redlou

I'm going to Paris in a few weeks with my sister and have no idea what part of Paris to stay in! We're used to staying in hostels or */** hotels, and there seem to be a few scattered right across the city, but we are finding it hard to make an informed decision as neither of us have been there before and most of the places we can afford seem to have mixed reviews. I've heard that women shouldn't walk alone at night by the Gare du Nord, is that true? Lots of the hotels seem to be around that area, but we would pay a bit more to stay in a different area if its not safe. Can anyone help? any suggestions as to either just the general area we should be looking in, or any specific hotels that are quite cheap and safe would be very much appreciated! thanx!! oh and we would also like to be quite central if possible to cut down on taxi fares, if we stay out after the metro closes!

GoSox

I like to stay in the fifth or sixth arrondisement. You need to stick together and stay in well lit places at night. If you are not experienced traveles, please get help from a good travel agent. It will not cost anything more.

redlou

We are both quite experienced travellers, just wanted to get a bit of advice about the best area to stay in from ppl who've already been there. Where abouts are the fifth and sixth arrondisements?

francophile03

Notre Dame Cathedral is in the 5th district. The 6th district, St. Germain des Pres, is closeby.

It's true, the area (10th district)nearby Gare du Nord is not a good area.

Jocelyn_P

Technically, Notre Dame is in the 4th, but it is just a few steps across a bridge over the Seine from the 5th. Most of the 5th is considered the "Latin Quarter," which includes Sorbonne University, and the bookstores, coffeehouses, cafes, and inexpensive restaurants that usually accompany a major university. There is often lodging at a good value in this area. What exactly is your budget?

Christina

I don't know what hotels or hostels you are looking at that are mainly in the 10th, but I certainly do not recommend you stay there. I don't know of any hostels in the 10th, actually, although I know of some in the 11th, 15th and 5th -- there are others in the 4th which aren't as easy to book, but nice, and some private ones in the 18th. If you are finding really cheap hotels in the 10th, that's because it is not a desirable area.

The 6th is one of the most expensive areas in Paris, although there are a couple budget hotels in it, but it's not what I'd recommend for someone looking for bargains. There are some cheaper options in the 5th, which is an okay area.

There are lots of areas I wouldn't recommend people walk alone late at night, but around train stations would usually be one of them, especially in the 10th. It's not very nice to stay around a train station, anyway.

The 1* Hotel Tiquetonne is in a decent area of the 3rd or 4th, and it is respectable. In the 6th, the Hotel Nesle is pretty cheap and a great location. The Hotel St Andre des Arts is also in a good area of the 6th, although it may not be as cheap as you are expecting for a 1* hotel.

jazzd

When my husband and I were there - we are in our 40's I was all stressed out too. However, I just picked one in the best location which I read was in the Marais or Bastille area. One block to the Seine river, 3 metro stations very close to each other, ATM machine, bakery, Indo chine restaurant. Hotel name is Hotel Castex on the 4th ARrondisement (?) in the Bastille area. We liked it a lot.
No complaints. small cosy, no fuss.

redlou

Thanks for everyones help, I'll check out those hotels. Our budget is around 70 euros a night for a twin room (a double will do) and were not bothered about having a shower in the room or anything. I think we'll probably try and get somewhere in the 4th, 5th or 6th district, but what is the 11th like, as I definatly know of a few reasonably priced places to stay around there?

Jocelyn_P

While you're researching, also check out Port Royal, which is definitely within your budget:

http://www.hotelportroyal.fr/english...ion/index2.htm

I haven't stayed there, but have toured the inside and it seems like a great value.

CPCchief

I have a great suggestion but will have to get it at home and send it tomorrow. The place my husband and I stayed was quite reasonable, just across the Seine from Notre Dame, not far from the Sorbonne, the Louvre many great places. Seemed safe to us and we were out fairly late in the evening. Saw women alone walking their dogs. Very close to a subway stop - St. Michel (unfortunately they were on strike when we were there.) You can take the subway straight to/from the airport. You can email them for a reservation...easy. Will send you the address tomorrow.

AisleSeat

I feel like I should be on the payroll for the Hotel Andrea. We "discovered" it on our last trip to Paris and I'm sure we will go back there if I haven't recommended it so much that it is all booked up. We really like it for its' location.

The 2* Hotel Andrea www.hotelandrearivoli.com on the edge of the Maurais is smack in the middle of Notre Dame, Hotel Deville, Pompideau Center, the Louvre and more. It is a clean and efficient that will be a little cheaper than many others I have stayed in. I think we paid 82 euros for a double.

wondering

If you are looking for 76Euros for a double I highly recommend Hotel Riviera in the 17th. We stayed for a week at Easter last year. Check out their web site. You are totally safe there at any hour and there are three very close metrolines as well as the Champs Elysee. There is everything you could want in the neighborhood. A monoprix, bakeries, cafes, a market, etc. We (two women)never used a taxi, and stayed out until 11:00 or so every night. You can take the Air France bus to and from the airport (a very short walk) and do not have to worry about a taxi or the metro. It is very clean and the staff all speak English well. We did walk to the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, the Rodin Museum from there as well, but we are great walkers, so I know not everyone would....We both thought it was a great budget hotel.

Underhill

Here are two to check out:

Résidence Pension Ladagnous
78, Rue d'Assas
75006 Paris
M°: Notre-Dame-des-Champs or Vavin

Single: 45€
Double: 62€
Triple: 77€
Quad: 104€
Breakfast offered! Taxes included!

Ensuite shower in each room.

Dinner available Mon-Fri for 12€.

http://www.pensionladagnous.com/index-gb.htm


I happened upon a VERY simple hotel in the 7th arrondissement. The Hotel Montebello is by no means fancy! No elevator. No robes in the bathrooms. Not even telephones in the rooms.

However, at 39 Euros for one person, and 49 Euros for two people, who can complain? In addition, the owner and his son are super nice and speak English.

Located only a 5 minute walk from Bon Marche:
18, Pierre Leroux - 75007
Tel: 331 47 34 41 18
Fax: 331 47 34 46 71
Email: [email protected]

The hotel is located between the Eiffel Tower and Montparnasse.


Remember - simple clean and cheap in a GREAT location!

Keren

Hotel Résidence les Gobelins, in the Gobelins area in the 13th. A simple, nice and clean hotel, with very nice staff, who speaks English very well (one of the owners is a native English speaker). It's a quiet, beautiful residential area that is not too far from some of the sights in the Latin Quarter. 67E for a double and 76E for a twin, both en suite.
http://www.hotelgobelins.com/