Any recommendations for a hotel or B&B in central Paris? Our budget is $200 per night. We will be doing Versallies for a day but would like do more day trip outside of Paris. Amy help with planning will be greatly appreciated.
In October when it is usually pleasant but not hot, the Hotel des Grande Ecoles in the Latin Quarter would be a good choice. It has a lovely garden where you can bring in take out food if you wish for lunch or dinner or have a glass of wine before setting forth for dinner. They will put your white wine in the refrigerator and provide glasses for you. They serve breakfast in the garden in nice weather although we didn't find it good value (which is true in general of breakfasts in hotels in Paris) There are many nearby bakeries where you can grab the morning croissant and coffee. Or if you go to cafes for morning coffee, many of them are happy to have you bring your own bakery goods in to have with your coffee. (ask - some may have breads available in the cafe, others don't)
There are literally dozens of wonderful day trips outside Paris. On a first trip I would do in addition to Versailles, Chartres and Auvers sur Oise. Here are a few that we have done in the last few years:
https://janettravels.wordpress.com/category/day-trips-from-paris/
The Navigo Decouverte transport pass will take you anywhere in the Ile de France including the metro for Paris, the RER for the region and even some of the SNCF trains.
If you go to the France category on this forum and go to the 2nd page, you'll see 3 threads with this question and lots of good answers...
For two weeks, I would rent an apartment, something we do whenever we have 4-or-more nights in a location. For your budget, you should be able to get a very nice place. Try VRBO.com or Paris Furnished Apartments.
Last March we had a VRBO in the 17th, which is a little outside of "center" and it was only Euro 100 per night. We used the Metro and buses extensively and felt a little like locals.
My wife and I have rented this studio for the past 13 or 14 years. Great location. Close to bus and metro. 20 minute walk to Louvre.
Nadine Giblin
Studio 30 sqm Paris 9e near Montmartre
E-mail : [email protected]
Website : http://locationparis9.canalblog.com
For two weeks, I would also recommend an apartment. There will be plenty in your budget and you'll save a lot on food...even if you just eat your breakfasts in. Here's another often-mentioned apartment rental site: vacationsinparis.com.