5th or 6th arrondisement? Where to stay?
 

My college daughter and I are going to Paris, spring break. I am thinking about the Hotel Degres de Notre Dame, very close to the Seine in the 5th. There is another hotel, Grand Hotel des Balcons, I like in the 6th. Is there a difference in these areas? We want to spend only around 100-120 euros, but want something safe, clean, friendly, accessable. Any feedback out there?

I'm about to leave for a trip during which I will be staying at the Balcons; I'll be reporting back at the end of next week. The Degres is another praised and popular hotel.

Both the 5th and 6th are very popular places to stay. The 5th is home to the Sorbonne and so is student central, with lots of cheap and cheerful places to eat and drink and stay (of varying quality).
The 6th is more upscale and less congested, but also meets the requirements of being safe, clean, friendly, and accessible.

I have a long file on Paris, if you'd like to see it, email me at
[email protected]

May I also suggest that you consult the Paris superthread:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34548473

oops, that was the London superthread, this one is Paris

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34519236

I think you both would like the 5th Arrondissement. Besides the famous Sorbonne University, it is home to the lively Latin Quarter, as well as the impressive Pantheon. There are a lot of places to stroll, including medieval pedestrian alleys around St Michel and Quartier Moufftard, as well as the busy Saint Jacques and Saint Germain boulevards (the Saint Germain area is fun too!). The large park of the Jardin de Plantes, and nearby Jardin du Luxembourg are both terrific places to visit and relax amongst other Parisians.

There are a lot of neat restaurants around the Sorbonne and surrounding area. (I like LA RÔTISSERIE DU BEAUJOLAIS, 19 Quai de la Tournelle; Metro stop=Maubert Mutualité, RER=Saint Michel - Notre Dame). Paris will be wonderful in the Spring - have a great time!

Hi!

I know an hotel in the 5th called the Hotel Cardinal Rive Gauche, a 3 star hotel with affordable prices, if I have good memories it has the range of prices you are searchong for.
They have a website: http://www.hotelcardinal.com
Have a good trip!

Whichever district you do choose your hotel, the 5th and 6th are very close to each other. And both are wonderful!

Both areas are safe, clean, friendly, accessable and central.

I would go with the Hotel Degres de Notre Dame. Very central to all the sights. It's also a very short walk to the more upscale 6th. You'll get more hotel for your money in the 5th than the 6th and your meals will also be considerably less expensive in that area.

Thank you for all the info! The thread is excellent! So much that I'll be busy for weeks.

One more question--my daughter is hot to go to a couple of clubs. Will they let her IN with her mother? I realize I'm not the most desirable companion in a club but I am not comfortable turning her loose.

Actually the legal drinking age there is 16. I assume your college student daughter is at least 16, yes?

I have gone to Paris with my college student daughter twice during her spring break, had a great time (obviously, since we both opted to go a second time). One time we stayed in the Latin Quarter, the other time in Montparnasse. I have also stayed with a friend at the Grand Hotel des Balcons.

I think either of your choices would be good. Both wonderful locations and you will not lack for lively spots near either, but I might give a slight preference to the location in the 5th, where there are indeed many young people.

I don't know about you, but I think it might be difficult to find youth-oriented clubs where both my daughter and I would feel comfortable together. A place comfortable for both generations might be the Caveau de la Huchette in the Latin Quarter. They have swing and be-bop bands, and the time I was there with a friend we saw people of all generations dancing. We were there on a weekend night, which I have read (maybe here) is a better time to go than weeknights. This might not be the kind of club experience your daughter has in mind, however.

I'm sure clubs will let you in with your daughter.
Palladium Bus has more retro music - disco and rock.
Batofar is more tchno youth-oriented.

I regret that I referred you to the wrong superthread, this is the one on Paris

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34519236

Elaine--thank you! I found the thread and it is a wealth of information. Much appreciated.

Also, thank you to all who responded. I am still not sure about the club thing but we'll take it as it comes...the clubs suggested sound good. By the way, she's 19.

Hello
most interested in all replies and subsequently have contacted Grand Hotel des Balcons.They have quoted 100 euros for a room-but could one of you helpful fodorites reccommend a particular room or position in the hotel-do not mind paying more!
Thanks
Amaryllis

We stayed at Hotel de St. Germain (www.hotel-saint-germain.com) on rue de four in October. It is in the 6th, and is about 120E a night. Pretty simple rooms, modern bath, and very nice staff. Ask for one of the rooms with a small balcony.