I've been to Paris twice, but first time was a day trip across the Chunnel and second was in my younger years on Contiki trip. I've just booked a trip in early December, taking advantage of low flight prices. I'm not worried about the weather, I live in WI. I am taking my daughter, who will be 8 at the time. Any recommendations for affordable, convenient hotels? Nothing fancy is needed. Close to a metro station would be nice. TIA.
What is your budget?
I'd like to stay under $120-130 per night. If it's in a safe enough area, close to metro, we're good. Like I said, nothing fancy.
I would recommend getting the RS guide for Paris and going with one of his recommended places in the 7th near the Rue Cler area. I've traveled to Paris several times with my girls (now 14 and 16 - first trip when they were 4 and 6) and prefer to stay near there. It tends to be less expensive than some other areas but still very safe and with a neighborhood feel. There is a fun playground near the Eiffel Tower and it is not far from the Luxembourg Gardens, with one of the best playgrounds we have ever seen. We learned to use the bus system once we had kids - so easy to get around!
Jenny,
Check Hotel Diana in the Latin quarter, steps away from Blvd. Saint Germain & La Sorbonne University.
There is a Metro stop very close (Cluny La Sorbonne), as well as a couple of bus stops for several buses.
The hotel is clean, comfortable & it has 24/7 staff available.
The price is very reasonable for it's location.
Send me a PM if you need more specific information.
Take a look at Grand Hotel des Balcons in the 6th arrondissement: http://www.balcons.com/.
Try Booking.com. I'd look for something in the 5th or 6th, close to the Luxembourg Gardens. Fabulous park, and as Janet said, best playground ever. My son loved it.
Thank you all, I will take a look at them :)
Having found our usual digs booked for September (and costly) I hunted around and found this compelling site, Alcôve & Agapes, where I found a nice B&B in the 7th at a reasonable (for Paris) price. We love the 7th and really enjoyed time in Paris in December. Hope to go again in that month! Be sure to take your daughter to see the holiday windows at the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.
If your previous trips were not in winter, it may affect your planning with the child to know that the sun starts to setl in mid-afternoon.
I was pleasantly surprised by the price and availability of apartments on airbnb for Paris
Though some rentals may be renting illegally as we recently come to find out ; this is a place I would look to get the most out of your budget. I was able to book a quite impressive studio apartment with nice view in the 1st arr. for a cost similar to your budget.
If your party is 3 one of which is a child of 8 I believe an apartment will actually be your only option to stay within budget. If 2 obviously a standard 2 bed hotel room is fine.