I will be in Paris at the end of May for only two days with my mother-in-law, who is over 80. I am looking for recommendations for hotels near the Louvre. I am considering the Hotel du Louvre but it is relatively expensive - $315 per room per night (we're getting two rooms) and am wondering if anyone has any other suggestions. I would like to be in the 1st and want 4 stars or higher unless someone knows of a nice 3 star hotel. Has anyone stayed at the Hotel Normandy? It is a 4 star property but I am concerned that the property may not be that great. Thanks for any help you can give.

I saw pictures of the rooms at Hotel du Louvre and guess it's the location only that they're charging for. The rooms look basic. As for the Normandy there have been quite a few very unfavorable comments posted on tripadvisor.com. In general, the rooms are worn and not well-maintained for a 4* hotel.
You can do better at several of these 3*'s:

Hotel Relais du Louvre
Hotel de la Place du Louvre
Hotel Brighton

Hotels with 4* are as high as they go; the only higher category is 4* luxury. But as you've found, 4* hotels are quite pricey. A 3* hotel would be perfectly comfortable and less expensive. One option, if it must be a 4*, is the Hotel Washington Opera, very near the Palais Royal and thus not far from the Louvre. Very close to the Louvre is the 4* Regina, but we thought it was seriously overpriced for what we got.

Our favorite in the 1st is the Mansart, right off the Place Vendôme and close to everything you might want, including a pharmacy, post office, and ATM machine. It's very Old Paris and quite charming.

Paris is rapidly moving into high season; so you will want to get your rooms booked ASAP.

Hi Underhill, just out of curiosity is the Mansart comparable to the Brighton? Specifically the rooms, are they quite spacious, furnishings similar, etc.? They both belong to the Esprit de France group.

We liked the Best Western [Au]Ducs du Bourgogne. It's a 3 star with a rather small double and up to date bathroom. A pretty good buffet breakfast is available. It's very near the Louvre.

We haven't stayed at the Brighton. But the superior twin room we had for a week at the Mansart was reasonably large; the beds were in an alcove, leaving space to a large wardrobe, a lovely chest of drawers, a round table and 2 chairs in the middle of the room, a dressing table on the wall opposite the chest of drawers, and two more chairs by the tall windows. The bathroom was large and tiled, with a long tub and shower. The furnishings bordered on (and might have been) antique, and a bowl of potpourri on the round table was a nice touch. We would have stayed there next September except that the rooms seem to be booked up each year by regulars coming for the fashion shows.

These responses have been excellent and have given me several good hotels to check out. I guess where I am struggling in making a choice is that my mother-in-law has stated that this is probably her last trip to Paris in her life which is very likely true since she isn't as young as she used to be. These few days in Paris will follow a trace the family roots week in Budapest and Ukraine which may be taxing for her. She loves art and I want to make Paris very special for her as well as limit the non-museum walking. While I don't want to say that my budget is unlimited, I am willing to pay more for a nice hotel to make everything comfortable for her. What I don't want to do is to try to save a little money and then get a poor property. Given those additional comments, does that change any of your views? Again, thanks for the help.

Thanks Underhill. From your description of the Mansart and what I've read about the Brighton they appear to be similar in room size & furnishings. Well, I will find out about the room at the Brighton later this year. They say my room is one of the renovated view rooms. So I shall see. To be in a spacious, nicely furnished, moderately priced room in a great part of Paris is like a gift!

There is only one, small elevator at the Ducs du Bourgogne and sometimes the maid stop it at the fourth or fifth floor while they unload the linens, etc. which can be annoying, especially if one is unable to climb a lot of stairs.

We stayed at the Brighton in March in one of the deluxe Tuillerie rooms (160 Euro). It was spacious with a tiny balcony with a view of the Louvre and the Tuilleries. We checked out the room next to us which was a step up (230 Euro) and it was larger with a little sofa also with the view. These two rooms had a little entrance hallway so would be convienent for the two of you. The hotel was a few blocks walk to the Louvre's Carosel (sp?) entrance. I think it would be an excellent choice for you and your MIL.

HI
Do a search here or at tripadvisor.com on the Louvre Montana, sometimes called
Emeraude Louvre Montana.
It is on rue St-Roch, quite near the Louvre. I haven't stayed there in several years, but someone recently posted good comments, the same as what I remember. I think it is only a 3-star, but excellent location, charming decor, refurbished a few years ago.

If you want real razzle dazzle, stay at the Hotel de Crillion. It's on the Place de la Concorde, virtually next door to the Louvre. Everyone says it's the best hotel in Paris, but it's not cheap, I would expect to pay top dollar here.

We have stayed at the Brighton many times and I have written about it on this forum. Go to the "Search this Forum " box at the top and type in "Hotel Brighton" and you can read all about it.

THe Hotel Relais du Louvre...stayed there in November...I LOVED it. Absolute truth. Location...and gracious staff. Utterly pristine clean, elevator...all the amenities.
A really really good restaurant less than 1 block away (Le Fumoire), the Seine is right around the corner, on to the Pont Neuf, the Louvre is out the front door...a tea/pastry shop, at the corner, a chocolatier beside that, AND down Adm. Coligny Blvd. a few more steps (literally, check out the page jaunes) a tabac/bistrot by the Seine (Cafe Corona)...
Sheesh, I know I'm boring on this..I just wish someone would TRY IT! <GRIN>
and not Muguet that sounds as if its FULL of Americans!

I stayed at the Relais du Louvre about two years ago and was impressed. I would definately stay there again.

Terrific location, friendly staff. I had a small, well decorated single room. I thought the hotel good value for money.

regards ... Ger

Irene1, I've stayed at the Louvre Rivoli, 20 Rue Moliere. It's just around the corner from the Hotel du Louvre and nowhere as expensive. Haven't check the prices lately, so... I do admit the bathroom was rather small, but overall it was great. The front desk people were most helpful too. Have a great trip and say hello to Paris for me. PS - Decent restaurant not too far from there - Le Musset. Waiters were most charming and food good.

Mariannah, the Crillon is actually quite a hike from the Louvre. The closest 4 star Luxe Hotel to the Louvre is the newly renovated Meurice, which is right down the block fromn the above mentioned Brighton, about a two blocks from the Louvre.
The Crillon is, however, within walking distance of the Jeu de Paume, but I think that may not be open at the moment.

Irene1, maybe your mother in law would be happier with the Musee D'Orsay. Really, in my opinion, a much more pleasant experience all around because the walking
is so much easier,and the art just as spectacular.

The Louvre is really daunting for many seniors because of the ground you have to cover before you even get into the building, and then it seems like another mile or two before you find what it is that you would like to see.

SuzieC: Why would a hotel "full of Americans" be so bad? Are they noisey? Did they not hug you when you pass them in the hall? Does it make you feel as if you aren't in Paris? Would a hotel "full of Latvians" be better?

We've also stayed at the Relais du Louvre several times and would highly recommend it. Staff is very helpful, speak English, and location and metro access couldn't be better.

Thanks for the responses. I have booked two rooms at the Brighton. (It and Relais du Louvre both sounded great but only the Brighton had rooms available.) Only one garden view room is available at the Brighton. Does anyone know if the hotel is air conditioned?