annhig makes a great point! many first timers don't use the train from CDG, but it is the cheapest and fastest way in, but also frustrating if you have lots of baggage and have to change trains.

I agree that something in the 5th or 6th arr. will be a great place for a first visit. If you're in either of those areas you should have no problem walking to almost all the major tourist sites, with the possible exception of the Eiffel Tower.

We have not stayed there in a few years, but we found the Hotel Artus on The Rue de Buci to be a great location. I don't suggest that specifically as my stay there was too long ago. But I think a hotel within the border formed by Blvd St. Germain, Rue Bonaparte, Rue Dauphine, and the Seine River will be a really good base. Easy access by Metro or the RER to most of the.

The 4th includes the Islands (not 1st). Every trip, I seem to end up there, to stand on bridges over Seine, wander Ile St Louis, it is my "must go" every trip. I've also stayed on the Ile St Louis, and it was very nice, but bit more $$$.

Stayed on Right bank, in the 4th. Good area, lots of shopping, restos, Places des Vosges is great, old monsions,etc..

I've also stayed in the 5th and 6th. 5th was a nice surprise for me, university area, good restaurants and easy access to Seine, bit less touristy.

6th was bit busier, but it has a good combination of bustling and places to eat/hang out. More foreigners I staeyd at holte on Seine, overlooking Notre Dame. That was nice. The RER to airport was across street from hotel.

7th is a bit quieter, more residential, some good museums, Eiffel.

1-3 are still OK, I just like the feel of 4-6 better. My laster trip I stayed in the 16th. No tourists, local cafe, small restaurants. I wanted a bit of the 'local' vibe and it was good. But, I could not walk to any of the main sites (except Eiffel), it was public transit all the time.

Part of the equation is easy metro access to where you want to go, access to airport, and sites that are in walking distance (or area with interesting walks within it).

So, for first time...4-6, but 1-8 will not be anything to worry about.

PSGMartino:

It would help to know your budget and what you expect in a hotel. Also, we're all assuming this is your first time to Paris. Lastly, your hotel choice might be different if you are looking for "night life"...bars, dancing, etc.

Give us a little more to go on and people on these boards can give you a wealth of information.

My advice is probably not so helpful, because this is a very personal preference -- we always stay in the Marais.

It's close to the Iles and fun for walking.

I'm sure it has some things others may not like so much.

SS

Stayed in loft, sunsets over Notre Dame

www.hotel-de-notre-dame-paris.com

Hotel and sister hotel on Ile St Louis, old mansion, on small main street

www.paris-hotel-lutece.com

My two cents: Isle St. Louis, 5th or 6th.

Love the Marais!

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ank-thread.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ank-thread.cfm

Happy Travels!