Paris Hotels Left Bank Thread

OK. I'll start. I've stayed at hotels all over Paris, almost annually, since the mid 70s. However, I prefer the LEFT Bank. I've stayed at different hotels in the 6th and one hotel in the 7th exclusively since the early 80s. However, I recommend the following hotel:

Hotel Clement
6,rue Clement
75006 Paris
Tel: 01-43-26-53-60
Fax: 01-44-07-06-83
info@hotel-clement.fr

The hotel is located on a square. I always recommend a room on a high floor and facing the street. I'm a light sleeper, but have had no problems as it's on a square. Plus, I always pack foam earplugs, just in case, when traveling anywhere.

The hotel is in the heart of the 6th, one block south of Bd. St.Germain and a few steps away from the Mabillon metro station ...Line 10 and about a 5-minute walk to the St. Germain metro station...Line 4. There are also lots of buses and a taxi stand not far away. And it's very easy to walk to both the 5th and 7th from there. I do it all the time.

Last year, I was in shock when I saw it listed in Departures Magazine which is the magazine for American Express Platinum card holders. The word is really out now. It's not an expensive hotel though which is one reason that I didn't expect to see it listed in Departures. When I last stayed there, April 2006, I paid the equivalent of about US$180. for a room with two beds.

I've recommended this hotel to many people and no one has complained. And friends have returned to it on their return trips to Paris. Happy Travels!

Sorry to interrupt, just thought it would help to load the link to the 'other bank' thread so they stay somewhat 'tied' together..

If you want the "Right Bank" hotels thread, go here:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=35162716

Hi Guenmai-
I just got back from Paris where we stayed on both the Left and Right bank.
In the 5th, we stayed at the Hotel des Grandes Ecoles.
http://www.hotel-grandes-ecoles.com
Here's what I wrote about it:
The hotel has a beautiful courtyard filled with flowers. Our room is very small and on the back of the hotel. There's no TV and no refrigerator. The bathroom is tiny and the grout could use a good cleaning. Wall to wall floral wallpaper and drapes. Beds are not new, at least not this decade. But it's cute and in a good location.
In the summer it would be lovely to sit in the garden, though there's no AC in the rooms. We almost never see the same person at the front desk. Most of them are helpful and nice, but not all. There is internet for a fee and it only works sporadically and has a very weak signal in the room. This later becomes a great source of frustration.
The room was 118 euro per night in October 2008.
Would I stay there again? Maybe. It was good for the price, but I think I would choose someplace else for the next time. There are things that are important to me personally when I travel that make things easier ('fridge, reliable internet) that may not matter to others.
The hotel is certainly popular and they book up fast, even though they don't take reservations more than 3 months in advance.
If anyone wants to see pictures of the hotel, or our room, they are on my website at
http://www.wired2theworld.com/PARIS2008day1.html

Our Left-Bank favorite is the Madison, on the Blvd St-Germain opposite the church and about 1/2 block from the métro station. It's a small hotel done in traditional style; corner rooms and those overlooking the boulevard (no road noise) are larger than the Paris norm, and there's a lovely suite on the 6th floor. Bathrooms are well equipped, and the rooms have quite a lot of storage.

The small lobby has a fireplace and bar, while the large breakfast area features a groaning buffet table. You can also have a continental breakfast in your room.

There are 2 elevators, one for guests and another for luggage--although we've used that one as well.

There's an ATM just down the block and a Monoprix about a block away. About 3 doors from the hotel is Vesuvius, an excellent, moderatly priced Italian/French restaurant. Almost as close are a Thai and Chinese restaurant, and about half a block away is a Léon de Bruxelles.

Thanks again, Travelnut. Happy Travels!

Note: The Madison Hotel is also in an excellent location, less than a 5-minute walk from the Hotel Clement. The price range will be higher than the Clement. I've heard many excellent reviews about the Madison and have passed by it many times. It's just out of my price range. Happy Travels!

Note: hotelclementparis.com They have a different website than they used to have. Happy Travels!

What a good idea. Thanks for all contributions. I've only stayed in one hotel on the Left Bank and unfortunately can't recommend it, so it's great to have others.

We have stayed in two hotels on the Left Bank, both on the same street, the rue de Bourgogne. This is in the 7th but near the 6th, just to the sw of the d'Orsay. It's a great street with patisseries, and there are loads of shopping, cafes, and more nearby. There are many government buildings and upscale apartment buildings nearby.

The first hotel was the Palais Bourbon, where we had a standard triple. The young members of the staff were great, and we thought the older members a bit dire. However, that was in '02, so I can't speak for current staff. On our last night, we had the upstairs attic room, which was big and lovely. While the bath in the triple was a little small, it wasn't miniscule. Clean and comfortable, but not luxurious. A really good spot for families as they have rooms for triples and more.

Prices are higher than when we were there, but it also seems that there have been upgrades.

http://www.bourbon-paris-hotel.com/index.html

Two years later, we stayed at the Hotel de Varenne. We liked their little courtyard, and our room had a partial view of the ET. However, the bathroom window was over the street and noisy in the early morning.

We were staying 6 nights and were able to negotiate breakfast as included.

http://www.varenne-hotel-paris.com/index.html

We are looking for a hotel in Paris that is hip, and not stuffy ... any recommendations in the left bank.. something fairly new ?

We always stay at the Hotel des Saints Peres at 65, Rue des Saints Peres, a block off the Blvd St. Germaine at the border between the 6th and 7th.

The location is wonderful; if you are a walker you can walk from there to anyplace in Arrondisements 1-8. It is located 2 blocks from three Metro stations. The hotel is attractive, has a lovely, welcoming, helpful staff, good-sized rooms and large modern baths.

We have stayed there 6 times since 1999 and have thoroughly enjoyed each stay. Rooms run from 155 Euro for a small double to 235Euro for a large twin.

We, too, have stayed at several hotels in Paris, on both the left and right banks. But we have returned most frequently to the

Parc St. Severin
22 rue de la Parcheminerie
5th Arrondissement
011 33 1 43 54 32 17
fax 43 54 70 71
hpss@espritfrance.com
www.esprit-de-france.com
Also check Parisby.com

near the corner of Blvd. St. Germain and Blvd. St. Michel, close to two metro stops, remodeled in 2008, prices for doubles under 200 euros.

Pleasant front desk (especially Beatrice), small but nicely appointed rooms, decent sized public room with nice breakfast area. Double glazed windows keep noise from street below generally subdued. Streets surrounding are touristy and can be crowded.

The other hotel I most frequently recommend, also in the 5th Arrondissement, is

Hotel de Notre Dame (note address as there are several hotels with Notre Dame in their names)
19 rue Maitre Albert
01 43 26 79 00
fax 01 46 33 50 11
check on parisby.com, or try
hotel.denotredame@libertysurf.fr
near the Maubert Mutualite market and metro stop

Delightful front desk (the charming Dominque), small nicely appointed rooms, charming breakfast room and nice public rooms, approx. similar prices to Parc St. Severin. Some rooms can be very small.

Azzure...You can still post your hotel, so that others can beware. Happy Travels!

Newmanparker: I've started this thread to be merely a list of recommended hotels with a description. It would be best if you have a specific question to ask, to ask it on your hotel thread. Thanks. Good luck in finding what you're looking for. Happy Travels!

Thanks posters for your helpful recommendations. Keep them coming. Happy Travels!

Bookmarking

I've already posted about my favorite Left Bank Hotels (Parc St. Severin and Hotel de Notre Dame) but should probably also mention my unfavorite--Hotel Odeon. The location couldn't be better--directly on the little triangle by Yves Cambdeborde's Comptoir restaurant and several other cute places--but the rooms and bathrooms were even smaller than the typical Paris small left bank hotels and the price is as much as the better ones. Service also was minimal, impersonal and uncaring.

We were very happy with the Hotel Le Regent, 61, Rue Dauphine, in the 6eme.

Hi Julie:

Can you give the address of the Hotel Odeon that you didn't like? There are at least a few hotels with Odeon in their name.

We liked the Hotel du Danube in the 6th. We stayed March 2007 in a superior twin for about 185 euros/night and enjoyed it. tripadvisor review and photos here:

http://tiny.cc/6z75C

We have stayed at 2 lovely hotels in the 6th.

The Millesime is on rue Jacob - lots of shops, cafes and restaurants, etc and easy to walk to lots of sights. Very close to a Ladurée
We had a superior room. It was plenty big enough and the bathroom was quite large. There is a teeny lift and a nice stone-walled breakfast room. Breakfast was OK although the coffee wasn't that great IMO.
http://www.millesimehotel.com/

The other one was the St Beuve. It's further away from the Seine - very close to the Jardins du Luxembourg. Again, lots of good cafes, restaurants and shops in the area. Our room was small but beautifully furnished and decorated. Bathroom was lovely brown marble - toilet in a separate little room. No breakfast room. We had breakfast at the hotel a couple of times (it was very very good) and went to cafes the other mornings. You could eat in the gorgeous little lobby or in your room.
http://www.hotelsaintebeuveparis.com/index.html

I'd heartily recommend both... I liked the location of the Millesime a bit better but preferred the ambience and decor of the St Beuve.

Good point, Tuscanlife. The Odeon we stayed at and didn't find worthwhile was on 3 rue de l'Odeon.

It is hard when multiple hotels use the same main word in their name. We sent our friend to the Hotel de Notre Dame and she mistakenly booked at the Notre Dame Hotel. Couldn't figure out why we'd send her to a place where she got woken up all night by the Bateau Mouche lights shining in the windows and where the walls of the room could be touched with both hands if you stood in the middle between them.

Great idea, Guenmai! Having just returned from France completely smitten, I was about to ask Fodorites for recommended hotels/apartments in Paris for our next trip, and now I see that threads have already been started. Although I have seen negative comments on TripAdvisor about the hotel we stayed at in Paris, our experience was very good:

http://www.hotel-palais-bourbon.com/index.html

We liked this hotel because: 1) the location was within easy walking distance to the Rodin Museum, the Seine, the Orsay, Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, Bon Marche, etc. and two Metro stops; 2) the area was very quiet and untouristy--it was easy to experience local life on the street and nearby; 3) the room was large (12' x 15') and bright, on the fourth floor overlooking the street/apartments and you could see the sky; 4) breakfast was included in the price and could be delivered to the room. The room that we had is the one pictured when you click on quadruple rooms with the green print curtains, though we booked and paid for a superior twin (150 euros). It had twin beds (made up as one) as well as a single, and there was plenty of room between the chairs by the window for a small table (found in the hallway) on which we took breakfast most days. The bathroom was not huge but in good condition and very well-lit. The breakfast room in the basement was cheery, bright and interesting. The only downside to the hotel was that the stairways were not brightly lit. Contrary to reports on TripAdvisor, the staff all turned out to be very helpful. (We believe that, due to cultural differences, the friendliness that North Americans expect immediately comes with time, and that it also helps to try your best to speak French.)

Great folks! The ball is really rolling now. Keep the info coming. Happy Travels!

I hope this isn't considered too off topic: a question rather than a recommendation. I have my eye on Hotel Diana http://www.hotel-diana-paris.com/ near the Sorbonne for our next visit. Trip advisor ranks it 70th. The price is right for us. Can anyone offer a first-hand evaluation?

I really would like to keep this as a "list" thread, not as discussion thread in order to make it easy for people to be able to print and read through quickly. Thanks. Happy Travels!

ttt. to keep current. Happy Travels!

I'll "counter " Julie's comment on Hotel Le Notre Daem and give it a recommendation based on our stay there.

Location wise, perfect. Acroos the street from the RER (St Michel) to CDG, Metro right there,plenty of restaurants nearby, Notre Dame is 2 blocks away, I could throw a rock inot the Seine from the front door of the hotel. bouquinistes across the street,etc.

We rented the top floor triple. It was a queen on one floor, and then up a ladder to an alcove with a single bed there. Our window view: Notre Dame and the Seine. We could watch the sun rise over them every morning. We did not find noise to be a problem and there were no Bateaux headlights. We did not use any of the hotel facilities (breakfast,etc..)

As a note, we stayed at this hotel a few years back, so any recommendation is based on that time.


Another more down market choice I used was the Timhotel Jardin des Plantes. Nothing fancy at all, room and a washroom. My TV broke while I was there, which did not matter to me. Its pluses are a lower price, and location. It is across the street from Jardin des Plantes, one long block from the Seine, quieter, in university district, a couple of blocks from Arene de Lutece, rue Mouffetard is a walking distance away. Metro Jussieu is a couple of blocks way- it gives you access to Line 10 for Left Bank travel and line 7 for Right bank travel. What worked out well for me was that I had the Michelin Red guide to restaurants and was able to find several within walking distance of the hotel.

We agree with some others, www.hotel-madison.com is our favorite in Paris on the left bank. We usually rent an apartment now, but if we were to stay in a hotel that would be it.

It's very convenient, beautifully decorated, and has a great breakfast included. The desk help has always been courteous and helpful.

We, too, stayed at the Parc St. Severin and liked it very much. We did have a room facing the street, which meant it overlooked two restaurants where young people congregated and partied into the night. It was May and we needed the windows open, so it was fairly noisy. I would recommend the hotel, but ask for a room that does not front on rue de la Parcheminerie.

ttt to keep current. Happy Travels!

Agree with Taggie on both Millesime and Le Hotel Ste Beuve. Location on the former might be better, decor in the latter looks recently remodeled.

...Happy Travels!

We have stayed twice at Hotel de Lutece on Ile St. Louis, 2 weeks in Sep 06 and 1 week in Sep 08. The location is great. You can walk to the Marais, Latin Quarter, St. Germain, Louvre etc. It is perhaps not quite as convenient for the metro as some other locations because to go most places, you would need to transfer. The Ile itself is charming and chockful of restaurants.

We had an identical room on both visits, one on the 4th floor, one on the 5th. The room was small but well thought out for storage space. We faced the street both times but noise was minimal. The room was bright and light, had a mini-fridge, air-con, a lovely large marble bathroom with plenty of space for your stuff. The price in 08 was 189euro for a twin(2 beds pushed together). Housekeeping staff is especially efficient.

It should be noted that...

Hotel de Notre Dame has changed its name.

It is now HOTEL MAITRE ALBERT.
http://tinyurl.com/5oqecz">http://tinyurl.com/5oqecz

I imagine Dominique tired of being confused with the other hotels of similar name. I've stayed several places in Paris, but I still think this hotel has the best location of all.

ttt. to keep current. HAppy Travels!

I have two hotels in that area that I have stayed at over the years, the Hotel Jean Bart and the Hotel Residence Monge.

The Hotel Jean Bart is a 2 star with reasonable rates. About 5 years ago it was about 55 Euro a night with breakfast. The hotel needs a redecorating and a face lift, but was clean and a good value. At that time they only spoke French and you had to call for a reservation. Also no credit cards.

9, Rue Jean Bart
75006 Paris, France
+33 1 45 48 29 13


The other one, Hotel Residence Monge, looks to be under new management and has changed the name to Hotel Acte V and has gone from a 2 star to a 3 star. From the pictures on the web site it looks like they have redecorated and also raised the prices. Good location, 2 metro's within a block.

http://hotelmonge.com/

Topping to keep current. Happy Travels!

.....Happy Travels!

I was going to ask which thread for hotels on neither bank - i.e. on the islands - but I see someone has already listed the Houtel de Lutece here...

I forgot to tell folks to just list the island recommendations under the Left Bank since there would probably not be enough recommendations to start a whole separate "island" thread. In my mind, I always just put it under Left Bank. Happy Travels!

Happy Travels!

We have stayed twice at Hotel Familia, 11 rue des Ecoles, in the 5th, and have been very pleased with the accommodations. It's a 2-star hotel but IMO it's closer to a 3-star in comfort. We think it's a terrific value at 104 Euro for a double with shower only, going up to 127 for a deluxe double with balcony. The hotel has a lift and A/C, and breakfast in a most attractive breakfast room is included in the price. The small-ish rooms have comfortable beds, a minibar, and a wardrobe that is actually big enough for our clothes! The reception personnel are English-speaking, friendly, and helpful. They will arrange transport to the airport through Yellow Van which was convenient and on-time when we used them. We were able to walk all over the 5th and 6th to see the tourist sites, and there are 2 metros near the hotel for trips farther away. There are two websites for the hotel: www.familiahotel.com has, I believe, the most accurate rates. You might also check www.hotel-paris-familia.com.

Bookmarking. Happy Travels!

Keeping Current. Happy Travels!

We had a great stay at the Hotel Muguet in the 7th in June 2007. We had 2 rooms, one with a king bed and a daybed, and the other with 2 twins. Both rooms were on the 6th floor. The lift goes to the 5th, and then there is a small staircase to the 6th. There are only 3 rooms up there. The king room had a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower and the other room a great view of Invalides. Both rooms were quite spacious, and the bathrooms were quite nice.

The hotel breakfast was pretty basic with yogurt, coffee/juice, rolls. There is a computer in the lobby that you can use, although I do not remember if there is a fee or not.

The location is great as it is on a quiet street, yet the metro is just up the block and it is less than a 5 minute walk to the Rue Cler area as well as the Eiffel Tower.

Hotel Muguet
11, rue Chevert
75007 Paris
Tel: (33 1) 47 05 05 93
Fax: (33 1) 45 50 25 37

I've stayed in a twin bed room at the Hotel St. Jacques in the 5e about five years ago, a twin room at the Hotel Saint Thomas D'Aquin on the border of the 6th and 7th a couple of years ago, and a single room at the Grand Hotel des Balcons in the eastern 5th about a year ago. All are two star and I enjoyed all of them. Next time I'll return to the Hotel Saint Thomas D'Aquin (my favourite of the three) or rent an apartment in the Marais.

Topping. Happy Travels!

.......

......Happy Travels!

Topping to keep current. HAppy Travels!

......Happy Travels!

Nice thread!

To keep current. Happy Travels!

Topped for someone who asked. Happy Travels!

Topping for Ahish007. Happy Travels!

Topping for KCH246. Happy Travels!

I think I should add the following hotel to this list for those who have substantial budgets.

Hotel Lutetia
45, boulevard Raspail
Paris 75006
website: lutetia-paris.com

This is a luxury left-bank hotel in a great location in the 6th, bordering the 7th. It's right across from the best, in my opinion, department store in Paris, Bon Marche department store.

I haven't stayed here personally as it's out of what I want to spend for a hotel in Paris. But I suggested it, some years ago, to a travel specialist, at Amercian Express Platinum, who had never been to Paris and wanted some place special. He's the travel specialist I used to call to book me into 4-5 star hotels, around the world, which I had researched and selected prior to calling him.

I called him after he had returned and he said that his experience there could not have been better. He booked a split-level junior sweet for himself and his fiance. He said everything was perfect and they loved the hotel,service, and area. Happy Travels!

Topped for Kolee5. Happy Travels!

Interestingly, I just read that when Paris got its start it was named Lutetia (see above post)

Topping to keep current. Happy Travels!

March 01, correction...."suite" not "sweet". LOL. I must have been hungry and half exhausted when I typed that. Happy Travels!

Does anyone know the St. Vincent in the left bank?

Sorry, I don't know that one. Happy Travels!

Does anyone have experience with K & K Hotel Cayre on 4 Boulevard Raspail?

Ok I'll add my .02 euro.

Stayed at the Hotel Lutetia twice. (Got deals both times, and an unexpected upgrade to a suite the second time.) The public areas are beautiful. Nice bar, jazz some nights. Huge buffet breakfast included in the room price, enough so you could probably skip lunch if so inclined.

Hotel Millesime one time. Nice typical 3*. Great breakfast, but I don't think it was included in the room price. Love this area. Rue Jacob is very charming.

Hotel Artus once. Spotless, modern, great service. Fabulous spot on the rue de Buci. I'd skip the breakfast here.

Hotel Fleurie once. Nice, charming 3*. Pretty room.

Best Western Premier Left Bank St Germain. Great spot on rue de L'Ancienne Comedie. I LOVED the decor here. The bathroom was marble. Truly beautiful if you are looking for old style classic French decor, whatever that might be. My room was red. I never got up early enough to eat breakfast that trip.

Hotel le Regent. I'll be checking in for the third time this Sunday. I love this spot on rue Dauphine. The staff remembered me on my second stay there, hope they will again as I feel like I'm coming home! Good enough breakfast to stay in hotel if so inclined. The staff is really wonderful and friendly. This seems to be "my" hotel now. Especially since 2/3 times I've got a great deal on their website.

Any specific questions let me know!

Great group of hotels. I know all of them except the Millesime, but a late friend of mine owned an apartment on rue Jacob and it is a quite charming street. I also don't know the Best Westin. I'm surprised that others haven't mentioned the Hotel Fleurie which is on the quiet part of rue Gregoire de Tours. It's been there forever. Thanks for posting your list. Happy Travels!

We stayed in Millesime in 2005 -- no idea what to expect or compare it to. Of course the room seemed small to us, but everything was adequate and the bathroom was nice. Staff was quite helpful.

Hi I stayed in several hotels on right and left bank. As you presumably know left bank is the old paris and right bank is newer i.e. 1800 versus 1500 and 1600 on left bank.
I went to a hotel I had long heard about but never seen. It is called Hotel de l'Abbaye. Which is a block away from Saint Sulpice church in a small quiet street (rue Cassette). The hotel is relatively small (only about 40 rooms) but the rooms are great. If you want to get pampered in Paris and you can't afford the Ritz, try this one.
It used to be only for the initiated. i.e. you could not book there unless you were already a customer of brought in from a friend but they recently opened a website and it is now open to anyone. You wont find it on expedia or booking. It is either phone or website.

The site is http://www.hotelabbayeparis.com/

I paid about 250 EUR for the room (it was the cheapest room) they have a duplex apartment for about 450 EUR but couldn't afford it.
About the hotel, it is totally quiet and the staff are super friendly - everything in the hotel is cared for, fruit basket delivered to the room. Great lobby with a relaxing garden after a long day of walking in paris and a bar.
It was a pleasure all the way and any trouble, the staff immediately came to help. Director always around in the lobby ready to be spoken to and to help.

It is a little affordable luxury hotel.

Ok, I, too, will add my .02 euro worth!

Hotel le Regent: one trip, both at beginning and end of Paris stay. Loved it; small but nicely appointed room, lovely bath, friendly staff. Great location.

Hotel des Marronniers: at least 3 times, beginning in 1989, most recent 2007. Super location, increasingly friendlier staff, small rooms and very small bathrooms. They upgraded me last trip. Love rue Jacob.

Hotel du Lys: four times. Great little budget hotel in a super location in 6th, very near the 5th. Faded charm, but charm, nevertheless. Continental breakfast is included in price, and is essentially what you pay 10+ euro in other hotels.

Hotel Bonaparte: one trip, both at beginning and end. Another great location, friendly, helpful staff. A/C in summer is a big plus here. Rooms ok.

Welcome Hotel: once, several years ago. At that time a bit run down, but believe I have read that it's been renovated/redecorated. Very noisy on rue de Seine. Was owned by same as Marroniers; perhaps still is.

Meridien Montparnasse: once, years ago, business trip for my husband. Large, impersonal, and I don't like being that far away from my favorite areas.

Welcome Hotel: I stayed there for about 10 years of vacations....1-2 times a year. The rooms are small and the street noise can be horrible. But the price was right at the time. Plus, the owner of the Welcome, Hotel de Seine and the Marronniers was the same. I was introduced to the owner one day at the Welcome Hotel. At that point, I'd been staying at his hotels for nearly 19 years.

The only reason that I moved to the Welcome Hotel was that my regular hotel of 9 years, Hotel de Seine, at 52, rue de Seine, in the 6th, was closed for a year and renovated. After the renovaton, my then $50. room went to well over a hundred. I was given a walkthrough of the hotel after the renovation and it was basically new wall paper and a toilet added to rooms that hadn't had one, like my old room. But the toilet had been in the hallway closet, directly across from my room. So, why pay all the extra to have it in the room? Hotel de Seine is another good choice of a hotel. The rooms are quiet.

So, the manager of Hotel de Seine, who was a close friend, moved me down to the Welcome, at 66 rue de Seine, before he retired. He managed Hotel de Seine for over 35 years. I got settled in there and was introduced to the manager there and we became best friends , so I stayed. I was later invited to stay, on several trips, with her and her family at the apartment building that her father owned in the 19th. While staying in the 19th, she walked with me through the 6th and helped me pick out a new hotel by dropping into many and asking for keys for me to see the rooms.

She also managed the Marronniers, which is quite nice. I've seen the rooms, but haven't stayed there as it's above my budget. She suggested the Hotel Clement and we went there and were given keys to see some rooms. I liked the location and it seemed fine and that's where I moved in the early 2000s. I've stayed at a lot of hotels and in a lot of districts. The Hotel Clement or an apartment suit me quite well, Happy Travels!

We loved our stay at Relais St. Germain in 2007. The breakfast was outstanding and our dinner was great~fabulous cheese platter. We sat outside even though it was chilly however they provided us with lap blankets and there were overhead heaters-so romantic. A wonderful experience since this was our first visit to Paris.

Our only regret was that we only had dinner at Le Comptoir one night but will definitely stay there again-hopefully in 2010 if the economy improves.

Topping for Ajolder. HAppy Travels!

Have to "second" the recommendation for the Hotel de L'Abbaye. My husband and I have stayed there twice. The 2nd time, he was having some knee problems, and they gave us the ground floor room off the lobby; we had our own little garden area where we ate breakfast in the morning. The staff is fantastic, and the location great. It is a bit of luxury, but worth the money.

Topping for Disneymania. HAppy Travels!

Tagging it !!!

HunyBadger on Mar 23, 09 at 09:38 PM
Does anyone have experience with K & K Hotel Cayre on 4 Boulevard Raspail?

Hi HunyBadger

I had clients who stayed at the K&K Cayre last July. I found the staff to be very helpful, but it was all emails and phone calls. The clients had some special needs and the hotel worked to please them.

This is an upscale hotel with nice facilities. My clients were pleased with the rooms and service. It was expensive by my personal spending standards, but not for that type of hotel in Paris.

Topping from Paris. Happy Travels!

Topping

I haven't seen my favorite listed here so I will add it.

Hhotel les Degrés de Notre Dame

It is small, very close to Notre Dame, in fact our room (the top left if you click on the rooms of the link) has a view of Notre Dame from the bathroom window. They do a nice breakfast in the morning, have a small bar where you can order drinks and charcuterie in the afternoon and everyone there has always been so nice to us.

It is a little quirky, full of all sorts of paintings crammed every which where but I just love it!

http://lesdegreshotel.monsite.wanadoo.fr/

The only reason we are not going back this time (in May) is because we want to try an apartment instead. But we will definitely stop by to say hello.

bookmark

Hotel des Marronniers
21 rue Jacob
75006 PARIS

Very charming hotel in the heart of Saint Germain in Paris. Very calm and comfortable

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

Yes, the above hotel is very nice. I had a walkthrough some years ago. I haven't stayed there, since it's out of my budget, but have been there often as the manager was a close friend of mine. Happy Travels!

I solve the problem of forgetting what's in the safe by emptying it out the night before, when I pack up anyway. That may mean at least one morning where I carry everything around.

Oops, my last post is on the wrong thread. Sorry.

Ok, I was wondering. Thanks, Will. I kept wondering what I had missed!

We stayed in three Left Bank hotels in March. Each was in a different neighborhood, as we wanted to avoid the blind-men-and-elephant syndrome. All were clean, and well-maintained and affordable at around 125 E each for a double.
The first was Hotel Familia about halfway between Notre Dame and the Pantheon. Next door is the slightly more upscale Hotel Minerva, but, for the same price, we chose a room with a balcony at the Familia over one without at the Minerva. The Familia had the most character and the friendliest, most personable staff of the three we stayed at. Their breakfasts were also the best. (Interestingly, Breakfast In America, a throwback to old-time American diners, was a couple of doors down and was a favorite with Sorbonne students.) We liked that it was several blocks east of the heavy tourist traffic of St, Michel Blvd., and I loved the hilly winding streets of the neighborhood, but my wife found the hills a bit tiring.
The second place was the Hotel Beugency in the Rue Clare neighborhood between the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides. Utilitarian on the outside but very modern inside, the hotel was on a quiet street a short block from several good cafes on Rue Clare, but, outside of that street, the area seemed more Right Bank than Left Bank to me. Also I like to be near the center of the historic areas when I visit cities like Paris. Also, the staff was professional but we missed the family atmosphere of the well-named Familia.
We could not get any closer to the center of things than our third hotel, Hotel Dieu or Hotel Hospitel on the Illle de Citi in front and to the side of Notre Dame. It is on the top floor of a working hospital, which maintains some rooms for family members of patients and rents out others to tourists. It was probably the best situated hotel of any I have ever stayed at. We truly felt in the middle of things, and after dark, we felt like we had the islands to ourselves. We also liked being close to the main Metro and rail stop, which proved handy on our last day, when we needed to get to the airport quickly. The only downside was that it lacked the Old Paris family feel of the Familia, but as in real estate, location, location, location.

Thanks for posting the extra hotel info. Happy Travels!

Good idea, Guenmai.

It might be helpful to know what each traveler uses as his hotel priorities in Paris. We try to stay in different neighborhoods. Our preference is for three-star hotels close to metro lines with good beds/linens with ultra clean bathrooms. Decorating and the size of the front lobby are low on our list.

Here's where we stayed:

1)In the 7th a few blocks from the Eiffel Tower, Le Relais Bosquet (twice)
http://www.paris-paris.com/hotel_relais_bosquet.php
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187147-d229602-Reviews-Hotel_Relais_Bosquet_Paris-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
Nice neighborhood. Not the best metro connections but good bus connections. I don't recommend it to first-time visitors because I think staying closer to Notre Dame, etc. works better. For repeat Paris visitors, I think this is a good hotel and great area. We've had a Superior room and we've enjoyed our stay here.

2)In the 5th, right across from the Pantheon is the Hotel du Pantheon
http://www.paris-paris.com/hotels/quartier_latin/hotel_du_pantheon/visite.php
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187147-d233747-Reviews-Hotel_du_Pantheon-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
This is another one I tend to recommend for veteran visitors. It's not far from RER Line B, which means travelling from CDG via rail is very feasible, but otherwise, I don't consider its access to the Seine close enough to the for a "first-timer" recommendation. For a repeat visitor, it's an interesting area. Behind the Pantheon is the area where Hemingway, Orwell, and Joyce once lived. I enjoyed our room (one of the larger ones) there--it was very prettily decorated with a view of the Pantheon. The hotel's “sister” hotel next door is Hotel des Grand Hommes
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187147-d219988-Reviews-Hotel_des_Grands_Hommes-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
at which I’ve never stayed.

3)In the 6th but close to the 15th is the Best Western Hotel Aramis Saint-Germaine
http://www.paris-paris.com/hotel_aramis_saint-germain.php
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187147-d229970-Reviews-Best_Western_Aramis_Saint_Germain-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
We accidentally ended up here one time because of a last-minute travel change. It’s on a trafficky street and therefore doesn't have the charm of others I've listed. That said, it’s close to two metro lines and is a spit from Bon Marche, the department store with a food area that’s to die for. Its proximity to the Montparnasse station means you can conveniently use the Air France bus to and from CDG. This would not be my first choice of hotels but at the time we stayed, it certainly offered good value.

4)In the 7th, but really close to the 6th is the Hotel de L’Universitie
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187147-d219991-Reviews-Hotel_de_l_Universite-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
It was OK. One thing in its favor was its proximity to Musee d’Orsay, but there are so many other hotel options and this would not be my choice again.

5)This is not quite Left Bank, but I'll put it in here: On the Ile de St. Louis is the Hotel des Deux Iles. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187147-d194270-Reviews-Hotel_des_Deux_Iles-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
This hotel isn’t the most upscale (there’s a sister hotel, “Lutece”, down the street, by the way) and can be overpriced, but if you have never been to Paris, the Ile de St. Louis gives you the feel you thought Paris would be. No metro stop on the island, but there many major line options close by. This is the place from which walking everywhere is a delight.

6)In the 6th is the Hotel Le Regent or sometimes just known as “Le Regent”
http://www.regent-paris-hotel.com/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187147-d236507-Reviews-Le_Regent-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
Trip Advisor is listing this as a two-star, and it is not. We have stayed there three times, but I have not stayed there in the past five years. It has an excellent location for a first-time visitor. You can walk to several Metro lines, you are a spit from Notre Dame and the Seine, and you are just around the corner from the Market de Bac, one of the most famous outdoor markets in Paris. My first time there I had a tiny single that was absolutely cute. If you were to book here, though, I’d get a superior room, something we had at our next visit. In-hotel breakfasts are usually a rip-off, but their room-service breakfast that we ordered the day of departure our first time was so good that we repeated the practice for subsequent stays. Again, it could have changed greatly since our last stay.

7)When we stayed at the Hotel Colbert (now the Melia Colbert)in 1999, it was listed as a 3-Star. Trip Advisor is still listing it as such, but I think it is now, post renovation, a 4-Star. Remember: star ratings are based on what services are offered rather than how good a hotel is.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187147-d228850-Reviews-Melia_Colbert-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
http://www.solmelia.com/solNew/hoteles/jsp/C_Hotel_Description.jsp?codigoHotel=6708
At the time we stayed there, our superior room was large but a little dingy—this was pre renovation. The location was wonderful. It was tucked into a side street just across from Notre Dame with easy access to Metro. We felt as though we had a secret hotel.

Thanks for adding the above info. HAppy Travels!

Check out the Hotel D'Orsay. When we stayed there a few years back we paid about $185 Euros. The rooms are huge- not what you expect for Paris. Its got a fabulous location- right across from the Museum Orsay, one block to the hop on hop off bus, one block to the metro and walking distance to many other sights. The bathroom is modern- although it did not have an electrical outlet (bring an extensiion cord). Separate toliet room. It has a charming old elevator- the cage type where you can fit only 2 people as well as a modern elevator. Staff is very friendly and speaks English.

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We loved Hotel Henri IV Rive Gauche when we stayed there a couple of years ago.

I have stayed at the Grandes Ecoles several times, but not in the last five years. I loved it. My experience was entirely different. It was family run with the same people at the desk always. The rooms are large and beautiful, but granted without TV (because the clients did not want it). It is important to ask for a room that is not in the main building. I have never stayed in these but I understand they are small and noisy. It is also necessary to book six months in advance. I am interested in hearing other opinions of this hotel. Perhaps there have been changes since I was there

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In April we stayed at the HOtel D'Aubusson on Rue Dauphine. I believe it was $260EU per night for a superior room including breakfast. Not bad. It was the first time we had stayed on the left bank---something I'd always wanted to do! To be honest, I wasn't thrilled with the room we had. We were on the top floor and although the room was huge and very quiet, it was nothing special esthetically. On the plus side, the staff/service is supurb, the public areas of the hotel were beautiful and the location can't be beat! I felt like we could literally walk everywhere! I think we only rode the metro twice in 4 days.

http://www.hoteldaubusson.com/home-en.php

tuscanlifeedit - thanks for your comments on K&K Cayre ( http://www.kkhotels.com/en/hotels/paris/paris/vue-densemble-k-k-hotel-cayre/ ). We ended up staying there for $130/night and were quite happy. The staff was indeed very nice, except for one who was just more reserved. The others went out of their way for us.

The hotel is located 1 minute walk to a metro stop (Rue De Bac), 10 minutes from Blvd St Germain and 10 minutes from The Seine. Blvd Raspail is pretty busy so if the windows are open, it can be noisy at night. A lovely bakery is just around the corner.

The room and bathroom was smallish but had all we needed, including a safe and a closet. There is no air-conditioning but the bathroom floor has radiant heating.

The is a restaurant downstairs that offers a very $$$ breakfast. A "gym" is also on the premises..with a rowing machine and a elliptical rider.

A really beautiful (and expensive) hotel that hasn't been mentioned here so far is the Relais Christine on Rue Christine in the 6th near the Seine (and close to Rue Buci market street). It is absolutely gorgeous inside and out. It is perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary, or special occasion. The decor is lovely and the area just can't be beat--very romantic and centrally located. A second hotel that I would stay at again in a heartbeat if I could afford it is the Hotel Relais Saint-Germain on Carrefour de l'Odeon. I haven't stayed there since they added the Comptoir restaurant, but it is easier to get reservations at the restaurant if one is a guest of the hotel. The rooms are large and the family suite I was in even had a private balcony--big enough to sit on and enjoy a meal. I have stayed at the Artus (on Rue Buci) several times and will commend it on its excellent front desk staff. Extremely helpful. I love staying on Rue Buci--full of action and great location.

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I have stayed at the Hotel Fleurie in the St Germain area and was very happy. The rooms can be small but they are clean and have nice bathrooms for a 3 star hotel. It is very well located although taxis sometimes have a hard time finding it.

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Hi just tried another hotel in Paris left bank (slightly cheaper than Hotel de l'Abbaye) called Hotel Odeon Saint Germain. Great decor and very friendly.
http://www.hotelparisodeonsaintgermain.com/

I will let you make your own choice...

Bookmarking. Thanks.

Grand Hotel Saint-Michel

19 rue Cujas Paris 75005, France

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

My wife and I spent 6 nights in late June and early July 2009. I found the hotel
online and booked through their website. The average price per night was 160 euros.

Upon arrival at 2 PM not only was our room ready but we were upgraded to a deluxe room at no charge. A pleasant surprise and a wonderful way to start a week in Paris!

The room was larger than the Paris norm with a seating area and a real queen bed. The was a useful desk and decent closet with multiple shelves as well as a safe. The second floor room looked out the back of the hotel onto a small courtyard which was fine with us as it was quiet.

Two things were especially important as things turned out:

- it was a very hot week in Paris with temperatures over 30C every day but the room's air conditioning was first rate. It kept the room cool and comfortable. Much better than the anemic a/c often found in Europe.

- the minibar was free and replenished every day with 2 Cokes, 2 Oranginas, 2 still waters and 2 sparkling waters. How refreshing NOT to be charged outrageous prices for a drink in one's room. ;^)

The wifi was both fast and free. I have been charged as much as $120 a week for internet in Paris hotels so this was another nice bonus. There was also coffee and tea making equipment in the room. The flat screen TV had a couple of English language channels including CNN.

The rooms were cleaned and soaps/toiletries/coffee replenished by housekeeping as one would expect. The elevator was large for a small Parisian hotel and fast. The whole hotel has been upgraded and it has been done very well.

I have stayed in several different areas in Paris over the years and really enjoyed the location of this hotel. Very close to the Luxembourg RER if you take the train from CDG and only a couple of blocks from the Cluny-La Sorbonne metro. Lots of places to eat within a 5 minute stroll.

All in all we were very pleased with our stay at the Grand Hotel St Michel and it will be where we'll stay on our next visit without a doubt.

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I stayed at Hotel de la Sorbonne on Rue Jacob in the Latin Quarter. Great little hotel with good rates (under 100 euros per night. Loved the location and very clean!

My challenge in finding a hotel in Paris was to have a view of the Eiffel Tower, and to be a room for four. I finally found a quad room, as described below. It was a good find, and a good price (paid $225/night in 2003). Good choice for a family.

"Stayed at Hotel la Bourdonnais, in the 7th, and liked it very much. Nice-sized quad room for our family, with A/C and a lift. GREAT view of the Eiffel Tower from our little balcony (room 503). Friendly front desk, too.

Offered a simple breakfast buffet, but we chose to visit Rue Cler in the mornings, for coffee, croissants, crepes and fresh fruit.

A nice market next door to the hotel was handy, too. Metro stop on the corner, Batobus stop close by, too, at the Eiffel Tower. Even an ATM machine at the corner bank. Loved the location and the upscale neighborhood. An easy walk through the Champs de Mars to the Eiffel Tower."

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The last time I was in Paris I stayed at the Hotel Le Tourville in the 7th. It was a lovely hotel. I would stay there again, except with the current exchange rate it is now out of my price range. Although, they have had a promotion going this summer that would have been good except I'm not traveling until October.

http://www.hoteltourville.com/uk/index.html

Hi Kristina, We are staying at teh same hotel as you did in October.Can you tell me how difficult was it to change from the RER to to Line 10 and does the Cardinal Limoine stop have an escalater?

Thanks. Suzanne

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We just returned from our first trip to Paris, and splurged at Hotel d'Aubusson in the 6th on Rue Dauphine(305 euros/night).
Breakfast was included, and we received one night free(an internet promotion). Cannot say enough good things about this
place. Our room was nicely sized and very quiet;lobby is lovely. We came home in the evenings to listen to jazz performers at Cafe Laurent in the hotel. Location is terrific; a short walk to the Pont Neuf, islands, the Louvre in one direction and Blvd St. Germain and the Luxembourg Gardens in the other. Several metro stops close by. Staff was uniformly warm, welcoming and very helpful. Bustling area, with great restaurants, cafes, bistros, boulangeries and patisseries.

I thought this would be helpful.

It's an interactive map of all the arrondissments in Paris, helps to give you location and direction to siteseeing from which arrondissment you might be staying in:

http://us.franceguide.com/home.html?NodeID=619

Hi Suzanne-
Thanks to Guenmai who just notified me of your question. I hope you see this and I'm not too late.
Honestly, it's been almost a year now and I'm having a hard time remembering. But I don't think it was that difficult. I was by myself and I was hauling my luggage. I think there was an escalator, but if not, it would only be 1 flight of stairs.
The worst part for me was that I came up out of the metro and walked 6 blocks in the wrong direction before I realized it!
Hint; You want to be walking UPHILL toward the hotel!

Thanks Kristina,

Why did your mom use the Jussieu metro exit?

Suzanne2-Because she was coming into Gare de l'Est on a train from Germany and that stop made more sense for her coming from the train station.

Kristina, just wanted to let you know, I logged onto your website link because I wanted to see your pictures of the Hotel des Ecoles. I read your whole report of Paris and Dordogne trip with your Mom, and really enjoyed it! You have a very entertaining writing style and the pictures were great. I'm going to Paris for the last 2 weeks of October, so this was fun for me to read.

Since this is specifically a "hotel" thread, I'll report on mine, which is the Hotel Aviatic St. Germain, 105 rue de Vaugirard, which is in the 6th, but actually closer to Montparnasse. It's a wonderful little boutique hotel where I stayed for 10 days in May of 2002. I have since stayed there for a night or two on my way to other parts of France. Some first timers to Paris might prefer to be closer to Seine, etc., but this hotel is actually a convenient location.
Walking distance to Gare Montparnasse (and the Air France bus stop from CDG), and 2 other fairly close Metro stops. Also a nice walk to Luxembourg Gardens and plenty of places for dinner not far. I also like the fact that rue de Vaugirard is quiet at night. The hotel also has great A/C, which I really needed on that May visit.

I really had planned to stay in a different part of Paris for this upcoming Paris trip, but just couldn't resist going back to the Aviatic. It gets very favorable reviews on Trip Advisor, which encouraged me, as I hadn't stayed there in a few years. They have some very good internet rates, especially if you book fairly far ahead. Anyway, I'll give an update after my October stay there.

Forgot this - the website for Hotel Aviatic is:
www.aviatic.fr

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anyone stay at hotel LeVeque on Cler recommended by Rick Steves