hotel in Paris

We have been happy with the Hotel Delavigne, located in the Saint Germaine district near the Latin Quarter and Jardin du Luxembourg. I know they have a triple room, see it on Frommers website or the hotel website. Have not needed the large room so have not seen it first hand. We walked almost everywhere, but it is very near the Odeon metro, about a block away, which can get you around easily. Some sights are a hike. Check the map. Many restaurants, cafes and shopping in the area, and the beautiful Luxembourg.

First, a few clarifications. "Downtown Paris" as such does not exist. Paris is roughly egg-shaped, and is divided into 20 arrondissements. They are numbered, starting with 1 around the Louvre and spiraling out clockwise. Arrondissements 1-8 are usually considered "central," but that's certainly debatable. Many people consider arrondissemetns 4 through 6 to be the most convenient, because they are close to the river and so many sites are walkable. However, there is no one place "walking distance to everything," unless you mean a 30-45 minute walk (nothing wrong with such a walk, and many here enjoy these long walks, but that's not how I define "walkable"). Being close the the Champs Elysee is not the same as being close to the Eiffel Tower. Furthermore, many do not find these to be convenient locations, despite their fame in the US. There's only a few other tourist sites near the Eiffel Tower, and the Champs Elysee is not only near few other tourist sites, but a distinct disappointment to most. Rick loves the Rue Cler area, not too far from the Eiffel Tower, but many find it just one of many nice market streets, more expensive than others, and more crammed with his readers. continued..

continued.. So, what you probably want is a hotel in the 4th, 5th, or 6th arrondissement that has a triple room. I stay in the Grand Hotel des Balcons http://www.balcons.com/, which is on a side street near the Odeon metro and not far from the Luxembourg Gardens (also not far from the RER B line to the airport, at the St. Michel stop). I'm not sure if it has the amenities you need or want. Be aware that while the lobby is beautiful Art Nouveau, the rooms are more plain (but perfectly serviceable). That is, if you don't mind no shower curtains, which is a very French thing. Many hotels, not jsut this one, will have bathtub-shower combinations just like ours, with a handheld shower head, but with no curtain; you get good at moving the handheld unit around you so as to not splash too much! I find by the third day, I'm all set. More important, last I checked the hotel was not air conditioned. If you're going in the summer, you might want to stay somewhere else (I've only been in spring, fall, and winter).

DBora, It's difficult to suggest a "good hotel" without having some idea on the price range you're looking at. Hotels in the 7th Arr. (Rue Cler area) are also close to the Eiffel Tower, and with the Metro it's easy to reach just about anywhere in Paris. Some of the group here find Rue Cler "too touristy" but I quite enjoy that area. There are lots of nice restaurants, and it's within easy walking distance to many sights. You might check Hotel Duquesne Eiffel, Hotel Muguet or Hotel du Champs de Mars (all in the 7th). Bon Voyage!

Hotel Muguet in the 7th is nice, 5-10 min walk from the Eiffel Tower with moderate prices, A/C, internet access in lobby, 24 hour desk, approx 115 euro for a single. Perhaps you could combine a single and a double. Rooms are attractive but smallnot sure if they have any rooms for 3 adults in one room. This is also very close to Invalides-Napoleon's Tomb, the Rodin Museum etc. The Champs d'Elysee area is more commercial, crowded. There is no central downtown area-attractions are spread out throughout most of the arrondissements (districts) adjoining both sides of the Seine. It is very easy and attractive to leisurely walk from the 7th to the 1st, 2nd arrondissements where Notre Dame, Louve, Ste Chapelle etc. are located. Most tourist attractions in Paris are easily reached on foot, and the Metro works great for those who prefer to ride-buy a "carnet" of 10 tickets for better pricing over a single ticket. Please note that most hotel rooms in Paris tend to be small regardless of price.
Sylvia

Hotel Muguet, in the 7th arrondisement, is close to the Eifel Tower and convenient to subway, bus and RER lines, so you can easily get anywhere you want to get, including Champs Elysees. Rue Cler with all its charms, shops and restaurants is a short walk away.

Go to www.booking.com or expedia.com to find hotels within your price range. Paris neighborhoods are just too varied. Agree re Rue Cler -- we checked it out last time we were there and thought some of the hotels were a bit more basic than we liked. We ended up in Montparnese Meredian -- great metro/bus possibilities. The shuttle to CDG is right across the street.