Well, since you already know your way around Paris I don't know why you'd want to waste this opportunity. I think you could stay at the hotel in the 7th and make it to the airport on time the next morning (provided you leave VERY EARLY). Is the airline still telling you that you need to be there 3 hours early?

Our hotel was in the 7th and our taxi ride to CDG didn't take much at all, maybe 20 or 30 minutes (and this was mid-morning traffic).

I would book a hotel close to the airport.
If your incoming flight is on time, and you feel fine, go to the hotel, get rid of your suitcases and take a cab to the city for a quiet diner and an evening stroll. A nice break in between the flights.
If on the other hand your incoming flight comes in late, or you're tired and don't feel up to it,.. no harm done.

I agree with post #2. I'd want to be near the hotel in case you're tired from the rest of your trip or there are delays. We're doing a similar thing in Italy where our last night is at the Airport Hilton because of our early morning flight. We plan on spending the day/evening in Siena and driving to the hotel late, but at least we won't have to deal with rushing/getting rid of the rental car in the am.

Stay in Paris.

Early in the morning just isn't my style, so I'd rather stay at CDG, take either the RER or a taxi into Paris for a late dinner after either a stroll or boatride along the Seine, or maybe a concert at St Chapelle or other small venue. Take a cab back to the hotel. Many of the hotels around CDG have shuttles that will take you to the airport (they might even take you into Paris that evening - can't hurt to ask).

Tina:
Arriving at 5:30 pm at CDG (assuming plane is on time) means you probably won't be through getting bags and clearing customs for about an hour..now it's 6:30, if all goes well. If you stay near the airport, you can go to the hotel, dump the bags and clean up and then take the RER into the city for the evening. This saves the schlepp of bags into Paris and gets you clean before going out into the bright lights.

But the most compelling reason to stay at the airport is the 10am depature time. You are requested to be at the airport 3 hours prior to departure. Even if you poo poo 3 hrs and dare 2 or 2 1/2 (which emphatically do not suggest) that is a very early wake up call. At the airport you can fall out of bed and you are there. You can stay out and party late and still get a good night's sleep. Another reason to stay at CGD is that getting TO the airport at rush hour, even if most of the traffic is into Paris, is always a knuckle biting experience... wondering if the traffic will ever move again. Missing the plane should not be the climax of a trip.

I have done both stays, in town and at CDG. Since you will not be coming off a Paris stay... I most emphatically recommend STAY AT THE AIRPORT, for logistics and peace of mind.

Bon Voyage, Judy from Munster in Westfalen

We just got back from France and spent our last night at the Hilton CDG. It's a beautiful hotel, they accept United coupons, and their free shuttle takes you right to the airport the next morning. I would recommend it to anyone in your situation - mainly because I hate moving bags around.

You might try yet another alternative. I know of two hotels in the CDG area that are chateaux where you can stay in comfort and still get to the airport for your early flight. The Chaumontel in Luzarches the Chateau De Ermenonville are both only about 25 km or less from CDG. We're staying at the latter before our flight out and have stayed at the former previously. It's not Paris but it is La Belle France and not a soulless airport hotel.

In Paris, in Paris, in Paris, in Paris.....Enjoy your trip.

I like the idea of getting a hotel room near the airport.Freshen up,go into the city by cab,dinner,and walk until you are too tired.Then go back to the hotel where you will be close to the airport the next morning.Have a good trip.k

Normally I would revommend getting a wonderful hotel in Paris. But with the time of your morining flight I agree with the majority here - definitely stay near CDG and go into the city after you check in.

In Paris. The ride to the airport isn't that long in the morning and the cons are completely outweighed by the benefits of being in the city at night. Get in that night and walk around, sit at a cafe, sip some wine, listen to some music and relax. I wouldn't waste the time at an airport hotel in Paris!

Thank you all for helping me with this important decission. We will be staying near CDG as this is not our first or last visit to Paris.

Now the question is how to find a hotel that won't cost us a fortune?
Is there any place under $150? All I see on the web are hotels around $200. Any idea which is very close to the airport, quiet, and with nice rooms?
Thank you again

Thanks again and I want you to know that I booked a non-smoking room with king size bed in Radisson for 122.00 euros including all taxes.
If we are not too tired and our flight is not delayed we are still planning on going to Paris for nice dinner.

Any personal experience about using RER or metro to the center of Paris?