Thoughts on Paris hotels?

I have considered the rooms at the hotel Dieu on occasion. You may want to check reviews on trip advisor or booking.com – I seem to remember commentary about the fact that it is a hospital, as well as the aesthetics of the room, but these are faint memory traces so don't trust my memory. The location is certainly amazing. Given the desire of your granddaughter to feel part of Paris culture, the Marais might be a better location. Certainly there are lots of interesting little shops and restaurants that could appeal to a young person. I also find it a great location for walking to the sites I want to visit.

What's your budget per night? My sister and I stayed at the Hotel Cluny Sorbonne in the 5th arrondissement, very close to the Sorbonne, and paid 100 euros per night for a room for 2 people. The neighborhood has lots of young people and is just a 10-minute walk from the Seine. We stayed here for the first 4 nights after arriving from the U.S. and asked if we could check into our room early. They were very accommodating and we enjoyed our stay there.

We also stayed at the Hotel Londres Eiffel in the 7th, very close to the Eiffel Tower. This hotel was more expensive (200 euros per night) and more upscale, but the neighborhood was not very active. We stayed here for the last 4 nights of our 8-night Paris visit.

The Hotel Cluny Sorbonne sounds great but can't get in there except first 4 of my 5 nights. Thanks for the info. Maybe if I call them they can work something out for me?

If the studio from Cobblestone Paris is La Belle du Marais, I have this advice. I stayed there by myself for 2 weeks in September 2013 and it was exactly as pictured on their website and I found it to be very comfortable (the murphy bed was great), loved the location, and working with Cobblestone was excellent. In fact, I'm renting another property from them this year. However, the apartment is extremely small. It was okay for one person, but would be very tight for 2 people. There is no closet or dresser for storing your stuff, no place to store suitcases. If I were you, I'd look at other studios or 1 bedroom apartments offered by Cobblestone. Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with Cobblestone, but that particular apartment is too small for 2. Good luck.

Thank you for the info, Carolyn. I have pretty much decided to abandon the thought of La Belle du Marais after reading other comments here and from Trip Advisor. Am still working hard trying to find a place, but will probably be staying in a hotel on the Left Bank. It's amazing how quickly rooms book in Paris!

"Maybe if I call them they can work something out for me?"

Be sure to e-mail or call any hotel you're interested in, directly. Several times, I was able to get rooms this way that were not showing on booking engines.

Thanks to all who responded!!! This is the first time I've ever tried out this forum along with Trip Advisor, and I have received so much encouragement and definitely invaluable information. I was able to get a room at Hotel Cluny Sorbonne by contacting them directly. Now I just need to begin on the next 2 stops, Florence and Rome. This was great and thanks again!!!

I have always wanted to stay at the Hotel Dieu. I know the rooms are small ... they were originally for the use of the patients' family members. But it is such a historic building and there is Notre Dame right on your doorstep. As well, there is a beautiful Italianate garden in an inner courtyard, accessible to all, even just passers by.

If your main options don't pan out, might I suggest a B&B or apartment through this site? http://www.bed-and-breakfast-in-paris.com

Our B&B was in the home of a retired French couple in a Haussmann building a few blocks north of the Centre Pompidou and a ten minute walk from Notre Dame -- http://www.bed-and-breakfast-in-paris.com/Dicillin.php?ob=c0299900001lst300000000308

We didn't pay anywhere close to the posted rate. Granted we went in November. But perhaps worth a try if you run out of options.

All the best.