ilovelabs2006

Last time DH and I went to Paris we stayed in the 7th, which we really liked, but we found it was a bit "old" for us (hope not to offend anyone!). We will definitely visit the area again for some restaurants, the Tower, and some shops we really liked in the Rue Cler area, but we are up for something new. This time around, we want to stay in a different part of the city, namely the 6th since it seems to have lots of nice cafes, restaurants, shops, and the like. Also, we wandered all around that area one day (after our picnic in the J de L) on our last trip and we really liked it. I have been reading through dozens of posts and I am trying to get a handle on hotels in this area. They seem to be pricey . . . our budget is about 120 euros, and if we could, we would like to pay less, but still stay at a 2-star property. Is this an unrealistic expectation in the 6th? We will be staying for 9-10 nights, so we cannot afford a 200 euro per night establishment. We are in our early 30's and do not want to stay in a hotel that has a lot of noise at night, but of course, it is a city, so we do not expect dead quiet, either. I guess we are just looking for a bit livlier nightlife than the 7th. The 5th seems more budget friendly, but I have been reading so much about the 6th . . . I sort of have my heart set on it

Any insights?

Neopolitan

Since you're staying more than a week, have you considered an apartment? While our last one was in the 5th, it was huge, nice, quiet at night, and 106 euros per night.

Usually we've stayed in the 6th. We liked this just as much.

I'm not familiar with hotel rooms in the 6th that will have any charm and be much bigger than a closet. That would bother me for a stay of that length. There are many apartments available that I'd much prefer.

Travelnut

All the rooms at Hotel Saint Thomas d'Aquin are 120-130€, although it is on the edge of the 7th near the 6th...
http://www.aquin-paris-hotel.com/

Also, I could be wrong, but I thought Hotel Bonaparte has a small double for 124€?
http://www.hotelbonaparte.fr/

Travelnut

Maybe...

Hotel des Canettes 118€
http://www.paris-hotelcanettes.com/

Oh yeah! Hotel du Lys, 115€
-no elevator; someone has posted on Fodors about this one being one of their favorites (grandmere?)
http://www.hoteldulys.com/

Hotel Delavigne 120-135€
http://www.delavigne-paris-hotel.com/

ilovelabs2006

I never even thought that apartments would be in our price range, but I was just on the vrbo website and there are several apartments there that would fit the bill! Now, many are listed as weekly rates, some nightly. A whole new avenue to research!

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

Neopolitan

Yes, to be honest, I think in your price range you can do better with an apartment, particularly if you want to be able to turn around inside the place.

grandmere

Yes, I do like like the Hotel du Lys; it has lots of charm, and is in a great location: two minutes from either St. Michel or Odeon metro stations. I have seen smaller rooms in expensive 3 star hotels in Paris. The only downside is no elevator, but if I can do it, so can you! And continental breakfast is included, with wonderful croissants.

fishee

Another vote for an apartment -- hardwood floors, wood-beam ceilings, sometimes terraces or balconies, 2-3 times the square footage for the same price. Much better value for your money, plus you'll love having the fridge, and some even have a washer/dryer -- very convenient.

ira

Hi iL,

We always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. From 124E dbl w/bkfst. It is located near 3 metro stops. Has AC

Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67
www.hotelbonaparte.fr

For more info, enter "Hotel Bonaparte" in the "search this forum" box.

Photos are at http://tinyurl.com/rh6jw

tuscanlifeedit

lovelabs

I was so happy to find this thread tonight! We have stayed in the 4th, and twice in the 7th, but like you, I have my heart set on the 6th. I just love to be in that area.

And I trust Grandmere, who is delightful and soo stylish. If she likes the du Lys, I think we would too.

My budget is the same as yours, or even a little less than 120, if at all possible. We will be in Paris for three nights in May.

I wrote to the Hotel Bonaparte, but haven't heard back. The Thomas d'Aquin quoted me 130 for a room with balcony ("if available&quot and 9 Euro for breakfast, 4 E for coffee, tea or chocolate. I think that is too much for us, and especially for that hotel, although the location is very good.

Let me know what you decide, please. And many thanks to those who posted their suggestions. I feel a lot better than I did this afternoon. About Paris, anyway.

Now to find reasonable choices for the rest of the trip (Nice, the CT, SML). We are going to stay in Le Hameau in St Paul de Vence, so that stop is decided.

ParisEscapes

I stayed at the Hotel Jardin de l'Odeon for 105 euros/night. Near the Luxembourg Gardens and a great value for the money. If you're interested, here's a long review detailing the hotel and the room I stayed in:

http://www.parisescapes.com/paris_sl...del_odeon.html

You'll love the 6th. I felt the same way about the 7th when I stayed there on my first two trips to Paris (Rick Steves was my guidebook of choice and he loved the 7th)- IMHO the 6th is MUCH livelier and worth the extra money for a room. -C

hopingtotravel

You should enjoy Le Hameau. Breakfast among the orange trees was lovely.

tuscanlifeedit

ilovelabs

Do I have news for you! Please read to the end, because that's where the excellent news is.

Quotes I have so far for our three days in May

Thomas d'Aquin.........130, breakfast extra

Hotel du Palais Bourbon......in the 7th, but I was desperate.......130 w/ breakfast

Hotel Bonaparte.........They quoted 134 and 155!

So I reread this thread, saw ParisEscape's suggestion for the Jardin d'Odeon, and checked them out on Tripadvisor.com. Wonderful ratings!

I went to their website and almost lost confidence, because it seemed the price would be high.

But under "Promotions" or "Special Offers" or something like that, I saw an EARLY BOOKING promotion for Spring (March, April and May).

Guess what they offered.... OK, I'll tell: 100 Euros a night for Thursday, and 105 for Friday and Saturday.

I booked it and we are already confirmed.

The rate doesn't include breakfast, but I am happy and satisfied.

ParisEscapes: many many thanks.

BTilke

Another vote for the apartment, esp. as this isn't you're first trip to Paris. As Neopolitan noted, you'll get a lot more space (and amenities) for your euros. You should certainly be able to find a nice studio or small one bedroom apartment for 850€ a week.

ParisEscapes

Tuscanlifeedit -

You're welcome. I'm glad that you found the recommensation helpful. Now that you have the hotel booked, you can focus on the fun trip planning - where to visit, eat and shop

ira

Good for you, T.

tuscanlifeedit

Thanks, guys. This trip is 14 nights long, and coming at a time when we don't want to spend much (nasty rumors going around about the place where DH works), so getting low hotel prices was essential. We usually do not travel for 14 nights, but the FF tickets called for these dates, so we took them.

Now on to the next stage: Provence!

blh

Neo - had been waiting to hear how you liked your apartment in Paris - it sounds as though you were happy with it and would recommend it. We are looking for an apartment for May 2007. The website that you gave before the trip looked great. Was it as nice as you had hoped? Any details would be appreciated. Thanks for your help.