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Can't decide on where to stay in Paris, please help

Posted by (north fork, ca, usa) on

Hello! My friend and I are going to Paris in May. I’m currently trying to find a budget hotel. My first goal is figuring out which area we want to stay in. I’ve read RS Paris 2010 book and I’m trying to decide between: Eiffel Tower (7th), Marias (4th), or Luxembourg (5th & 6th). RS has his descriptions and so on, and I’ve researched other sites, but I’m stressing myself out by over-researching everything ? All of the hotels that I’ve looked up are now blending into each other ? I’m hoping you guys can help me out. Can you please suggest/opinions on which areas and/or hotels please. Thank you!!

Our info: 2 single ladies in our late 20’s. 1st time in Paris/overseas

Date: May 2010 for 4 nights Location: • easy access to most sites. Since it’s our first time, we don’t want to stress on how to get everywhere • If possible, not in a complete tourist area, we would like to experience like locals (cafes, markets, boutiques’, and etc) • We don’t need a large night scene, we’re not planning on partying but would like a nice and safe area with a couple bars/restaurants nearby where we don’t have worry about walking by ourselves after dark Price: 75 to 125 Euros (cheaper the better) Room: Prefer 2 twins with toilet and shower.

Thank you so much!!!

Posted by
15112 posts

The Bastille Opera House is not on the site of the Bastille prison. It is on Place de la Bastille on the site of the former Bastille train station.

Now, to answer your question. All three of those areas will give you a mixture of tourist/local. Probably more Rikniks on Rue Cler than locals.

The Paris Metro is great, will take you anywhere you want to go, and you are never far from a station. Paris is also a very walkable city.

Posted by
3313 posts

Not to risk my geographic reputation, but I thought the prison stood where the column in the Place Bastille is now and the train station (demolished in 1984, I think) was off to the side of the former prison site. And the Opera was built on the site of the train station, not the site of the prison. I thought...

Posted by
2030 posts

Either of the locations you mention will be fine. They are all good. Book one of Rick's recommended hotels or others in the area (check Tripadvisor site for reviews).

After your first visit to Paris you will most likely know exactly what area of the city you want to stay in on subsequent trips (which you will have I'm sure). But don't stress about where to stay now -- book a good place soon and relax.

Posted by
172 posts

Misty, we have stayed in the Marais and in the 7th. we found the Hotel Beaugency, in Rick's book is fantastic. Location is great. Just off Rue Cler. Close to the Eiffel Tower and Holtel Invalides. And very close to three different metro stops. A little stretch of the legs will get you to Musee Orsay. It's in the 7th arr. Warning: once you see Paris you'll want to return again and again.

Posted by
10244 posts

"Warning: once you see Paris you'll want to return again and again."

You've got that right!

Posted by
5678 posts

I really enjoyed staying in the Marais. I stayed a number of years ago at the Hotel St. Louis Marais. http://www.saintlouismarais.com/ I checked the reviews on TripAdvisor and they are mixed, but it depends on what you want. The location is super. I never mind a small room. Rick pointed out in 2007 that there was no air conditioning which may or more likely not have changed. I liked that I could easily find cafes and restaurants that were affordable and excellent. And it was not far to any of the sights.

Pam

Posted by
15593 posts

Check the Hotel Sevigne in the Marais. It is about a 2 minute walk from the St. Paul metro station (Line 1) which goes to many of the top tourist attractions. I stayed there in June, definitely budget, very clean and quiet, with all the things you mention: in one direction, trendy boutiques, in the other cafes, bakeries, wine and chocolate shops, and perfectly ok to walk late at night. I stayed there for 12 nights last June and felt that most of the people I passed in the neighborhood were locals, not tourists.

Posted by
196 posts

Hi Misty,
One area Rick has detailed very well is Rue Cler. It may be popular to the RS readers but I really wouldn't call it touristy. If you stay at the hotel Leveque make sure you ask for a street side room. The ones in the back are tiny. This is a pedestrian street only so you will not be kept up by traffic. The Eiffel tower is within walking distance and the street is lined with typical shops Boulangerie, Frommagerie etc. Ecole Militaire is the closest metro stop and puts all of Paris within close range. Here is a google map that I have made of my favorite restaurants, cyber cafe, and picnic places.
I've shared a map with you called Rue Cler1: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=
105807709949075596347.000001129d11999b507d1

Posted by
2349 posts

Do not stress about the area in which to stay. Your choices of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th will all be good. So will some other areas. I stayed in the 14th and it was nice and safe as well. They will all have views and rooftops and little streets and cafes and shops that will make tears come to your eyes because you are really in Paris.

Feel free now to stress about the individual hotel.

Posted by
7209 posts

Hotel Royal Phare - about 15 steps from the Ecole Militaire Metro, 2 ATMs right beside the hotel. Supermarket right past the ATMS. Rue Cler is just around the corner. This place is clean, convienient, friendly and cheap with mini fridge in the room. Some rooms have a view to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

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