Affordable Hotel in Paris for First Timer

What a lovely trip to Paris during Valentine's day! Besides two apartments, I stayed once in a hotel Bonaparte (on Rue Bonaparte) for an overnight when I was traveling btw Chartres and Amsterdam.

It's in the 6th, near St Sulpice and 2 very good metros esp if arriving from CDG / Nord. I walked most places. The price was right for me, high season under 100€ for a single room. It’s small and charming but not fancy or modern. The charm lies in the traditional design, the bells of st sulpice, a few blocks from Luxembourg Gardens, and not horribly far from the Seine. A small breakfast area (pay) but you can sit there anytime of day. I overlooked the courtyard and I found it very quiet. The ac worked so well but you won’t need that in February of course.

Some folks like Hotel Diana in the LatinQuarter, but they’ve changed mgmt in the last year or so. See what people say here on the forum. Perhaps look into Paris Greeters (free - volunteer ,sets you and takes you on a walk thru neighborhood like a friend showing you around, based on your preferences. This was a highlight on a previous trip, in Montmartre area.

Enjoy!!!

Oh thanks for reminding me! I didn't even realise we will be there on Valentine's day. I shall plan some surprise for my wife!

The Hotel Bonaparte looks good but it's around 160 Eur/night for a classic double room. I'll keep it as an option since the price is similar to the other 2 hotels.

I will consider trying Paris Greeters because I love to learn more from the locals! Thanks for the recommendations!

The Bonaparte is 179 euros for Feb. 13. For Paris, your budget means you'll have to look hard and strike quickly to get what you are looking for. And you have to do it right away. One way to filter is through booking.com website. If you see something acceptable at your price, you could either book directly with the hotel (my preference) or stick with booking.com. Be sure to read some of the most recent reviews.

The Accor conglomerate - Ibis, Ibis Budget, Ibis Styles, Novotel, Mercure and quite a few others would probably meet your criteria. The bed at the Ibis level may be a little small but my wife and I manage just fine, and the showers, while typically Paris small, are usually ok too. Probably the lift is larger than at many independents, and much more likely to reach to the top of the building. Ibis breakfast is good.

They are all over Paris - check your location.

It's been a few years since we've visited Paris. We have typically stayed at Hotel Familia in the Latin Quarter. We've found it to be a great neighborhood and walking distance to many sites.

https://www.familiahotel.com/en/

Hi Shawn

Thanks for the recommendation for Hotel Bonaparte. I am seriously considering it when and if I finally get to Paris.

Hotel Diana continues to get good reviews.

Try Ibis Budget.

There are a number of hotels that could fit in your budget in the 14th arrondissement near the Edgar Quinet metro station. One of these is the Hôtel du Parc Montparnasse.

Out of curiosity, I checked Hotel Diana for this summer, and wow, the single room is now 200€ a night. I never stayed there bc I chose an apartment with a kitchenette so I could enjoy the fresh produce at markets.

I recently read about 8 “cheap” hotels in Paris on EuroCheapo, and the Hotel Familia is on that list. For those who’ve stayed there, how was the street noise? Looks like a convenient spot and nice couple who run it.

@ indecision: do take a Seine River cruise at night, and prepare to be dazzled by the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights! My favorite photo from my mother-daughter trip, is of my mother at that moment the lights started twinkling.
(Extra dreamy on Valentines Day/my birthday!)

Bon voyage

So one place I have stayed that is in your budget and I think it’s a great option is the Citadines Place d’Italia.

it’s in the 13th but you are basically right next to a metro station that has three lines so it’s not hard to get places. It has a kitchenette, it’s clean. It’s pretty generic looking but otherwise it’s a good option

I had a good experience with Citizen M at the airport for a night, so I made a two-night backup reservation with them at Gare de Lyon for an upcoming trip. I made the reservation without payment during a sale, and it is $146/night. I've also had good luck with Airbnbs.

I had an "interesting" experience with Paris Greeters. My walk just abruptly ended in a park after a couple of hours. I managed to find my way back even though my maps weren't working with an Orange sim. I communicated this directly with them later, not in a review, and they were very apologetic. I would still recommend them, however I'd suggest asking when you meet -- when and where it'll end, if you will be stopping for tea, etc. With general guidelines communicated (I just didn't think of this) it'll be a great experience.

Check out the Hotel Henrietta in the 13th (just south of the 5th, i.e., the Latin Quarter); https://www.hotelhenriette.com/. Not glamorous, but clean, safe, friendly staff, and a block from a Metro stop, which is all you need. It may fit your budget. I also agree with the recommendation made for the Ibis; they have often surprised me on the upside. Please have a wonderful trip.