Paris Hotel

Jim, 100-150 what? $ or euros? Can't give specific recommendations, but I've had enough good luck checking booking dot com and then tripadvisor for a hotel that booking says seems ok, that that has worked pretty well for me. If they both seems to feel it's ok, it's ok for me, most of the time. Only other thought I have is that I heard decades ago August is France's vacation month. I don't know if that means they all flock TO Paris or FROM it! Have a great trip!

Jim, Just a personal observation - I spent last August in Paris, the crowds and lines at museums and attractions were not overwhelming. I was pleasantly surprised. So, I guess a lot of people flee the area in August, actually good for us tourists. Some will complain about the heat in Paris in August but, like everywhere else, you can't always count on the weather. Last August was pleasant and warm for the whole month, not much rain and no really really hot days, so you never know. Most here will suggest you make sure your hotel has A/C but that's a personal comfort decision and it often makes the hotels a little pricier. As for location of hotel, you can get one near the ET but it will be a little inconvient for most other attractions. If you get one near many of the other major attractions it will be a little further from the ET. My personal suggestion would be to look for something in the 4,5,6 arrondisments in the general Notre Dame area. Those areas are pretty convenient for walking to most attractions and it's easy to get to the ET area by public trans (metro, bus, boat) All of the central city arrondisments (1-10) and the metro are safe so that's not a problem. How long are you going to be in paris? If >3 nights you might try an apartment instead of hotel, they can be cheaper but don't offer the front desk/concierge/daily maid service. I found my apartment on VRBO but there are lots of other services. Booking.com is good for finding reasonably priced hotels - if something fits the bill, check Trip Advisor reviews in addition to Booking.com for a good sense of the hotel. Another quick note about August in Paris, some small businesses(shops and such) may be closed because their owners are on vacation. However, I did not find that many and it was no inconvience for me whatsoever. Enjoy your trip to Paris.

hi, i was there last March and i had some really nice (relative to what im use to) weather. A few cloudy days and sunny days. rain doenst bother me - quack, quack. as far as safety, i never felt unsafe walking by myself (travel solo) even during the nights. I will say tho, that i wasnt walking around dark alleys and such, but used common sense as you would here - i hope. yes, the ET is sort of out of the way place to stay, but i loved using their subways (and in london) due to the fact we dont have any where i live and they make travel with in the city without a car sooooooo easy. in my opinion (imo) i think no matter where you stay, you will like it, after all ITS PARIS! the only advice i will give you is. > enjoy where you are and take time to do so. > try some of the great food there too. you dont have to try anything strange, but everyone loves desserts and they have some great ones including croissants. You will also see some oreo/sandwich type cookies in different colors where they have a filling, those are macarons and are soooo tasty. the ones i had, had fruit fillings. tried to bring some back home, but they didnt make the journey back - burp. happy trails.

We've stayed at the Hotel Relais Bosquet numerous times and have also rented their apts - we love them. Great staff, service, etc. Stayed at Hotel La Bourdainnase this past March - They were okay, no complaints. We like staying near Rue Clare and the Eiffel Tower. Has restaurants nearby, grocery stores, very close to Metro stop for quick trips around town. We enjoyed the peace and quiet by being near the Eiffel Tower. Didn't have any difficulties in getting to museums and other sites quickly via Metro.

I stay in August quite often, its not bad.. I have a few tips for you. Book now, some hotels offer summer discounts( business travel is down so room inventory goes up) .. Get a hotel with a/c, its worth it if you need it.. you may not , I have holidayed there once in August and it was cool and rainy, but its also been very hot, and after a long day sightseeing a cool retreat is important. I have stayed at these hotels, they are all cheap, clean, VERY GOOD locations , near metros, RER, cafes, shops and sights.. Hotel Diana Hotel Saint Pierre( the one on Rue D'Ecole du Medicine there are a few hotels with same name) Hotel Eugenie Hotel Place du la Louvre ( this one is a bit over your budget unless you get a deal on the rate)
I would stay in any of these hotels again. All have small rooms but that is what you will find with your budget is the norm in Europe in general. I also suggest you check out Paris Plage in early evenings, its a fake beach they set up along the Seine for about a month in the summer. Its wonderful to stroll along it , buy a beer or cider from the concession and sit and people watch or enjoy some street musicans that perform down there. Many people, mostly locals will pack picnics and have their dinners down there if weather is hot ( since most people do not have a/c in their homes!) .

My wife and I stayed at the Hotel Duquesne Eiffel. Very nice hotel, small rooms (expected), and a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, Rue Cler, and Napolean's Tomb, and Metro stop. Slightly pricy. Very friendly and helpful staff. Just a tip, I don't speak any French, but the restaurants, hotels, etc really appreciate it when you try the language, even if you mangle it. I found everyone in France to be very friendly and even friendlier when your try the language.

Jim, the Grand Hotel Le'Veque has had a few people bash it this past year( I believe, because they ask you to pay up front rather than at check out). We've personally stayed there 4 times, daughter has been there 5 times, and we plan to stay this July. Unless they have improved their breakfast, stay away from it, there is a bakery with pastry along Rue Cler. This is a Rick Steves favorite from the past, not sure if he includes it in his France G B anymore. Yes, rooms are tiny, but the elevator is unique, room enough for one adult and piece of luggage. If this is your first time to Paris you'll be close to ET, metro, and try the buses if you get a chance. Everyone has given you good advice, you want go wrong no matter where you choose. Good Luck! ....and their A/C is good.

Most elevators in Paris are very small and hold maybe 2 people with their luggage. But you are lucky in the hotel or apartment has an elevator at all! Yes rooms are usually quite small, all over Europe.
I always stay in apartments. They are generally cheaper and give you slightly more room. Happy Travels!

Jim, I've stayed at the Grand Hotel Leveque on a few occasions in the past, and have no complaints. I've noticed a few negative comments here, but I prefer to form my own opinions so I've booked for another stay at Leveque this year. Based on my previous experience, I'd certainly recommend it. It's not posh, but clean and basic accommodations at a reasonable price. Regarding the Hotel Duquesne Eiffel that someone else mentioned, it's a fantastic hotel, but may be a bit above your budget. As I recall, they offered a wonderful and substantial breakfast. Happy travels!

I like Opera Deauville, near Gare St. Lazare. In a busy, populated area with plenty of places to eat and drink nearby.
And the best part: AIR CONDITIONING in every room!

I have stayed at the Hotel Grand Leveque twice (2004 and 2011) and found it to be great both times. It is as Rick Steves describes it. I would go there again. As another person noted, the breakfast is acceptable but nothing to write home about. I would skip it and find a nice cafe instead. I have also stayed at the Hotel Muguet, and liked it as well. I think Grand Levegue is a little better located between the two metro stops (which are different lines). Having access to multiple metro lines is key to getting around. Good luck!!

Jim, please read this thread about the Leveque if you're considering staying there.