Where in Paris

You might like to book a few apartments with Edgar Suites in the same building. We are staying at Marais Temple now and there are several apartments behind the same main entrance. Might be a nice way to stay together and also have separate space :-).

You might look at this current post:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france-reviews/best-place-to-rent-an-apartment-or-larger-place-i-e-airbnb

I am going to Paris for the very first time in May. just me. I have been doing hours of research.

I would recommend you get a guide book, maybe two. Rick Steves has a guide book but there are also many other excellent ones out there. A friend just gave me a Frommer's Guide Book.

I would recommend youtube. Right now, I am using youtube to explore each arrondissements as well as individual attractions.

After hours and hours of research, I have discovered that you (almost) can not go wrong when it comes to location in Paris. You may already know that Paris is divided into arrondissements. Each arrondissement has its own personality and character. There are incredible and wonderful things to do in each arrondissements. And public transportation is excellent.

However I have discovered that there are many many stairs in the subway and train stations. And often no escalators or elevators. I will not be able to use the trains or subways for this reason and sill have to rely on buses. Is anyone in your group of eight mobility impaired?

Myself, I have chosen a hotel in the 5th arr also known as the Latin Quarter. I use booking.com which is good for research. You do not have to book through booking.com although I chose to do so.

As I have said, this forum will be very helpful. You will get responses from members who have been to Paris many times. You might also get some responses from members who live in Paris.

UPDATE: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/question-about-arrondissements

Well as I continue my research, I came across this site a few hours back. Looks so helpful. I bookmarked it.

https://www.parisdigest.com/map_paris/map_of_paris_arrondissements.htm

After traveling extensively in Europe, I don't understand making one's lodgings the travel experience. For me, the experiences start after I leave my hotel or apartment and start my day.

Perhaps someone can tell me why I have this wrong.

jphbucks,
I don't get the impression that the other posters are looking to their lodging as the travel experience (as in a resort, for example). Rather, the location, presence of a lift and/or AC, a place to sit other than the bed, even a view from a window, matter sometimes because as we age we cannot always be on the go all day, or need a mid-day rest, or want to have a place in the evening to relax, read, review and edit our photos, write in a journal or write a postcard. I speak as someone who, at 30, spent nights sleeping in our VW bug in a country road in France, and in a layby on the autostrada in Italy. We once had a $2.00 a night room in Grasse, France with the worst mattress ever and only a sink and commode down the hall, shared with the restaurant. Back then a room was just that...a bed and a place to shower (usually down the hall, never en suite). We were on the go pretty much all day long. Nowadays more comfort is not just a desire, it can be really needed. And being able to wind down at day's end adds to the enjoyment of the trip, at least for me and hubby. Of course we will be 82 and 83 next month. Luxury isn't want we are looking for, rather some comfort and roominess and even charm don't go amiss. A nice room in a charming hotel or BandB becomes part of the travel fun.
(And the elevators really are needed!)

Hi jphbucks

Well, I am an older woman who travels alone. For me, personal safety is number one when I look for a hotel.

Then I would also like an area that is attractive and clean.

But convenience is very important for me. I travel on a tight budget. Taxis and Ubers are a true luxury for me so it is important to be able to get to the airport or port if I am going to cruise, easily....

Continuing with convenience. I like to be close to attractions, restaurants, shopping, public transportation, etc.

So for myself, Location is of extreme importance for all the above reasons that I have just listed.

I have been to Paris about half a dozen times and based on what the locals say, the areas to avoid staying are outside the city center and tourist areas (Avoid the somewhat suburban areas North and East of the city.

jphbucks, to us, the hotel is very much part of the travel experience.

Of course we are there to see the locations we have chosen, but after flying from Australia and using all of my husband's leave, he also likes a little downtime.

We always prefer a hotel with a good location, large enough to have two comfortable chairs, and if remotely possible, a view and a balcony.

We start our days with coffee on the balcony, then go out walking all day and return at 6ish for wine and cheese, before a leisurely dinner.

We have learned that this way we can travel for three or four weeks and come home feeling relaxed, rather than exhausted.

A nice hotel is very much part of the deal for us, and we are in our mid-sixties.

We stayed last spring in the area around the Place d’Italie. Nice neighborhood away from the tourist bustle but Metro station, bus stop and taxi stand for good transportation