mikeh42

I'm taking the Eurostar for two days (1 night) in Paris for my anniversary with my wife and wanted recommendations for a good neighborhood and/or hotel.

Ideally, I'd like to stay in the center, be able to walk everywhere and just have a relaxing time, and at the same time, cram as much of Paris as we can in less than two days!
Haha, I know that's a contradiction, but I hope you know what I'm looking for.

The hotel price isn't really a big deal, but If I could keep it in the 300 Euro / 400 Dollar range, that would be best.

I was thinking the neighborhood around Invalides, just east of the Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars, but I'd like to rely on people's thoughts that have been there in the last decade, unlike me.

Any recommendations??
Thanks.

Ackislander

Not Invalides. Looks central on the map but does not have good transportation links.

Look near St Germaine in the 6th. Easy walk to Notre Dame, Museums etc and excellent Metro and bus connections. Not cheap but more than possible at your price point. Take an evening boat ride on the Seine from the also nearby Pont Neuf.

mikeh42

Thanks, that's exactly the type of advice I'm looking for.

mamcalice

I second the St. Germaine area. It is centrally located, has some nice hotels and lots of restaurant options. Search on this forum for hotels by using "Left Bank Hotels". There is a wonderful thread compiled by a Fodorite.

yestravel

I third it -- St. Germain is a nice central neighborhood. Also agree that a cruise down the Seine at night is lovely.

gomiki

This is a wonderful hotel in a great location. http://www.hotel-paris-relais-saint-germain.com/

It is in St. Germain, a two minute walk to the Odeon Metro which has line 10 and 4. That is a direct line to Gare du Nord. Easy walk to Notre Dame, the Cluny and so much more. The restaurant on site is le Comptoir, very good and very hard to book. The hotel guests are given priority.

And Happy Anniversary! No better place to celebrate.

mikeh42

I'm sold on Saint Germain area, thanks!

Now I need to find a hotel.
Sadly the Hotel Relais is booked up for when I'm going, but that style of hotel is perfect.

I'm also going through the Left Bank hotel thread (thanks for that too) and am getting ideas there, but the majority of those seem to be more budget hotels.

Does anyone recommend other grander or modern boutique hotels in the area?
Nice modern bathrooms are a must for the wife.

sueciv

Someone could sweep me off my feet at the Aubusson in the 5th, it may be the 6th, or reeeeally close thereto.

Underhill

Try the Hôtel le Madison, our favorite. If you can, get a corner room on the front, overlooking the church of St-Germain (no, no traffic noise). Those roms are large and comfortable. The hotel is set back from the Blvd. St-Germain and is across from the métro station.

Skip the buffet breakfast (unless you want to skip lunch!) in favor of a neighborhood café. There are many restaurants within walking distance for dinner.

mikeh42

I'm booked at the Relais Saint Germain, thanks guys!
They were sold out on the hotel sites, but I was able to book directly through them.

waterdog

Relais St. Germain is a very nice hotel, we have stayed there a number of times, the most recent in March. I never use the booking sites, but always go directly to the hotel itself. The attached restaurant, le Comptoir gets great reviews so that might be an option for dinner. Although reservations can be tough to get, they do give some preference to guests of the hotel.

yestravel

Great choice! Never had dinner at the restaurant, but the lunches are fabulous.