Paris with a 6 year old - hotel & sights recommendation

An apartment might be a best bet - with a kid, being able to pack picnics, and maybe do breakfast and the odd dinner at "home" could be invaluable. If you prefer a hotel, I recommend l'Hotel Hameau de Passy: http://www.hameaudepassy.com/ They offer family rooms, and their rates are excellent. The hotel is within (short) walking distance of the Eiffel Tower and Trocadero, and is equidistant between two Metro stations. The neighborhood is kid-friendly, with a grammar school a few doors down, a new shopping plaza with a huge Monoprix (great for hot or cold prepared food to take away) and several toy stores, not to mention a movie theatre. Their are several carousels in Paris, including one in Luxembourg Gardens, one at the foot of Trocadero, and one at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Great fun for kiddies! Also fun for kiddies are the kid's section at Centre Pompidou, the boat ponds and the giant carousel in the Tuilleries, the Cirque d'Hiver (http://www.cirquedhiver.com/), and even a trip to a pool! (http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/01/taking-the-plunge-pools-in-paris/) There's one in les Halles, so you could combine shopping and splashing.

Jennifer, please let us know how long you will be staying in Paris. If you are staying four or five days, an apartment would be a good idea; especially considering the fact that you will have a six year old. The Paris Metro makes "all things far close". When we rented our apt at the top of the 15th, we were within two blocks of one Metro stop and four from another. We could also walk to the Eiffel tower, or take the Metro. I hope you are using Ricks book to review all of the attractions; he has such good suggestions. May is an awesome time to visit. When we arrived in May, the rains had just quit and the city was at its best!

You and your daughter will love the Luxembourg Gardens. They have a wonderful playground, marionette shows, carousel, donkey rides... There are two cafes in the park and many restrooms. Also, the Jardin D'Acclimatation is a wonderful, clean, old-fashioned amusement park perfect for a 6 yr old. It's in the Bois de Boulogne, on the western side of Paris. Rick Steves has a chapter on "Paris with kids" in the Paris guidebook that would also be helpful.

Thank you all for the wonderful suggestions!
I literally just booked our flights this past weekend..so I am just getting started. I was soo excited and heard great things of Rick's website I headed here first. I am thinking 3 nights/4 days in paris but we could change it.. after reading on this site..I am definately planning on buying Rick's Paris and Rome books. As our vacation itinerary is Paris/Rome/Amalfi coast.

What a wonderful vacation Jennifer! Paris is my favorite place of all and the Amalfi Coast (including Sorrento) my second favorite. Have fun!

Our kids loved picnicking on the lawn in front of the Eiffel tower! They could run around while we had wine and cheese! The boat cruise was a big hit too. Not sure if a six year old is too young, but the bike tour was the highlight of my kids trip! I would have taken mine at that age, but every child is different...it is a safe, well run tour if your child can ride a bike with no problem. There is a great cafe on Champs Elyses called George V that had huge hot dogs on a baguette and great big kids smoothies that my kids loved too.

My son liked the playground in front of the Eiffel Tower.