inbalance1

Our plan was to use some of the points we've accumulated to stay 3 in Paris.
The Hotels are on CE in 8 and on st Jacques in 14

Wherever I read tells me that these are not really where I want to be
If we don't use points, we need to be cost conscience.

Where should we stay?
We want to take a bus or train to/from CDG and either use the metro or get a hop-on/hop-off bus tour...

Can I get some guidance. Please

sandralist

I'd be happy to have an affordable stay in either location. You might find it slightly easier to get to the Champs-Elysees from the airport and access the hop-on-hop-off bus from there. But the 14th arr. is a lot less touristy than the Champs-Elysees area, but it is also filled with historic cafes and excellent metro connections. Personally, I would pick there, but I wouldn't mind the Champs-Elysees area, and if you want to be able to walk to many of the most famous tourist sights, the Champs-Elysees area is better.

People are sort of snooty about looking down their nose at the 8th arr. Many decades ago, almost every tourist who went to Paris stayed there, so people who wanted to appear more sophisticated went someplace else. (Rick Steves said: "Stay in the 7th, not the 8th!") But in many ways, I find it charming for not being trendy.

Anyway, you should also read reviews for the 2 hotels. Marriotts are usually nice places to stay, but one hotel might be better than the other.

Cathinjoetown

I've stayed at the Marriott in the 14th, it's a great location, in my opinion. It's a few hundred meters from Denfert-Rochereau RER B/Metro station. You can take the RER directly to and from CDG.

There's another Metro stop just across from the hotel but don't try to connect to it, the hotel is a very easy downhill walk from Denfert-Rochereau.

Lots of action in and around the Place Denfert-Rochereau, which is on the south end of the Montparnasse. Easy bus and Metro connections toward the Seine and really not a bad walk. If I were using points, I would stay there again.

I have friends staying at the Marriott Champs E. in Sept, loads of points and a 100€ per night surcharge on top of the points!

Ackislander

seconding what Cathinjoe says. Champs boring, Denfert-Rochereau interesting, well-located, and a very easy ride on the RER.

inbalance1

The Vendome in arr 1 just became available...

are we better off there???

sandralist

I think you are going to continue to find that many of us people posting here greatly enjoy the 14th arr. and would be best off there. The question of where you would be best off probably depends on you revealing more of what you want to do in Paris and why you don't want to stay in the 14th arr. For some people who want to do certain things, staying in the 1st (or the 8th) would be "better". There is no one "best" area. It depends on who you are and what your trip to Paris is about.

Patty

I like the Renaissance Vendome and have stayed there twice. It's a smaller boutique property. The only downside is that the regular rooms are on the small side (much smaller than at Marriott CE).

inbalance1

Its only 3 days, and we're novices. Would like to see the lourve, eifel tower, arch de triumph, rodin museum, notre dame, muse de orsay

inbalance1

want to utilize the public transit system OR would we be better using the hopon/hopoff bus?

Cathinjoetown

The HO/HO buses eat up a lot of time if caught in traffic. I wouldn't bother as Métro stations are close to which ever Marriott you choose and can save you precious time.

An alternative to the HO/HO bus is the bateau bus which covers eight stops at major sights along the river--Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, etc. An unlimited ticket is good for the day. You can get off where you want or ride the circuit. It's more transport than sightseeing but there's a very short explanation of each stop.

http://www.batobus.com

sandralist

inbalance1,

Even though you are novices, all the Marriott hotels are in good locations for a 3-day visit to see the places you mentioned. You will need to learn to use the Metro --- but the metro is fun! It is an important experience of Paris.

It is always nice to save money on a hotel in Paris because then you have more money to spend on wine and pastries. So read reviews and pick the Marriott hotel that is the best for quiet, clean, nice service. If you need help learning how to get around Paris, you can ask questions here about the metro or the buses. Relax about the hotel.

inbalance1

@sandralist... Thanks... I am stressing too much.
Is the museum pass worth it?

inbalance1

@sandralist... Thanks... I am stressing too much.
Is the museum pass worth it?