Absolutely stay in the 7th, would be my advice. Eiffel Tower in your backyard and right next to the 6th, my favourite arrondissement. This part of Paris is magical. I got up early one morning to meet my father (who was staying in another hotel) and walked to the Eiffel Tower from the 6th. The air was clear, streets were empty. This area has life but is safe, refinded and truly wonderful!

Morning Viola,

So happy to hear that you're ready to book and were offered some other places with availabilites to choose from.

While I would choose Montparnasse, I am pretty sure, most fodorites will suggest you stay at the Champs de Mars, second choice the Kensington.

Personally, I find the 7th over all less convenient to get around by public transportation. Also, it's a bit too quiet for me. But that's just me and I love the Montparnasse area for different reasons (lively, less touristy, great restaurants).

But now, please book asap, and don't wait any longer!

Have a blast in Paris!
I must wait until the end of May.

Hi
Where in the 14th is the hotel du Parc?
do you have an address?
The "northern border" of the 14th is quite convenient, but as you go south and west of the Denfert Rochereau metro stop I don't recommend it as convenient.
I stayed in the latter area on my very first trip to Paris, and I felt that I was in an out-of-the way location.

The Hotel Kensington, on Ave de la Bourdonnais, has clean but very small rooms (even by Paris hotel standards). It's about a 3-minute walk to the Ecole Militaire metro stop. You are more likely to find a room available there than at the Champ du Mars, which is in many budget hotel guidebooks, and also has a slightly better location. At the Kensington, if you have an upper floor, street view room, you might have a very nice view of the Eiffel Tower.
I like the 7th very much and don't find it that touristy, esp when compared to the 6th or the Marais. It is an upscale residential neighborhood.

The Hotel du Parc is on Rue Jolivet. I'm not sure where in the 14th it is - although I'm going to try to find it on a map when I get a moment.

Elaine,

The Du Parc** is off Rue de la Gaite, close to Edgar Quinet stop. Lively and safe area.
It's not that easy to find budget places for beginning May and that one doesn't look to bad.
www.hotelduparc-paris.com

that's a good location indeed.

I have offers from both the Hotel Kensington and the Champ du Mars. Prices are the same (at least for the larger room in the Kensington). So now I think I have to choose between them. Think I might just have to flip a coin!

Definitely Hotel Champ de Mars, very popular, very nice...if you can get in, take it. Very near Metro Ecole Militaire, rue Cler (market street), lots of cafes,restaurants. Somewhere I saw a journal where writer stayed at Kensington and it didn't look nearly as nice as Champ de Mars.

BTilke is spot on on the Kensington. I stayed there last week.

I might add a few other positive items: there is a nearby minimarket; they were easy to work with by email; the desk staff were quite helpful.

Keith

Viola, I don't think you can make a mistake with any of these choices -- you've got some of the Fodor groups best contributers providing feedback! Have a terrific trip.

Champ du Mars. I've stayed there about a dozen times. Metro is close, rue Cler is 100' away, post office is close, supermarkets close, laundromat, etc etc. Will be there myself next month. Ask for room 505 for a top half view of the Eiffel Tower. (Sorry that's as good as it gets from this building)

Have a great time and wear a money belt on the Metro.
Larry J