wanted to know where its great for sight seeing during the day yet a great nightlife. Also, keeping in mind our mother will be with us as well. Thanks a bunch!
Dear Manpreet,
I would suggest you Saint Germain des Pres. From there you can walk to the Louvre and Orsay museums but also Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle. The Eiffel Tower is only 15 to 20 miinutes walking. And the nightlife in Saint Germain des Pres is one of the best in Paris. The Rue de Buci and Rue Princess have plenty of bars and are always very lively.
I hope it will help you and I wish you a very nice stay in Paris.
Thierry
Wonderful site! Thanks so much! Have been to Paris on business and finally gettign to come back and really visit. I am looking for a very Parisian apartment or B&B to stay in in October, Latin Quarter, Marais, or the Islands. Goggling is not helping. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
PJ
Hello,
First of all, I think that you should choose carefully where you want to stay. The Latin Quarter, Marais and the Islands are good area to stay. But for me, you should stay at Saint-Germain des Prés (near the Latin Quarter), one of the most attractive area to visit in Paris. There are lot of things to see, lot of cobbled streets and mysterious passageways to discover.
Regarding the hotels, B&B or Apartement, I suggest :
- Manoir Saint Germain des Prés – around 180€/night
- Europe Saint Severin-Paris Notre Dame – around – around 130€/night
- Cluny Square – around 100€/night
We want to come and stay for one week during Bastille Day. We want to book a hotel that overlooks the parade and fireworks show at the Eiffel Tower but sit on a balcony and enjoy it. Can you recommend a hotel that can accommodate this? Thank you, Karen
Dear Karen,
During Bastille day you have indeed the parade and the fireworks but not all at the same place.
The parade is only on the Champs Elysées and there is only one quite expensive hotel there and you won’t be able to see the fireworks.
The Fireworks are fired from the Eiffel Tower. There is no best place to see it that in front of it near the bridge because you have to see the entire Eiffel Tower lightened. It is incredible !
If I were you I would choose an hotel near the Eiffel Tower so that you can walk to the Mirabeau bridge.
Have a good Bastille Day in Paris.
Gregory
NB: check out our post about Bastille day !
hi
we are a family of 2 kids(4 & 2) from US planning to stay in Paris for 3 days & nights. we are looking for a decent hotel on a tight budget, a hotel that is close to kid friendly attractions that will appeal to the parents too like Eiffel Tower. But seeing your comments we are concerned about moving around with one kid in a stroller and the other not ready for long street walks
would love ur help on this.
Sorry, the above should have been 2 kids and their parents (in their late 30’s)
Also where can we shop for souvenirs that might make some talking points in the US ?
Dear Goondya
Beeing near the Eiffel Tower is perfect if you stay 2 days. It is convenient for visiting the Tower and it is fun to see it when you come back to the hotel. The district also offers a nice view of the river Seine but it is not the nicest part. Choose a district perhaps less expensive but better for your kids and still visit the Eiffel tower once. As Paris is an old city the pavement are not very big but still ok for a stroller, there is no specific district for family. The best for you is to choose one with many spots that you can walk easily. I would suggest the Marais and the Saint Germain des Prés area which are both historic, nice and central. If you are planning coming during week ends, choose Saint Germain des Pres because in the Marais the streets are not very large and very crowded and it will be difficult with your stroller.
Thank you, for the wonderful information on this website. Are their any 5 start hotels in Saint-Germain that you recommend.
What are your thoughts about Hotel Odeon Saint-Germain? My wife and I are looking for great service, trendy/cool ambiance, and great location in a hotel in the Saint-Germain area of paris.
Dear Max,
In France the 5 stars hotels don’t exist yet, you’ll enter the palace type of place. So you have to choose between a large number of 4 stars hotel. I have already visited the Odeon Saint Germain. It is a nice hotel renovated 2 years ago. The location is ok, near the saint sulpice church, but it is not the best in the neighborhood, the rooms are quite small. My favorite hotel in Saint Germain des Pres is the hotel au Manoir Saint Germain des pres, renovated last year. The rooms are larger and you can not beat the location. Rooms have a view on the Café de Flore and the Saint Germain des Pres church and also I like the parisian Style decoration with a little modern touch.
As a first time African American visitor to Paris what are some things you suggest that I be cautious about.
I visited Germany last year and had a wonderful time. But, I did have a few people make some unkind comments.
I have always wanted to visit Paris, but some of the things I have heard about French culture towards African Americans have not been to pleasant.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Dear Everett,
I am afraid to say that you have stupid persons everywhere and I can not promise you that you will not meet one in Paris. Close to 20% of the french population with African origins, most of them are north African. The new generations have grown up in this melting pot. As such France is certainly no more racist than any other modern and open country. Remember, France is the country of the human rights. It is very hard to answer to your question but I can guaranty you that for everyone Paris is the city of lights.
Hi! great website. I was wondering if you have any idea on what it would be like staying near Place de la Nation. For me its a tossup between that and Montparnasse. Any suggestions? IS Place de la Nation a good area? Its hardly listed in the tourguides. I speak french and its my 2nd trip so I am hoping to experience more culture and not really going to do the major sights as ive done them before.
Thanks!
Dear Jason,
I anderstand that you want to live a parisian local experience. So you need to find a not too touristic district where you can meet french people. I am not very fan of Nation, it doesn’t have the same charm as Montmartre or the Marais. You have to find a place with the parisian atmosphere, with the small streets, with bistrots and cafés but without the tourists.
Hello! Your website is amazing! Thank you so much for all of your tips. I am a study abroad student and my boyfriend and I are planning to visit Paris for 3 nights. Based on your post, I was thinking maybe closer to either Marais, The Islands, or Germain des Pres.
Do you have any suggestions for a romantic area to stay with easy access to most of the main locations & more budget hotels, but are pretty decent.
We want to get the full experience in 3 days =).
Hello Anne,
Thanks for the kind words about our website !
Based on what you’re saying, I think the best option is the Jacques De Molay Hotel. It’s conveniently located in the Marais but only a few minutes away -walking distance- from the islands and then to Saint Germain.
I don’t know about your music style, but it just happen that there are quite a few shows & performance around Miles Davis these days. so if you’re a little bit into Jazz, you’ll find a lot of “Blue Note”-type of clubs around too.
Let us know how your trip went on our newly opened facebook page :)
Enjoy
Greg
You have a very helpul site! I am a solo traveler, visiting Paris for the first time from December 25-28. Is the city “shut down” around this time? How can I make the best of my trip?
Hey Jared
As one would expect, the city is going to be really quiet in the morning of the 25th. Having said that, it’s also a great opportunity to do mainstream touristic attractions with considerably less people. That means less or no queues to the Eiffel tower, the Louvre and other top spots. These will remain open on public holidays and so will the public transports.
I suggest you have a look at our paris travel guide section and our 6 top itineraries to build up your agenda.
Tip : If you travel with young kids, try bringing them to the Galeries Lafayette front windows (see our shopping section). It’s a classic.
Cheers
Greg
Regarding Au Manoir Saint Germain, is it really worth upgrading to a larger/more expensive room there or are the standard rooms sufficient? Thanks!
Dear Karyn,
The Au Manoir Saint Germain des Pres has been under renovation last year and I think that they do not have any standard rooms. I visited the hotel after renovation in January 2009 and I only saw 2 kinds of rooms : superior and deluxe. The superior is the smallest one and is already a good size for a parisian hotel room. For me the superior room is sufficient.
I hope it will help you and I wish you a very nice stay in Paris.
Stephane
Thank you that is helpful. What are your feelings of Au Manoir Saint Germain vs. Hotel de L’abbaye. Is it really worth the extra money? Any feelings of pros/cons of the two? Thanks so much. Karyn
Karyn,
It is quite difficult to compare these two hotels as they are very different. The Abbaye has a nice garden where you can take your breakfast during summer but you can not beat the location of the Au Manoir Saint Germain which is in front of the Cafe de Flore, Cafe Deux Magots and the Saint Germain des Pres church. I think that the rooms are big for the price at the Au Manoir Saint Germain but the entrance of the Abbaye is beautiful with its garden. Concerning the price, I guess you should find better promotion for the Au Manoir Saint Germain.
That is all I can say about these hotels.
Stephane
I am planning a surprise trip for my husband as a combined anniversary/birthday present. We will be in Paris for 7 – 10 days. While I am sure we will visit the major attractions we prefer to spend most of our time walking, eating and drinking. We are in our late 50s. We would like comfortable somewhat luxurious accomodations with some room and possibly a small kitchen. Do you recommend a hotel or apartment? Also, what area is best for walkers/diners such as us.
Your website is wonderful. Many thanks.
By my standards, if you are walkers / diners you should choose a hotel. Paris is the perfect city to walk around and discover restaurants. With a hotel, it might end up being cheaper you’ll get the most of Paris.
As per the area, you should choose a central location like Saint-Germain des Prés, Opera or Le Marais.
Hi! This website is wonderful, however I am traveling to Paris on the 8 – 12 of April, and am traveling with a diverse group: 3 in their 20s – 30s, 2 in their 50s, and 1 in the 60s with limited mobility. We’re looking for a centrally located 3-star hotel for our stay that will allow us to enjoy the Parisian atmosphere, particularly bistros, and lots and lots of shopping. Could you suggest a hotel?
Dear Jolene,
The perfect hotel for you could be my favorite hotel in Paris : the hotel Left Bank Saint Germain. Its location is in the center of Saint Germain des pres, where you can find most of the famous bistros of Paris but also many shops on the Saint Germain boulevard. This 3 stars hotel is nice and the rooms are quite big for Paris. I think you can find good promotion here : http://www.originalstay.com/paris/hotels-in-paris.php?hotel_id=229555
Great site. Thanks. I will be traveling with my 21 year old daughter to Paris this May. From reading your site, I think it would be best to stay in the Saint Germain des Pres area. Can you recommend a two start hotel in the area?
One more question…I have this thing about sleeping in my own bed, yet I keep seeing hotels that sleep two with just one double bed. Are there some hotels that have two twin beds?
I have an opportunity to visit Paris in about three weeks for the first, and possibly only, time. My husband and I will be celebrating my 50th birthday! Since it will be mid-February do you think it would be a more enjoyable trip if we stayed near the Louvre or are you recommending the left bank instead? I also heard of a hotel known as Keppler in the golden triangle. I dream of a place with a fireplace to greet us and warm and friendly staffers. Comfy beds. A hotel that is not part of a chain. Great cafes nearby so we won’t be walking too far if its freezing or rainy. What are your thoughts, please. I love this site!
My parents are elderly, although in great shape (my Dad is 90 but walks every day and still works.) They will be coming to Paris in May. Is there any special hotel or tour that you know of that would be appropriate for these energetic older people? Thanks
Dear Kathleen,
You should find what you’re looking in this post.
The most important for your parents is to choose an hôtel in the center, say Saint-Germain or near the Louvre.
Regards
We are planning to travel to Paris for the first time around May 20th, 2010 for a week. We (both 37) and my in-laws(60’s) are looking for an affordable place to stay. We want to be near a metro to get around to visit. We would like to be able to walk outside our hotel and be able to go shopping, visit several cafes and dine at several different bistros. Where do you suggest we stay? Would you suggest we get an apartment? Looking forward in your suggestions.
Dear Original Stay,
This is a great site — thank you! I know Paris well, but in June I will be visiting with my 5-year-old son. We will not have a stroller, so that’s not an issue. I am looking for a hotel OR AN APARTMENT for four nights around 90 Euros/night. I have friends in the 13th and 18th, so I would be happy in either of those neighborhoods or near the Jardin des Plantes or closer to the Marais or Jardin du Luxembourg. I am not looking to be near La Tour Eiffel or Les Halles. Merci!
Hello, Great site- Planning a trip to Paris in May 2010 for 7 to 10 day. Need hotel for 4 people ( 2 teens, 2 adults ) ,Wanting to see Louvre, Eifieel Tower and just enjoy Paris.