I like staying in the Latin Quarter/Saint Germain des-Près area. The zone near the Louvre near the Tuileries gardens and along rue de Rivoli and rue de Castiglione is fine if you have the money. Regardless of class, almost all Paris hotel rooms are smaller than what is found in the U.S. Not every hotel, even the better ones, have A/C. I avoid large corporate owned hotels.
Paris hotels are government graded as:
- No stars – you don’t want to stay here.
- 1 Star – probably no private bath. No A/C. You probably don’t want to stay here either.
- 2 Star – the better ones have private baths and are clean and comfortable. An interior decorator has probably never seen the inside of these hotels. Good ones have hair dryers, elevators, but maybe not A/C. Don’t book a 2-star unless it comes recommended to you. 80-125 euros.
- 3 Star – small, charming hotels. Private bath. 125-200 euros. Usually a safe bet.
- 4 Star – good hotels. “Business class”. 185-275 euros.
- 4 Star luxe and 5 Star – The Ritz, Meurice, Costes, Lotti, Intercontinental, etc. Some of the best luxury hotels in the world. 275-500 euros.
My picks, listed by star ranking:
Hôtel du College de France – Basic, but a clean, comfortable and quiet 2 star hotel in the Latin Quarter: I have stayed here before and on my next trip, I am staying here again. Website: http://www.hotel-collegedefrance.com
Hôtel Saint Pierre – In the Latin Quarter. 2-star. A superb location compensates for its lack of charm. I did not stay here personally but I have visited friends at this hotel on two occasions. The hotel is basic, but it is clean, comfortable and quiet. Some rooms have A/C. Website: http://www.saintpierre-hotel.com/uk
Hôtel St. Jacques – A 2-star hotel with a bit of charm located in the Latin Quarter close to the Panthéon. Although it was recently renovated, the rates are still attractive. The movie “Charade” with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn was shot here. Website: http://www.hotel-saintjacques.com/en/confort_en.htm
Hôtel de Fleurie - A charming, romantic, and friendly well situated 3-star hotel off boulevard Saint Germain in the St. Germain des-Près area. I like this hotel very much. I have met people who stay here every time they come to Paris. Website: http://www.fleurie-hotel-paris.com
Hôtel Chopin - This is a delightful, old-fashioned and basic 2-star hotel located in a pedestrian arcade at 46, passage Jouffroy in the 9th arrondissement. It is like taking a step back in time. The hotel is located amongst antique shops and quaint boutiques in a lovely part of Paris. Very reasonable rates. Website: http://www.hotelchopin.fr
Hôtel Résidence Foch – Located on a quiet, residential street in the 16th arrondissement away from the center of town, this is the place to stay for those looking for a relaxing sleep. The rooms are small but decorated with sophistication and taste. I have never stayed in a hotel where the personal attention and service has been better. It is a top value for a 3-star hotel. Website: http://www.foch-paris-hotel.com
Hôtel Hospitel Dieu –It is uniquely located on the top floor of a hospital. It is situated in the heart of Paris on the Île de la Cité in the shadow of the Notre-Dame cathedral. Quasimodo’s bells will awaken you each morning. It is rated as a 3-star hotel although I thought it was more of a 2-star. The staff is attentive. Since it is in a hospital, all the rooms are smoke free and it is extremely quiet and clean. The price is right, too. Website: http://www.hotel-hospitel.com/ang/accueil.htm
Hôtel Lutetia - A quality 4-star left bank hotel in a top location with views of the Eiffel Tower. It is a good choice for a honeymoon, anniversary, or special occasion. Website: http://www.lutetia-paris.com
Hôtel Mayfair – 4 stars. I have visited friends while they stayed at this hotel. It is in a good location near the Place Vendôme. It is clean, comfortable and it is priced right for a hotel of its class. It is often featured in packages offered by tour companies. It is situated between the Place de la Concorde and the Place Vendôme. Website: http://www.paris-hotel-mayfair.com
Le Grand Intercontinental – A 4-star luxe hotel near the Opéra Garnier. I loved it here when it was .92 euro to the dollar. Join their “club” and get upgraded rooms and use of their “club” floor. Website: www.interconti.com
On a recent trip to Paris, I rented an apartment via the Internet. I don’t advise doing this unless you are well-acquainted with Paris. There is no concierge or desk attendant to ask the simplest of questions. If not familiar with the apartment location, you may find yourself in an undesirable locale or in a noisy area. However, when renting an apartment, I advocate renting one that comes with a recommendation from someone who has stayed there.
It is not uncommon for apartments to come without air conditioning or with portable heaters. Elevators might not be found in apartment buildings, particularly older ones. When renting an apartment, you are sending a deposit to someone you almost certainly don’t know, so a good amount of trust is involved in the transaction. I sometimes find that apartment owners are willing to negotiate on rental price. For instance, in February (off-season), I bargained a rate 60% off the owner’s asking price.
There are other hotels that have come highly recommended to me. I have not stayed in any of these. However, my reliable sources testify that they are charming, clean, comfortable, and a good value.
Here is the list:
Hôtel Sévigné, 2 stars. 2, Rue Mahler, 4th arrondissement. Website: http://www.le-sevigne.com
Hôtel de Nice, 2 stars. 42 bis, rue de Rivoli; 4th arrondissement. Website: www.hoteldenice.com
Hôtel des Grandes Écoles, 75, rue Cardinal Lemoine; the 5th arrondissement. Website: www.hotel-grandes-ecoles.com
Hôtel Verneuil, 3 stars. 8, rue de Verneuil; 7th arrondissement. Website: www.hotelverneuil.com
Hôtel Muguet, 2 stars. 11, rue Chevert; 7th arrondissement. Website: www.hotelmuguet.com
Hôtel du Champ de Mars, 2 stars. 7, rue du Champ de Mars; 7th arrondissement. Website: http://www.hotelduchampdemars.com
Hôtel de Varenne, 3 stars. 44, rue de Bourgogne; 7th arrondissement. Website: www.varenne-hotel-paris.com
New Orient Hôtel, 2 stars. 16, rue de Constantinople; 8th arrondissement. Website: www.hotel-paris-orient.com
Hôtel Langlois, 2 stars. 63, rue Saint-Lazare; 9th arrondissement. Website: www.hotel-langlois.com
Hôtel Windsor Home, 2 stars. 3, rue Vital; 16th arrondissement. Website: www.windsorhomeparis.fr