Hotel Langlois, St. Jacques or Abbatial St.Germain?
 

I am planning for our trip to Paris in October and am panicking just a bit, as I didn't realize October was high season and that many hotels would already be booked. I've been reading threads on this site frantically for the past 24 hours, but now feel the need to ask my very own question.

It's been 30 years since I've been to Paris, and my husband has never been. I am 54 and he is 62--which I only mention as it might pertain to taste or something (?)--as he is incredibly athletic and probably has more stamina than most 20-somethings. I am also very active--so walking is not a problem. We want to wander, find great bakeries, go to museums, stand in awe looking at the architecture, drink wine, eat great food...etc., etc.

Like everybody, I am trying to plan the perfect trip without spending a fortune. The three hotels I mentioned are basically the same price (with the Hotel St. Jacques being the most expensive). Is it worth paying a bit more for that hotel?

I guess we want to be in a neighborhood that feels somewhat vibrant, without feeling we are in a tacky tourist area.

Your recommendations?

I should mention that neither of us cares about shopping. It looks like perhaps that is the major attraction in the 9th arr.?

Hi Kate -

I really liked the St. Jacques. Pretty room, nice staff, fin de siecle type elegant public spaces, great location half way between the Pantheon and Notre Dame. If you get a corner room or a room facing west - the rue de carmes or something like that - you can stand in awe looking at the architecture from your window.

Worth the extra money.

I'm not sure if it's because fewer people are traveling these days, but I had no problem booking a room for late October at the Hotel des Grandes Ecoles in the 5th (an affordable and notoriously great hotel that usually books up months in advance).

So don't panic, and before you start emailing, click on my name and look for a thread about rooms in Paris for under $200/night. Fodorites came up with the BEST suggestions.

You don't understand Paris if you think an entire arrondisement is based upon a store. I presume that is why you think the entire 9th arrondisment is centered on shopping, just because a couple of the big dept. stores happen to be on the border of it down at the bottom. It's less centered on shopping than many others, I'd say, like the 6th for one prime example.

If you don't want a real neighborhood but want some tourist attraction, and that's why you think the 9th is of no interest other than stores, you may be right. It isn't a tourist mecca, it's a regular place.

I imagine you are paying for the location of the St Jacques, that's what you get -- pay more for the prime tourist areas.

You can go anywhere from any location, so none of these hotels would prevent you from walking, going to museums, drinking wine, etc.

I can address your direct query re
Hotel Langlois, as a single traveler I found quite accommodating. 2 cafes 1/2 a block
away & the metro too! I found it to be quite convenient & was pleasantly surprised to be given (gratis) coffee since I arrived before the nice room w/mini fridge was ready..and the old elevator is a hoot. Pleasant reception desk helping a huge family contigent find
medical supplies for an emergency.
And very close to a Huge Monoprix where I could buy picnic & other supplies.
Do let us know what you decide.

We have decided on the Hotel St. Jacques. My husband has never been to Paris and would like to be close to the Seine and the tourist attractions. Because--as he says--we are tourists.

Christina, pardon my wording. I'm actually not quite that stupid...but thanks for your concern.

Just in case you are not able to reserve at the St Jacques, the Abbatial St Germain is fine, a good location near the Seine and Ile St Louis, not far from Place Maubert. Not fancy but clean and comfortable. Rooms at the back are quiet. Restaurants, bakeries nearby and a cafe next door where I bought my morning cafe standing at the zinc and then bought fresh croissants around the corner.

I've stayed in several hotels in Paris because I like to try different places and may try the St Jacques next so hope you post when you return.

The hotel St. Jacques is a wonderful choice, I love the Quartier Latin it is ideal for walking, it is so close to evertyhing.
October is the perfect time as well, not very crowded, hopefully it won't rain much.
Good luck with the Euro, it is the one scary thing these days.