I love staying the the Marais but rates at Hotel Castex have gone up significantly. Any suggestions??
Rick recommends several hotels in the Marais in his Paris guidebook.
The last time I stayed in the Marais was about ten years ago at the Hotel Jeanne d'Arc. It was a good value for the price.
It's still recommended by Rick.
As in most Paris hotels below the really expensive category, the room was small (by American standards) and so was the bathroom, but that's the same in most Paris hotels.
Hotel Jeanne d'Arc probably has lower rates. It has more character that some other hotels. Castex has been over-remodelled for my taste, and isn't worth what they charge. I like the location of both.
Same here, Jeanne d'Arc, in September 2010. I got an email from the property a couple of years ago that they did some kind of remodel. In 2010 breakfast was 5€ per person extra - a couple of buns coffee, enough to make it to a picnic lunch. Hotel desk staff very helpful.