Just one comment about renting an apartment - don't avoid one just because "you don't even cook at home". I lamost never cook on vacation, but I almost always rent a flat or cottage if I'm going to be somewhere more than 3 or 4 days.

Not because there is a kitchen - but because 1) you will get <u>much</u> more space for the same or less money, 2) there is often a washer/dryer so you can pack a lot less clothing, 3) you'll have a fridge for cheese/fruit/wine and picnic supplies.

An update--

May 11th became available today for AAdvantage reward tickets, so I just booked our tickets!!! So excited!

I have emailed Henri IV Rive Gauche about a reservation for May 4-11, 2008. After reading tripadvisor reviews, as well as posts here regarding room selection, I'm going to request Rm. 401 (apparently the only room with a balcony) or rm. 501, and if not available, any room with a good view of St. Severin.

Thanks so much for all of your suggestions! I'm sure I'll be relying on your advice in the months to come for restaurant suggestions, etc.

I just confirmed our reservation with Henri IV Rive Gauche for May 2008. Thanks again for the help!

Hi mah,

Does it have to be a 3*?

We always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. From 124E dbl w/bkfst. It is located near 3 metro stops. Has AC and an elevator, also minifridge.

Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67
www.hotelbonaparte.fr

For more info, enter &quot;Hotel Bonaparte&quot; in the &quot;search this forum&quot; box.

Photos are at http://tinyurl.com/ludgd

&gt;it will be nice to come back and have a fridge to put croissants, etc., in.&lt;

You are going to Paris, dear colleague. People don't eat cold croissants there.

Good for you mah1980 - you are going to enjoy every minute! The Hotel receives very good reviews here and on Tripadvisor!

Even though you've made your hotel decision, I have to give my 2 cents on Hotel Residence Henri IV for future readers of this post.
I've stayed there 3 times, and I love the hotel. I have not been there when a/c was required, so was able to enjoy opening the balcony to the church and the big window in the bathroom opening towards a courtyard. Having a little fridge and 2 burner stove was just perfect to buy pastries and yogurts at nearby shops for breakfast, or have wine and cheese before dinner. It's on a dead-end block, facing the church garden, so it's quiet. Friendly staff, 2 rooms per floor, small rooms but good size bathroom. Walk a few blocks to the metro, and you'll find a market at that location a couple of times a week. Nearby restaurant Fetes Galantes is delightful and a real great value.

I'm not sure that the hotel we stayed at -- Hotel Henri IV Rive Gauche -- is the same place as the Hotel Residence Henri IV.

I also stayed at Residence Henri IV, (not the same hotel as Henri IV Rive Gauche)and LOVED it. Can't beat the location, the amenities, and if you book early, they have a very good early booking special. It's very quiet but close to everything. But no air conditioning, which I think in a &quot;normal&quot; May wouldn't be an issue, but you never know. Apparently Paris had crazy high temps this past May. But the year before, we were there at the end of May and were earing winter jackets with the temps in the low fifties during the day most days!

ttt