Mid 50s couple getting married in December, first timers to Paris. Would appreciate some advice on location and hotel selection from experienced Paris visitors. Not looking for extravagant, but not looking to be cheap either. Initial reviews and prices show Louvre, Marais, Opera and Eiffel Tower areas as good possibilities. Based on some initial review, Westin Vendome might fit the bill.

Thanks so much.

Hotels=St. Vincent, Madison, Relais St. Germain, Au Manoir St. Germain

In the Opera area, the Le Grand Hotel Intercontinental is nice. We enjoyed staying there a few years back. It is also close to Place de la Madeleine. The Westin, is nice as well and right at Place de la Concorde.

I do love the 6th, personally so agree with 330east re: Madison and Relais St Germain! The restaurant at Relais St Germain is outstanding and the location is wonderful. Even their little take out window for crepes is terrific. It's our favorite area in Paris (very close to Odeon Metro stop, bus stop, Gerard Mulot for pastries and Un Dimanche a Paris for fabulous macarons and desserts. Also, Le Danton is a solid cafe and is also right there. Our fav Italian is also right there, Marco Polo, when you need a break from French cuisine!

Wish we had a "like" button...I agree with denisea.

We have stayed in the Madison and Relais St. Germain. Most recently in March for the Relais St. Germain. We had a junior suite which included a sitting area. Very nice room, breakfast was included. Another choice in the 6th is the Hotel d'Aubusson. Very nice, they have a variety of room choices but the larger ones are better. Breakfast was included for us and it was very good. Both hotels have very good concierge services which may be helpful for first timers in Paris. And, of course, English is spoken if that is your first language.

Best wishes for happiness. We got married in our 50's as well.

Another comment about Paris in December. We have travelled to Paris in December many times. Although the weather might not be ideal as the possibility of rain or snow and windy weather exists. However on the plus side; the city is wonderfully decorated for the holidays, the tourist sites are not as crowded as in peak season and you might find it easier to get a reservation at a favorite restaurant. Some hotels have fireplaces. The Aubusson for example has a massive one dating from the 17th century, I believe. And it is very pleasant to enjoy afternoon tea in front of the fireplace after having spent the day touring the city. I believe the Hotel de l'Abbaye also has one as well.

On our first trip to Paris in 1997, we stayed at Hotel Ceramic for a long weekend. It was very art deco and a 5-minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe where there was a great metro hub. In December, you might like that. If you want more info, since things could have changed in so many years:
http://www.hotelceramic.com/

The second time we stayed for 2 weeks in Hotel Ferrandi on Rue du Cherche Midi. It was a wonderful street with several restos, a laundry and a wonderful bakery. I'd have to describe the hotel as shabby chic and I'm not certain if it has been re-done. An excellent area as well for walking around Montparnasse.

Congratulations and please report back about your trip!

We have stayed in Paris a number of times. We particularly enjoyed the Hotel du Pantheon (http://www.hoteldupantheon.com/) where we had a room looking out on to the Pantheon. It is very close to the Luxembourg Gardens, rue Mouffetard and lots of great restaurants. I have not yet visited Paris at this time of year so not sure how feasible it is to visit the gardens at this time.

We stayed at Hotel d' Aubusson 3 years ago and loved the location, staff, ambience. My brother in law and his wife always stay at Relais St. Germain. You can't go wrong with either place.