I am going to Paris with my mother in mid-december and am confused about where to stay. We are considering the Hotel Du Louvre and the Intercontinental on the right bank and Hotel Pont Royale on the left. As far as left or right bank, any suggestions about which would be a better location? Esp for nighlife. Also any left bank hotel suggestions in the 4 star range would be greatly appreciated-esp in Saint-Germaine. Thanks!

If it's night life you're after, the Left Bank would be best. There are, however, only a few 4* hotels there, of which the Pont Royal is a new and good one. The Lutetia gets very mixed reviews, and the Rives de Notre-Dame might not be at the level that you want. But you might check out the newish Luxembourg Parc.

Thanks for the info-are you familiar with the area around the Hotel Du Louvre (in the 1st arr)-are there cafes etc around there? Want a central location for both daytime and nighttime-ok with right bank in 1st arr as long as not deserted at night

There are cafés and restaurants near the Hôtel du Louvre but nothing like what you'd find on the LeftBank. Two good restaurants are Le Soufflé (which has other menu options as well) and L'Ardoise; both of these are moderately priced and are on the Rue Mont-Thabor.

Hi PV,

You might be interested in
http://www.parisby.com/relaisstgermain/index.html

The Hotel du Louvre does have a convenient location, and while there aren't nearly as many inexpensive, walk-in cafes as on the left bank, there ARE gems to choose from.

L'Ardoise, 28 rue du Mont Thabor
On that same street is Le Souffle, almost always well-reviewed.
Less expensive is Lescure, Rue Mondavi.

La Ferme St Hubert is near the Madeleine church.
La Sourdiere, at #4, rue de la Sourdiere.
To name a few.

I've always been happy when I've stayed in the 1st arrondissement.

I have a long file on Paris; if you'd like to see it, email me at
[email protected]

Try also Hotel Cambon in the 1st...It is a 4 star hotel, really really nice with a lot of services...Staff is very profesional but very friendly!
http://www.hcambon.com
Enjoy your trip!

It depends what you mean by nightlife and what kind you want. I don't agree at all that the Left Bank is better for night life. You can find night life in either location, and I think the Right Bank is better for some kinds (eg, ballet, opera, concerts in major venues like the Theatre des Champs Elysees, and also for jazz and other kinds of live music, although you can find plenty of jazz on Left Bank).

If you are interested in the Relais St. Germain, I found out that the standard double rooms are approximately 20 sq. m. and they do not have the beamed ceilings. The photos on the hotel's website www.hotelrsg.com do not contain photos of standard double rooms.

We just returned from a week's stay at the Pont Royal. It's in a residential neighborhood.. but within walking distance of most major sites. We loved the hotel... but it is a little bit "staid".. don't know what you mean about "nightlife" (with one's mother??). But I'm sure the concierge ( who were always helpful) could steer you in the right direction.