Paris--safe area for Mom/daughter hotel?

All central areas of Paris are very safe; you really don't have to worry about violent crime. Make sure you are pickpocket proof.

Since it sounds like a girl's trip, check out the Hotel les Dames du Pantheon. It's themed on famous French women! It faces the Pantheon and is right up the street from Luxembourg Gardens. The quiet part of the Latin Quarter!

elaine,

I've always found the 7th near the Eiffel Tower to be a good area. It's within walking distance to some of the sights, and has good Metro access to get to other parts of the city.

The Mercures are closest to the Louvre and to shopping on blvd Hausmann (Galeries Lafayettes, Printemps . . .) and to the big mall in Les Halles. I'd probably choose the one near the Opera, since there are lots of metro lines from that station. . . and one of my favorite chocolatiers (the best macarons), Pierre Marcolini. I bought a couple of beautiful scarves in the metro station (it's huge, lots of shopping) for a few euros each.

Due to the ongoing construction I'd cross the Novotel off of your list. I also dislike the area near St. Lazare, so that leaves the Holiday Inn.

Is there any reason you're only looking at large chain hotels when there are so many small, charming and reasonably-priced hotels in Paris?

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Notre Dame about a month ago.

Very safe area. Lots of restaurants, cafes, shops. Metro stop one block away. Notre Dame is a 10 minute walk.

The hotel is fine. Breakfast is buffet and you have a choice of a Continental Breakfast or a Full Breakfast which is similar to a Full English breakfast. Rooms are not huge but adequate. Everyone at the reception desk spoke English.

While the hotel is only a block away from lots of action, it is far enough to be quiet.

The hotel has a rooftop lounge with the most amazing views. It is not covered. During the day it is open to just sit up there if you want to enjoy the Paris skyline, At night, it turns into a bar and you can see all of Paris lit up.

My daughter (age 20) and I will be in Paris August 17-21. We are planning to stay at Hotel Diana. It is in the Latin Quarter. The current price on their website is 126 Euros for a twin room, but I was told they will be having a summer special and the price will be around 90 Euros. The rooms look small but the location is good. This will be our first trip to Paris.

what about Mercure Paris Opera Garnier, on Rue de l'Isly, a block off St Lazarre? We have some family departing to DDay beaches tour, so this would be convenient, but don't want to stay there if this is too close to train station (as I know what those areas can be like). Would closer to Opera be better, like along Rue Tronchet? One last possibility would be Hotel Du Continent, 30, rue du Mont-Thabor, 1st arr., which would give us a place for a break after the Louvre and looks like an easy walk to Opera and Galleries/Shopping? We will have seen other sights before, Eiffel tour, etc. Walking distance to Louvre/shopping (teen budget--not Gucci, etc.) would be nice.

I have twice stayed not far from Lazare, and not only is it safe, I actually (GASP!!!!) like the area. Perhaps because I've lived for a long time in a big city, crowded areas with all types of people aren't scary or repulsive to me. Or perhaps it's the lovely Hausmann buildings and the Trinity Church, coupled with easy transportation and walking distance to the Roissybus. Dunno, but I actually seek this neighborhood out.
If large chain hotels are what you like or can get discounts on, by all means, stay in them. There can be a bit of snobbery here regarding hotels, how they're not "charming" enough or what have you. Stay where you get a good deal and save the extra money for good cheese and wine.

If you really want to make an informed decision, enter the address of the hotels you're considering in GoogleMaps, then do a "street view" walk around the neighborhood. This is a very valuable tool which will save you a lot of anxiety.

Just saw your request for shopping on a budget-the 9th arrondisement is full of stores that fit the bill. C&M, Promod, Zara, and DeSigual are just a few. They can be found in areas other than the 9th as well.

One place I would highly suggest is Grand Hôtel Lévêque located on one of the best streets in paris to go shopping for wine, cheese, and other souvenirs Rue de Grenelle. Its a great hotel that's not overly priced and its in one of the safest areas in Paris. Plus your in the central part of the city where your in walking distance to some of the main attractions.

Just to clarify, Grand Hôtel Leveque is on Rue Cler and the nearest cross street is Rue de Grenelle. Leveque is a good lower cost choice, although not necessarily inexpensive. I've always found the rooms to be clean and comfortable, but nothing fancy. The staff have always been great and very helpful. As I recall, breakfast is optional but I've always paid the extra charge for that. There are lots of small bakeries and shops on Rue Cler where one could get some kind of breakfast, but I can't be bothered so just dine at the hotel. Based on my experiences over many years, I would definitely recommend Leveque.