Paris Hotel Suggestions (Mom & Teen in February)

When you ask for affordable you must post a budget.
A 4 star hotel is going to be at least 300 euros per night, is that affordable to you??

Personally, unless you really need luxury, there are many lovely and affordable 2 and 3 stars hotels.
I have travelled alone to Paris, and alone with a child , and have experienced all my 2 and 3 star choices to have all been safe and comfortable.

Look at Hotel Des Grand Hommes. Rooms are small but immaculate. Good location.
Hotel Brighton offers the best view rooms in Paris that the average person can afford,, LOL, make sure you get the "Tuillerie View" rooms.
Hotel le Regent in the 6th is lovely, as was Hotel Royal in the 14th( this was the least central one, but only a short metro ride to most sites) .

I have stayed at a few other places that were clean and comfy, but definately only 2 stars, but they were well priced so I didn't mind the more basic faciitlies.

Since you are goingin Feb you don't need to worry about getting a/c , which is great as I find there are many nice hotels that do not offer it and have good rates, but I personally refuse to be in Paris in summer without it( I melt easy).

Have fun.

Kathy,

When choosing a Hotel, I usually like to be located fairly close to a Metro station, as it makes getting around the the various sites so easy! One other point to consider in Paris is which Arrondisemment or area of Paris to stay. Many of Rick's readers prefer the Rue Cler area, but you'll find a variety of opinions here on the HelpLine. I like that area as the Ecole Militaire Metro station is close, it's walking distance to the Eiffel Tower, and has a fairly good selection of restaurants, etc.

You might also have a look in the France or Paris Guidebooks, as there are lots of listings there in various price ranges.

With such a short visit, a Paris Museum Pass would be a really good idea!

Happy travels!

My last time in Paris (2006) I stayed at Hotel La Bourdonnais. We really liked the location - few minutes to the Eiffel Tower and a short walk to the metro as well. There are plenty of good restaurants right around the corner as well and it is near Rue Cler. Overall we would stay here again. It has a 4 (out of 5) rating on tripadvisor.com You can check out the review online from others as well.

CLARIFICATION for Victoria, CAN: My affordable budget is $100-175 USD. Of course, the more economical, the better!

I was in Paris late January/early February 2008. I rented an apartment through Relais Bosquet. The price was fantastic, 139 euro, the apartment was wonderful, and it was in the Rue Cler area which I loved.

We were in Paris in October (sigh...) and stayed at the Hotel Kensington (Rue Cler/Ecole Militaire area, it's in Rick's book). Not fancy but quite clean, comfy, even has a little old Paris charm. Reasonable prices (about 75 Euro IIRC), easy quick walking distance to Metro station, Rue Cler shops/restaurants, and the Eiffel Tower. Asked for a room with a view of the Eiffel Tower and got one (well, a view of the top 1/2 half anyway, which was nice). I'd definitely stay there again.

Hi Kathy: Try Hotel Muguet in the 7th; on foot about 5 minutes to Rue Cler, 15 to Eiffel Tower, 15 to D'Orsay, 5 to Invalides/Napoleon's Tomb. Very clean, very well renovated a few years ago (beautiful, modern furnishings/bathrooms) and today about 140Euros for a twin room. Not the cheapest but you get what you pay for. The staff (all ladies as best I could tell) are very professional (albeit a bit 'cool') and businesslike and IMO you won't get a better deal in that price range. We had a twin "superior" (190Euros) which was basically a triple with a separate alcove for the third bed and would go with a standard twin the next time. Lovely residential neighbourhood with transport/good grub/laundromat almost next door. Check out their website, TA reviews and enjoy the city of lights.

Hi Kathy. I stayed at the Hotel de Londres Eiffel February 2008, for 6 nights as part of a Rick Steves Paris city tour and 3 additional nights on my own. The hotel is less than 5 minutes walk to the Eiffel Tower and Rue Cler The rooms are very small,but spotless, the staff are very helpful and freindly. The proximity to the Tower was the best feature for me; one day I had a picnic lunch on a bench while people watching and gazing at the Eiffel tower. Every evening, I walked back to see the Tower lights twinkle (on the hour to 10 minutes after the hour). I felt very safe walking alone in this area after dark. http://hotel-paris-londres-eiffel.com/eng/index.html I paid 140 or 150 Euro/night.

I made a point to visit several markets in addition to the Rue Cler market, the Saxe-Breteuil market is very close, both are described in the following: http://www.parismarkets.net/RueCler.html The French open air markets are a favorite highlight for me. I also bought the book Markets of Paris by Dixon and Ruthanne Long; great descriptions of markets, shopping areas and some restaurants, with directions and metro stop information.

Dress warmly; some mornings in February were just barely above freezing. I was warm enough with a fleece jacket, a wind/rain jacket over it, a wide pashmina type scarf and light gloves.

Have a great trip.

Hi Kathy, ok, with that budget( upper limit is about 1125 euros) I would concnetrate on a well located 2 star. There are many nice ones so don't panic. You may also luck out and find a special on a 3 star, I paid only 118 euros for the Hotel Des Grand Hommes (3*)this past summer, nice, great location, but rooms were small. Spend lots of time looking online, go directly to hotel websites most times gets better rates then using booking agencies. I have always booked directly with hotels.

Time is running out ,best budget hotels book fast and are usually small so not alot of rooms and fill fast anyways.

Best luck.

My 9 year old son and I just came back from a month in Europe we stayed 10 days in paris at the Hotel Grand Balcons. right near two metros and luxembourg garden. Less than 10 minute walk to Notre Dame/St. Chappelle. Was a wonderful hotel 110 Euros per night so a little on the expensive side, but was quiet,clean and if you need it they serve a fabulous buffet breakfast for 12 Euros. Is in a great location. I would highly recommend

My grandmother & I stayed at Hotel Valadon (just off Rue Cler) this August and loved it! We got one full and one twin bed, breakfast was included, and it was very clean and friendly. They also had a library of travel & fiction books and internet access, and our first day we stumbled upon the Eiffel Tower! It is a 2 star, but very safe, clean, and comfortable.