I've read up a lot on Paris but i'm still not sure where to stay. I'm planning on going the last couple of weeks in May (still not sure if i want to do a full two weeks) with my boyfriend (we are in our early 20's). I basically want to find the best I can get with out spending a lot of money. I'm willing to spend about $100 dollars a night. What i'm looking for is a nice place, somewhat central, a nice view, not too loud, and nice/helpful keepers. I really think that all you guys helping out on here are great. you've given me some great ideas and tips! But when it comes to a place to stay, the decision is difficult. Plus i'm not really sure how the whole thing works as far as making a reservation and getting a confirmation for the room and all that stuff. If anyone could help i would be most appreciative.<BR>Cheers!

I recommend a Hunter Rivages guide called Hotels of Character and Charm in Paris, which provides photos and details of small, non cookie-cutter hotels. It provides email addresses for those properties that have them so you can email the hotels to check on availability and rates.

Try the France.com website. They have a hotel booking service with many listings for Paris.You can see pictures of the hotels and see reviews and prices. Bonjour Paris is another helpful site. Based on your age, I would recomment the Marais or Latin Quarter. 2 weeks is a long time in one city. Have you considered another city for the second week? Amsterdam or London would be easy to add.

Here is another Paris hotel site. http://www.1stparishotels.com/<BR>You can have a lot of choices in that price range in the 2* category but you need to act quickly to get the best choices.<BR>Two weeks won't be too long--you can take a couple of day trips out of Paris in that time--Versailles, Chartres, Rouen, Giverny, etc.<BR>Another good reference book is Margo Classe's Hello Paris. She personally visits every hotel she recommends.<BR>Pick up the phone and call for a reservation--hotels will have someone available to speak English in all probability.<BR>

I would highly recommend either the Hotel du Champ de Mars or the Hotel Muguet in the 7eme. They both fill the bill as far as your wants.<BR>For reservations just email the hotels.<BR><BR>http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/h75007muguet.htm<BR><BR>http://www.adx.fr/hotel-du-champ-de-mars/<BR>

I also agree that you would probably enjoy staying in the Latin Quarter. It's a young, hip area with a lot of affordable hotels, lots of things to see and do, and eating is inexpensive, too.<BR><BR>

Jen, I'm doing something similar. What I did - looked through Paris hotel reviews/ rants&raves on this sight and others (Frommers, L.P., Concierge for example)<BR>- narrowed it down in terms of price and location based on those<BR>- searched these message boards for additional comments about those hotels<BR>- email the hotel directly, asking about making a reservation for the specific dates. Most do not seem to have web sites.<BR>-heard back from all within 24 hours or less. To reserve I just needed to reply with my credit card #.<BR>Sounds complicated but it wasn't, and I felt like I really was taking charge of my own vacation. Have fun!

Jen: I'll be specific. Here's two choices in the 5th arr (Latin Quarter). Both are in your price range. If you check both the Rants & Raves section of this board (go back to Fodor's home page to find it) as well as do a search on this forum you'll find feedback on these hotels.<BR><BR>FAMILIA <BR>11 rue des &Eacute;coles, Paris 75005, France<BR>Phone: 01-43-54-55-27<BR>Fax: 01-43-29-61-77<BR> <BR> <BR>GRANDES &Eacute;COLES <BR>75 rue du Cardinal Lemoine, Paris 75005, France<BR>Phone: 01-43-26-79-23<BR>Fax: 01-43-25-28-15<BR><BR>

hi,<BR><BR>a group of us went last october and stayed at a wonderful hotel called the "hotel du bois" on the rue du dome. this is right off of victor hugo at the end of the champs elysees (2 blocks from the arc du triumphe). it was a great locations central to all metro's and the night time people watching was wonderful.<BR><BR>we booked our stay thru a company called www.holidaycity.com and got a great rate that included cont. breakfast. if you are interested this site has many other hotels also.<BR><BR>i highly recommend this hotel. it say's 3 star because of no air or elevator but it is one of the "charming" hotels of paris. i would rate it 4 star even without the air. <BR><BR>your stay is during the high season so rates will be higher but thru this company it is lower than the hotels rate. also hotel du bois has a site online (don't book that way). price superior double with bath around 107 euros. (get the bath it has a normal bath with showerhead).<BR><BR>we had a wonderful time and this was so central to everything. i know alot of people recommend the latin quarter but i had problems with finding a hotel that wasn't shabby (travel worn) and this one has been renovated in the last few years.<BR><BR>have a great time!<BR><BR>sandy<BR>

Knowing what I know now, the next time I go to France, I think I'll stay in Italy or Germany!<BR><BR><BR><BR>http://hometown.aol.com/brooklynboy59/index.html<BR>http://hometown.aol.com/brooklynboy5...ge/poetry.html

Thank you all so much. You are all a great help. The reason why i wanted just more than one week was because i didn't want to hurry to see things. I'm supposed to be on vacation! plus i want to go to versailles and maybe do some driving explorations. By any chance does anyone know where they have good vintage music shops?

Hotel du Bois is in the 16th, hardly centrally located. difficult to imagine how a hotel without air conditioning or an elevator could be rated 3*. but, the site referenced says it is a 3*, and, it's dirt(y)? cheap.

Before you go, see the "Americans becoming much less welcome in France" post".

Jen<BR><BR>Every major airport/train station has an "I" (Information) office. There they list every place that advertises and doesn't (can't afford) to advertise, so you're more likely to find those "charming" places yet to be discovered. As you get off your plane, head to the "I" and tell the agent (They are multilingual - a fascinating thing to watch and listen to!)exactly what you're looking for (including the area you want to stay if you know), and how much you want to pay. They will usually describe two or three places, and then when you select -they call and make sure the place has availability, give you directions and off you go! We've found great places from $50 and up to $115 everywhere from Venice ($50) to Amsterdam ($115). I prefer this to making an advance reservation actually. Good luck!<BR>PS - Forget the Americans becoming less welcome in Europe topic - the only thing that's relevent to your trip is that most citizens can separate the traveler from the political leadership of their country and if you stay away from political discussions on your trip, you'll be fine.

Thanks!!!! You guys are the best!