Four adults traveling to Paris looking for accomodations for the four of us

Robert, I recommend checking out this website (linked below) for a good overview of the arrondisements of Paris, sights, accommodations, and restaurants. And of course getting the Rick Steves Paris guidebook is a must. Read up on Paris, figure out the sights that interest you and you want to see. Do some homework on this beforehand. You might want to consider renting an apartment in Paris to accommodate the 4 of you, would probably be less than a hotel and more convenient. I too like www.vrbo.com for rentals.

http://www.tomsguidetoparis.com/TomsGuideToParis.php

You would be able to obtain a suite for your family if you choose to stay at a "chain" type hotel such as Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, etc. These hotels tend to cater more to American clientele. However, if you want to experience Paris type accommodations you would most likely need to get two rooms as "double" in Europe means two persons. Depends on your budget as to which way would be the most cost effective for you. You may want to do some comparisons before actually booking a property. Check-out some suggestions on Trip Advisor if you do not find what you desire in RS books.

Hi Robert

The arrondissmonts are easy to think about if you think about a snail shell( how appropriate!). They start in the center of Paris with number 1, and wind out roughly snail shell like from 1-20. The first 7 are considered most central ,, although there is nothing wrong with staying less central, most first timers enjoying being in the "thick of it" so to speak.
They are numbered, but also have some names, so the 1st for instance is often called the "Louvre area". The most popular with tourists are the 4th ( Marais) the 5th( Latin or student quarter) the 6th( St Germain ) or 7th ( here known as the Rue Cler area, but otherwise considered the Eiffel Tower area, LOL )

I like the 6th myself , but have stayed in many other areas and like them too.

I personally would get two doubles as I think its nice to have two bathrooms. HOtel rooms in Europe in general, and in central Paris in particular are much smaller then we are used to in North America, so that is a consideration also.

An apartment is another option, but one I have no experience with so will not be commenting on.

If you post a budget( in euros) for a room per night many here can give specific suggestions.

I liked the Hotel Eugenie( I paid 90 euros for a nice single that had two twin beds in it, a/c safe and mini fridge) myself for a budget to moderate choice, but I have stayed in about 8 or9 other places also that I could recommend.

Booking ahead often gets better rates, as does staying a three night minimum.

Robert, with four of you, why not get an apartment? Try VRBO.com and there are several other good websites for apartment rentals. Many people on this forum use apartments in Paris and can recommend reputable agencies. That would beat stuffing all four of you into a hotel room and paying for every meal. This way, you could get in some food and you wouldn't have to pay for every cup of coffee or tea or glass of wine. Plus, you'd have some privacy. Also, get a guide book - Rick Steve's Paris 2010 or I believe the 2011 is out already.

We've stayed at the Hotel des Grande Ecoles twice and love it, but yes, the rooms can be small. We're heading back to Paris in 5/11 and another couple is going with us. So, we're going for an apartment. Got one way out in the 15th e but it's 2 blocks from the metro stop (Lourmel) and about an 11 minute metro ride to Concorde. We looked at so many sites but found this one on HomeAway. com. Good luck on your search.

Robert, an apt would ideal for your group. If you rent a hotel they will not allow you to bring any type of food to your room. An apt would give the four of you privacy, but a central locationb to rest and relax. When we rent apts in the EU we usually use VRBO. We found the best deal on the Paris apt we rented two summers ago on Homelidays.com.

Please note that you can stay almost anywhere in Paris, and still be central to all locations. The Metro makes this possible. We did the same as John, and got a great price on our apartment because it was not in the center of Paris, but a little south of the Eiffel tower, in the top of the 15th Arr.

We had lots of local restaurants, shops, and two Metro stops within 2-3 blocks in either direction.

BG is correct: Tom's Guide is awesome; especially his restaurant pics. And whatever you do, read and bring your Rick Steves book; he was right-on-the-money about everything.

An apartment is definitely the way to go. I use vrbo.com too. We found a great apartment in the Latin Quarter.

I recommend Vacation in Paris for apartment rentals in Paris.

STEVE,, where do you come up with your information. I have stayed in many hotels in Paris, at least 8 or 9 different ones, and I have ALWAYS been able to bring food to my room. How many times have you had this problem. As far as I was aware it one of Rick Steves recommended hotels that does not allow food. Most do, as long as you are clean about . I have always gotten hotels with mini fridges and stored yogurts, cheese , fruit and other snacks in my room.

Another plus for hotels, two rooms , two BATHROOMS, best for four adults.

I've stayed in 2 or 3 Paris hotels that had signs asking you not to bring food to your room, and I've wondered if it is sort of a general rule. I actually don't mind it--I'm sure it helps keep the room clean and bug-free.