time for eiffel tower and where to stay?

Kim,

It's been awhile since I last took the trip up the Eiffel Tower, but have been in the vicinity numerous times since then. I'd suggest avoiding mid-day as it will likely be busy as well as hot. Although you can pre-book your entrance time, the crowds will be a nuisance. I'd probably try first thing in the morning or about supper time. THIS is a photo of the queue at about 21:30 on 30 June, a Sunday night, which provides some idea what it may be like.

Kim, here is a link for Sunrise & Sunset times in Paris,http://www.timeanddate.com/sun/france/paris, just scroll down and select your month and year. As for the time I would say it is based on what you want to get out of it. Last October I had a 5:30 pm ticket/reservation, by time I got through the reservation/entrance line, up to the second level and then wait with everyone else for the elevator to the top level, it was 6:30pm. I was more interested in pictures of the city in day light then see the city light up at night, but stayed up there long enough to see the sunset since that was after 7pm. As for where I prefer to stay it is in the 5th or 6th Arr. off of Blvd. Saint-Michel w/in walking distance to Metro/RER Stop Saint-Michel. For me its a great starting point to see the city either on foot or by rail and there are plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes and hotels around. Also, I use the RER-B to and from the airport, so that is an added bonus for me.
Enjoy your trip.

Kim,

Sorry, I forgot to address the second part of your question.

I prefer to stay in the 7th Arr. (Rue Cler) as it's within easy walking distance to the Eiffel Tower and other sights (Invalides, Rodin Museum, etc.). Although some may consider that area too touristy, I don't mind it at all. It has good access to the Metro via the Ecole Militaire station, lots of nice restaurants, hotels and other amenities.

Kim, I have taken my 11 yr old and 13 yr.. on separate trips.

There is no time the line in summer for ET will be short.. but your kids are the perfect age to take the STAIRS.

You can try and prebuy tickets.. and hopefully you are lucky.. but there are so few available for each time slot that they sell out in minutes after they become available.

The stairs are cheaper, and even when the one set of the elevators broke two years ago.. and the line for tickets for the remaining functioning one was 3 hours long, the line for stairs was 30 minutes..
My son enjoyed the stairs.. he would run ahead of me and double back to goad ( cheer) me on.. but I made it.. and I am not a super fit person!

I will be blunt, ,renting an apartment for 3 days is not worth the hassle. Apartments must be carefully reviewed. You must pay attention to check in and check out times.. you cannot store luggage at them like at a hotel if you have a late flight or early arrival.
I have rented in Paris and had great experiences.. but always for the week minimum.. I just wouldn't do it for a few days.

Another consideration.. most apartments ,, except expensive ones.. do not have ac. In August.. you may or may not need it.. but , if you need it,, it will be crucial. Air does not move in Paris .. the stone buildings and pavement make it suffocating when its hot.. and most public buildings and museums have very poor ac.. you will barely feel it.. so , after a hot day on your feet all day long.. a cool retreat is not to be under estimated.

For first timers I still recommend the 4th, 5th and 6th arrondissmonts .They are central to many sites and most folks enjoy the old Paris feel ( narrower streets etc).

Citadines is an Aparthotel.. the one is St Germain is well reviewed, and I know the location.. perfect.. but , its not cheap. However with a small kitchenette you can save some money feeding boys just by having snacks and juice in unit.

PS Highly recommend you take kids to the Invalids Army Musuem.. never crowded,, kids free, and it runs from suits of armor , battle axes and muskets, to WWII and tanks.. my kids loved it.. a nice change from "art" museums.

Remember, if you buy a timed ET ticket, you're stuck with whatever the weather will be. In August that may not be much of a risk. I would avoid midday, prefer either first thing in the morning or near sunset.

I think Pat's right about an apartment for only three nights. It's doable but a hotel might be more convenient for such a short stay. And for a short stay I'd recommend the 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th to simplify getting around quickly by foot or Metro. Closer to the river will cost more. Look for a place (hotel or apartment) close to a Metro station, preferably one with two or more lines connecting, for rapid transit anywhere.