The major attractions in Paris are more spread out than those in Rome, so I cannot think of a Piazza Navona equivalent. The single digit arrondisements (especially 1 through 7) all contain some of the highlights. I suggest you familiarize yourself with a map of the city, and note that its subway system is much more comprehensive than Rome's, so wherever you stay in the central neighborhoods you'll have easy subway access to the rest of the city.

..and your budget. "reasonable" is different for travelers.

Flexible... 80-120E/night

Kayd - Is there any part of the city that you'd recommend over the rest?

Would pay more if necessary.

On our first trip to Paris, we stayed at Hotel Elysee Ceramic. It is about a block from the Arc de Triomphe which has a major subway hub for easy traveling. It has been a few years since we stayed there so prices may not suit now. Have a great time!

http://www.ceramic-paris-hotel.com/

Look at the hotels along rue Jacob in the 6th, a Google map will show the names and locations. Expect 120€ to 150€ for two people for a location that is very central, close to restaurants and cafés, yet on a quiet street. Paris is much too spread out to allow your being able to walk to all of the well known tourist spots but this location is about as central as you will find.

Hi j,

>In Paris, we always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. From 139E dbl + bkfst. It is just around the corner from Place St. Sulpice, near 3 metro stops and 4 bus routes. Has AC and an elevator.

The staff speaks English well, and is very helpful. The front desk is staffed 24/7

They can arrange a shuttle pickup to CDG for you.

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

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

Enjoy your visit.

Hmmm, as other have noted, the city of Paris is much larger than Rome so you're likely going to have to take public transportation regardless. The Paris metro system is very user-friendly, even for those who don't speak French.

Lots of tourists stay in the Etoile area because of proximity to the Champs-Elysees, however, it is not my preference mainly because it is at the end of the Metro line and also overrun with tourists. My personal preferences are the 5th, 6th or 7th arrondissments because they are centrally located on the Seine and closer to Notre Dame, Musee d'Orsay etc. but still a short metro ride from Champs-Elysees.

Anywhere in central Paris is going to be safe. Of course, it's still a big city so act accordingly, but you won't encounter any "bad neighborhoods" until you get much farther out.

A final word about location -- good proximity to the main metro lines can make up for an otherwise less desirable location. For example, I lived with a family in the 14th, away from the major attractions, but because it was close to several different metro lines, I could still get any place I wanted rather easily. Even the non-touristy areas are nice placs to stay in because they offer more of a glimpse of Parisian life without the swarms of tourists.

These are all excellent responses. So it seems like the 5th, 6th, and 7th are the most central locations?

ira- I will absolutely check out Hotel Bonaparte. Thanks for the suggestion. It sounds like what we are looking for.

Any other suggestions similar to that?

The Bonaparte is a fine choice. I've stayed there twice, including last May.

Basically, I think of The Louvre as the epicenter of central Paris so don't rule out the 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

You might check your dates on the Timhotel website to see if anything is in your price range. http://www.timhotel.com/en/home.htm

And also try the Opera Best Western: http://www.hotelparislouvreopera.com/
This one is a good central location between Opera Garnier and the Louvre, by a metro stop(Pyramides) and not far from the Roissy Bus stop, which is an affordable transport option to the center from CDG.

If you haven't done so already, use the forums search box on this page and look for something like "cheap Paris hotels" or "budget hotel Paris" or similar.

The 1st is literally the most central, as all others spiral out from it. I liked the Marais (4th), between the St. Paul and Bastille stations for access to everywhere, as a lively and convenient location.

Oh wow, I never realized they spiraled out. Good tip, Kayd!

Bluestar- thanks for the suggestions, I will be looking into both of those!

Topping

jce, the Hotel College de France, http://www.hotel-collegedefrance.com/ is in the 5th, a short walk to Notre Dame, Cluny Museum and near a metro/RER station. It's a comfortable, well run small hotel, double bedrooms are about 120 euros. We like the area because it has a nice mix of restaurants, markets, shopping and nightlife. Have a great trip, Deborah

Thanks Deborah!

Jceilidh3, good advice above. I stayed at the Hotel Dauphine on the Rue Dauphine in the 6th - a few minutes walk to Pont Neuf and the Siene and only a few more minutes walk in the opposite direction to the Boulevard St. Germain. Fabulous location - clean, safe, and very French.

After much research on this and other boards, I chose Hotel Le Clement in the 6th for our upcoming trip in May. You might be interested in doing a search here on the hotel name, and googling it for other site reviews.

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/paris-hotels-left-bank-thread.cfm



http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/paris-hotels-right-bank-thread.cfm

If you 

jump to the bottom of the thread and then scroll up to Dec 31,2010, then In that section I have categorized the recommended hotels, by district, and have provided websites.

Happy Travels!