Where to sleep in Paris (2 adults + 2 kids)?

Hello I spent hours and I mean hours trying to figure this out for my family for a Nov. Trip. Our kids are around the same age. Finally from the many suggestions we got we booked an apartment. We only needed it for three days but it was still cheaper than two rooms and looked like a better deal then the quad rooms I saw. Many places will not book less than a week. Some start at 5 days. You might want to look at this option. Good luck.

I have rented apartments in Paris twice, one apartment near the Eiffel tower and one near Luxemburg Gardens. Both were rented through VRBO. In my opinion, that would be the way to go with children. Both of these areas were quiet at night...maybe even a little too quiet.

We stayed at Hotel Familia with our with our two kids in 2009. Here is a description from a trip report I posted elsewhere at the time: Hotel details – Hotel Familia, a 2 star hotel, we had the family room, which was right off the reception area (there wasn't really a lobby). The room was small, maybe 12 by 14, not counting the little entry area. When you entered the room, a closet with mirrored sliding glass doors was immediately in front of you. This was the only clothing storage. To the left was the door into the room proper. The first wall on the right in the room contained a dorm sized fridge, then 2 straight backed chairs. We stored one suitcase on top of each of these 3 things. Then there was a twin bed which my son used and at the head of the bed there was enough floor space for the 4th suitcase. Next wall had a big window onto the street and the day bed that my daughter slept in. Third wall had the four poster double bed with a little night stand on each side. Fourth wall had the bathroom door and a small desk with a little bench that slid under it. There was a TV mounted on the wall opposite our bed. The bathroom was a good size with a pedestal sink with a small glass shelf above (we ended up storing cosmetics on the desk) a tub with hand held shower spray and a half glass door to contain the water (no shower curtain) and the toilet. Soap was provided but no shampoo. There was a hair dryer, a square box mounted on the wall with a hose coming out of it. It was pretty useless. Not much space but we were only sleeping and showering there anyway. Breakfast was included, served in the little breakfast room off the reception area. Each person got some bread, a croissant, butter and jam, orange juice, and tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. The day staff spoke good English and were very helpful. The night staff not so much. The neighborhood had plenty of inexpensive eating options and 2 metro stations nearby.

VacationInParis.com will rent you an apartment for 5 nights (actually only a 3-night minimum). They have apartments all over Paris, are affordable and reliable. The one we rented for our family of four was in the 7th, a block from Rue Cler and several blocks from the Eiffel Tower. Every morning we picked up fresh croissants for breakfast in our apartment, and every evening we walked over to enjoy the Eiffel Tower. Ou daughters, then 12 and 15, enjoyed the experience of shopping for food in the markets much more than they liked the few restaurants we tried. We felt the apartment was by far the best option for our family. Maybe it would work for you as well.

I agree with Lola, I think VacationInParis is the way to go. Great company and the easiest one to deal with. Not only will you have more room in an apt, you'll also have more amenities like a washer/dryer, kitchen, fridge. I think the most fun areas of Paris are the 4th, 5th & 6th arrondissements (neighborhoods) and with your kids ages, I'd look for an apt close to the Luxembourg Gardens. You all will love the LG! I'd also recommend buying the Rick Steves Paris 2011 guidebook. Lots of very helpful info to get the most enjoyment out of your time in Paris.

Thanks for the input!!