Paris

The Hotel Tiquetonne is very inexpensive, yet highly regarded. And, the location is great. Rue Tiquetonne is in the 2nd arr. and close to the pedestrian market street of Rue Montorgueil. I stayed at an apartment on Tiquetonne, virtually across from this hotel. I am not sure if you can book this hotel online, or have to go in person. And, I have heard others say the staff is friendly, but their English is limited. But I think you should check it out! Good Luck.

http://www.eurocheapo.com/paris/hotel/hotel-tiquetonne

I had to call the Tiquetonne, since they don't have internet booking. This was scary for me since I don't speak French, but it turned out to be easy...they know enough English to understand the reservation request, dates, etc. I loved the neighborhood and found the Tiquetonne to be charming and a GREAT deal at 50 EUR for a double with bath.

We did London-Paris-Rome last year and by far the best hotel we stayed in was the Hotel Royal Saint Michel in Paris. Its in St Michel square, a block off the Seine River (with all the artists and stands), and just across the bridge from Notre Dame. A cab stand is on the corner of the block on one end and if you go the other way you are walking in the Latin quarter with all the sidewalk cafes - great in the day and for strolling at night. We're used to staying in 4-5 star hotels in the US. It doesn't have all the luxuries but makes up for it in location and charm. It does have an elevator (one person). A lot of fun. Rooms smallish but very clean.

Hotel Royal Saint Michel
3 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 PARIS
Tel: 33-(0)1-44-07-06-06
Fax: 33-(0)1-44-07-36-25

You can always find something, even in high season, by going to the TI and paying a (small) room-finding fee. Since you have 12 days you should be able to reserve the kind of room you want directly before you leave. You might not find space at your first pick, but there are lots of choices.

There are a lot of varables to your question. Go to Trispadvisors.com. Search the Paris hotel listing. It will give you a review of each hotel as well as the location, and price.

You could easily try one of Rick Steves recommendations in Rue Cler or the Marias district via the internet or email. Rue Cler is very safe at night. Try www.hotelmottepicquetparis.com or www.hotel-beaugency.com to start. If they are not available, pick up Rick's Paris book. He has many others to try.

Yes! Get Rick's latest Paris book and try for one of his recommended hotels. You should not go to Paris without it anyway, particularly if this is your first time. Also, search the internet - there are thousands of sites offering hotel deals. You will be able to find something good. I recently used Venere.com.

Shellee,

Check out Kensington Hotel, it is close to Rue de Cler and the Tower. They do have a website, Google it and it'll pop up. I sent them an email and they replied very quickly with a very low price. In English.