My husband and I are going to Paris in August for our anniversary. We can't seem to decide on a hotel because we are unable to decide which arrondisement would be best for us. This is our first time to Paris and we are looking to be in a safe, central area with quaint bistros, good shopping, and a real Parisian feel. But not quite as high end as Champs Elysee etc...Any ideas? Should we stay along the Seine? Also, we plan on hitting the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, etc. but we are looking for other fun activities as well.
Also, any hotel suggestions would be appreciated - something less than $400.00/night.
thanks,
Which arrondisements in Paris?
Recent Activity
View all Europe activity »
- 1 Getting around in Germany/Austria
- 2 Amsterdam, Germany F1, Prague help
- 3 2 Week Trip to France - Please Help Me Stu Dudley
- 4
Paris by Color (photos)
- 5 Istanbul Airport Experts: Can I make this flight?
- 6 Most efficient way to walk through Florence
- 7 Paris Apartment with Six Month Old Baby - suggestions? Areas?
- 8 Planning First Visit to Greece -- How Much Time in Athens?
- 9 disposable underwear?
- 10
Economybookings.com
- 11 How long with walking stick in Florence?
- 12 10 day trip to spain
- 13 Seville to Malaga Holy week 2012: train or car
- 14 Italy - Where to go? Naples/Sorrento/Positano/Ischia/Capri
- 15 how to get to Hertogenbosch ( Bosch Museum)
- 16 A small collection of Paris trip tips
- 17 Hotel between Palais de Congres and Marriott Champs Elysee?
- 18
Semana Santa procession in Granada, Spain
- 19 OUR PUGLIA ITINERARY -- advice needed, please!
- 20 First visit to Scotland
- 21 When one thing goes wrong at the start of your trip, is that it?
- 22 Driving recommends from SIENA to LE MARCHE
- 23 Ireland trip help
- 24 Best way to get me from England to Belgium....?
- 25 Aix-en-Provence or St. Remy - where to stay in Provence?

Well I think the left bank is more "quaint" than the right - and all of central Paris is perfectly safe. For that budget you should have a host of options (except for truly deluxe hotels). If it were me I would head to the Latin Quarter. the Ile St Louis is also very charming and might be what you're looking for.
First off, just about any arrondissement in Paris has what you described. Second, the Champs Elysées isn't that high-end, just a rather boring avenue with American-style chain stores. Third, Paris is chock full of good hotels for well under $400.00.
I suggest you do a search here for Paris hotels - you'll find thousands of reviews. And to help you out with arrondissements, check this out:
http://www.intransit-international.com/housing_paris_arrondissement_tour.html
You might investigate the Jeu de Paume Hotel on I'lle St-Louis. The island is a respite in the Seine. Brilliant 17th century architecture close to many attractions including Notre Dame, Concergerie, Saint Chapelle, Latin Quarter, Saint Germaine. You'll find many tourist attractions are within walking distance of Line 1 of the metro.
Have a great trip.
With such a budget, you can stay in any area you want. I would recommend the 1st or 2nd arondissements in your case.
I recommend Hotel Madison on Blvd. St. Germain in the 6th. For a nice anniversary dinner, I recommend Le Cigale Recamier (Metro stop - Sevres-Babylone)
This is a fairly recent forum that was set up with recommendations of left bank hotels, you might find something here.
http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/paris-hotels-left-bank-thread.cfm
We need to know a little bit more about what you consider 'fun', then I'm sure you will get lots of recommendations. Good luck with your planning, I hope you love Paris!
Hi lex,

In Paris, we always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. From 134E dbl w/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/from 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.
keeping my fingers crossed booked on 1800 hotels 5ieme arron Hotel Claude Bernard 182.00 dollars/night for Sept. I made myself crazing reading the positives and negatives on Trip Adviser....Rick Steves...
from the pics-if I was willing to pay 400.00 usd the Senat looks gorgeous also in 5ht/6h area.