Trying to save some money in Paris in November.

If you are willing to be brave and try another part of Paris, I can recommend the Hotel Ideal on rue Emile-Zola, in the 15th (gasp!) arrondissement. Short walk to the metro and No. 42 bus stop. Perfectly comfortable hotel in a safe neighbourhood, partly residential, partly commercial. The No, 42 bus will whisk you to the centre of Paris in minutes, passing the Eiffel Tower on the way.

mark,
We just returned from Paris 2 weeks ago. It was our first time, and we rented an apartment 1 block north of Hotel De ville/ 1 block south of Pompidou center. It was as central as it gets. Took the train from CDG to Les Halles, walked 2 blocks east and there was our apartment. There is even a bike station (Velib) right outside. It was cheap, Clean, well mantained, full kitchen and bath, 2 windows for good air circulation, etc. We would definately use it again. Let me know if you want the name/contact. The owner meets you at the apartment on day 1 and is extrmely helpful and checked in on us by phone to see how we were doing... very sweet woman!

OK Norma, I just booked Hotel Ideal for November! Is the breakfast worth 9 euros?

Try the Hotel Familia in the Latin Quarter- I think it will fit the bill.

Elaine, I never ate the breakfast at the Ideal but went to a nearby café so I can't say, but €9 sounds a bit high to me! It was only €7 last time I was there. By the way, if you walk west on Emile-Zola to either the first or second cross-street (can't remember which) there are a lot of restaurants, none of them very expensive. There is also a big Monoprix within walking distance of the hotel.

I think a good rule of thumb in Paris is that hotel breakfasts are always going to be expensive compared to getting coffee and a baguette and croissant in a local cafe (usually less than 5 euro). I was also going to say that getting a room in the Latin Quarter for less than 100 E is a dream, but Hotel Familia looks legit! Tempted to book a room here right now. For financial reasons I've tended to stay in the inner 14th/15th arrondisements, too. My main concern is being really close to a metro stop and having a grocery store and inexpensive cafes/bars nearby. But seriously, Hotel Familia seems like such a steal - why bother with the extra distance?

Two friends stayed at the Hotel Familia recently. They loved it and the neighborhood. Thought it was a wonderful deal for the room....they thought their room was large by Paris standards. If you are okay with coffee/croissant/baguette for breakfast you should skip the 9E....last fall we ate most mornings at Le Dome du Marais - for the petite breakfast (above) it was under 10E for both of us! We bellied up to the bar (cheaper) and 3-4 days into our trip they were asking us about our plans for the day and giving us advice! The morning they found out we were going to Puces St. Ouen (big flea market) one young man came out from behind the bar and "showed" me to keep my (over the body) purse under my jacket!
This year we are renting an apartment on Ile St. Louis (recommended by a friend) - a few euros less than Hotel Familia per day! If you want the website for it, email me - the calendar says it's available from Nov. 19th on into December.

Why not stay at a studio apartment? Cheaper than a hotel and more room, plus, you can fix some of your meals there (breakfast) and save a lot. We have stayed at this studio for the past 4 years and love it. Nadine Giblin Studio 30 sqm Paris 9e near Montmartre E-mail : [email protected]
Website : http://locationparis9.canalblog.com

Last month we stayed at the Welcome Hotel on Blvd Saint-Germain. Clean room, central location, helpful front desk staff. The price goes down about 10E/nite if you stay 3+ nites. Would be happy to stay there again.

Hotel St Pierre, right in great area,, very central, less then 100 euros. Hotel breakfasts are never worth it unless included in a special room rate deal.. even then..
I find most cafes on side streets will have breakfasts for less then 7 euros, often as little as 5,, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate,, juice and a basket of breads( a crossiant, a pastry, a tartine, any variation of those) and jams. An egg is almost always extra. Or do what i do, get a coffee and relax at a cafe,, then wander by a store after and grab a yogurt,, I usually get a hotel with a fridge so I can store a yogurt or fruit too.

I believe November is a big month for conventions in Paris, that might be why you're having trouble finding cheap options.