First timer in Paris. Help please.

Matt, What price range are you considering for a "middle of the road" Hotel? I always prefer to stay in the Rue Cler area (in the 7th) as it's close to many of the main sights, has good transportation and lots of nice restaurants in the area. If you're going to be contacting the couple in Paris, you could ask them for suggestions on which area to stay (perhaps somewhere close to where they live). I'll try to provide some Hotel suggestions if you could provide some further details. Happy travels!

We just got back from a trip to Paris (Rick Steves City Tour with time on our own before and after). After the tour, we stayed at the Hotel du Champ de Mars in the 7th arrondissement (near Rue Cler). The price was 115 euros per night with an additional charge of 8 euros for breakfast. The location is nice, and it is only a few minutes from the Ecole Militaire Metro stop.

Matt if you are flying out of CDG next day, its nice to be close to the RER B, but not nessesary,, you can always get to it by metro, but just easier knowing you just get on at one point and get off at airport. I have stayed at the Hotel Eugenie,, its literally 150 meters or so from the RER to CDG. Its a basic hotel, but does have a/c and is clean and EXTREMELY central,, you will be in the heart of touristy area,, just 2 minute walk and you on the Seine, view of Notre Dame( from bridge) , 5 min walk and you are there, 2 minutes from Latin Quarter, a few minutes from where you can board a cruise of Seine,10-15 minutes to Louvre or Orsay , cafes and restos everywhere, its very very convenient.

I'd go with Pat's recommendation. It's the ideal location. Be sure to visit the Luxembourg Gardens (in the 5th near Hotel Eugenie). It's wonderful and one of my favorite places in Paris.

I am looking at realistically spending around 150-175 euro per night.
Yes we will be flying out of CDG, so staying close to the airport isn't a huge desire because as long as we are close to a metro that's all that matters.

I have stayed in the Rue Cler neighborhood before and as nice as it is, it is not close to much of anything except the Eiffel Tower. Considering your very short visit, I think pat's suggestion is the best.

I will also endorse the Hotel Eugenie, 31 rue Saint-Andre-des-arts. www.eugenie-hotel.com I carry their card in my wallet. I used to flatter myself by thinking the Hotel Eugenie was my little secret, but it is apparent that the word is out. Talk about the best location in Paris! Last time we went to Paris, however, we stayed on the right bank, at the Hotel Helios Opera, 75 rue de la Victoire.
www.hotels-emeraude.com Very clean and quiet. In your price range. Spitting distance from Boulevarde Haussman and all that glorious shopping. Near the opera too, of course. It is close to the train, Gare Saint Lazare, but you have to make a connection to get to CDG. Still pretty convenient though. Has some really killer cafe's nearby. Had the best steak in pepper sauce of my life at one such nondescript cafe'. Wonderful! Have a great trip. You can't go wrong!

We too stayed at a hotel near the RER station on our 2 nights before our flight from CDG. We stayed at the Hôtel Des Ducs De Bourgognets on Rue du Pont Neuf and I liked the hotel and its location.

Even though I love the Rue Cler area, I agree that it's not close to much except the Eiffel Tower. If you're "training" it to CDG, do stay near an RER-B stop (the Metro doesn't go to CDG). (I stay in apartments so can't recommend a hotel.) And since you're only going to be there 1 day (so sad!), a Seine River cruise will let you see the sights without wearing yourself out. Enjoy yourself (and come back again when you can stay longer)!

Thanks everyone for your input! After looking and reading reviews on where to stay I have decided on staying at Hotel Eugenie in the Latin Quarter. It looks like the best choice for the value and location.
Thanks again! -Matt

Hi Matt-After several times in Paris, the last 2 times I utilized Lisa Burros Hutchins, of yourparisexperience. The first time I did the full on itinerary, and the next time, a lighter version, with restaurant reservations. If you like, check out her website and e-mail her with your concerns. There is no charge for this, and just feel it out and see what you think. I could navigate my way around Paris any day, but Lisa will show you how to maximize your time, and feel like you were there forever. I just returned from two weeks in Paris, and still felt like I could have stayed longer. But I always focus on just the luck and good fortune of travel, and am always thankful for what I do see!! Have a ball.

Wow!!! I just checked out the website for Your Paris Experience. It is tres expensive. Way out of my travel budget and that of everyone I know! A half day tour of the highlights of Paris for 320€. Mind you that does NOT include lunch. For a full day it will set you back 545€. Lunch is still not included. Per person. I can stay in Paris for at least a week for the cost of 2 people doing a 1 day tour. The Latin Quarter is a great choice of location. I think you will love it!

Andrea, let's go into business together! We can give full day tours for 500 Euro ;)

Linda,, wow,, thats a mightly expensive service for the average tourist,, thats what I can spend on accomadation for three nights. I think there must be lots of gold in gold river ca. lol

@Susan - You are on!! It sounds like a great plan to me. There hasn't been any gold in Gold River since the gold rush in the mid 1800's. I drive past Gold River to get to work.

I second the Best Western Ducs De Bourgogne at 19 Rue Du Pont Neuf in the 1st. I have stayed there several times. The location is fantastic, right off Rue De Rivoli. But the best thing is that is right down the street from the Metro Chalet-Les Halles that will take you to CDG! Can't be beat. Happy Travels! Debi