Hi, so we have finally settled on an itinerary for our September trip. We are going to do a 50/50 split of Paris and Barcelona. There are so many great area's in Paris that I don't know where to begin. We are first time visitors and have a long list of things to do, see and eat!

If any of you have been to Rome, I loved the area around the Pantheon because it was closet to everything but quieter than say the spanish steps area. That was a bit to crowded and commercial to me. So somewhere similar in Paris would be nice. I have heard St. Germaine is very nice.

I am open to an apartment rental if you think that would be good for a first time stay and for a short time.

Thank you all so very much!!!

What's your budget per night?

In my opinion, a first time visitor can't go too wrong in the 6th Arrondisement, which includes St. Germaine), but of course there are better and worse places to stay there. But it's very central and while tourists abound, so do Parisians. But if you'd prefer a funkier area with a more youthful vibe, there are other great areas in which to stay as well.

We rented an apartment in the Marais from A la Carte Paris and loved it. The apartment was wonderful, location excellent, and working with the rental company was very easy....even let us use the computer/printer in their office for train tix. They have quite a selection of apartments in Paris, and you can see pictures on their website.
We loved Paris and our apartment so much that we are returning again this year for a longer stay.

As far as budget goes I would like to stay under $400 us dollars, however less is always more desirable! I have also heard great things about the Marais. Travelcat, do you have the number of the rental unit?

I have rented from Paris Best Lodge (inexpensive) and Guest Apartment Services (not inexpensive), each more than once. I recommend both agencies, depending on what you want.

http://www.parisbestlodge.com/

http://www.guestapartment.com/

msheiny.....we stayed in the Marais Delight.....it is a studio, but roomy and perfect for our needs. Check their site....the pictures are accurate. Wonderful location, a block from the river. We loved the Marais.....and in the week we were there we walked everywhere. Never did make it on the metro
There are many apartments to choose from on their site.

In Paris, we always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. From 139E dbl + bkfst. It is just around the corner from Place St. Sulpice, near 3 metro stops and 4 bus routes. Has AC and an elevator.

The staff speaks English well, and is very helpful. The front desk is staffed 24/7

They can arrange a shuttle pickup to CDG for you.

Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67
[email protected]
www.hotelbonaparte.fr

For more info, enter "Hotel Bonaparte" in the "search the forum" box.

I second Ira's recommendation of Hotel Bonaparte. We stayed there for a week & loved it. Price is reasonable, and location is perfect. We walked to so many places because we prefer walking but we did use the bus once and metro a few times. Very convenient. About 5 min walk from Luxembourg Gardens.