We stayed at La Familia in September and thought the room and neighbourhood were fine. The bathroom was quite modern and we appreciated the plasma tv. We did not enjoy breakfast in the much too crowed lobby though.

Last time in Paris (Sept. '08) I stayed on Rue St. Andre des arts in the 6th. Less than 100 meters from the flat was an ecole maternelle, so someone must be living around there as those weren't tourists waiting for the little kiddies to be let out every afternoon. Granted, many tourists but also students, shop owners, residents, etc. One reason why I love that area.

Haha, you people get so upset if a place you like is called a tourist neighborhood. You must really hate tourists.

I work in the Champs Elysées area and there are schools and bakeries there, too, so I guess that qualifies it as a nice normal neighborhood.

We stayed there a number of years ago. One of our favorite activities is to collect food during the day and have a feast in the hotel room for dinner. The rooms at La Familia are so small we could only have an appetizer.

Wonderful neighborhood. Have you checked into ira's favorite hotel not too far away?

LOL Adu! :-)

I did look at Hotel Bonaparte, and I know that we are spoiled but since they didn't have WiFi, and the twin rooms were 159 Euro per night (more expensive than some other hotels in the 5th,) I crossed them off the list. I've reserved a twin room at Hotel Claude Bernard at 43 Rue des Ecoles for an average of 139 E a night. It puts us right in the heart of the 5th (I think)& the rooms are larger than at La Familia and it has AC. I think I was misled by one of the booking sites into thinking there was WiFi although I know internet access is available. I'll have to write to the hotel and find out for sure. Thanks, everyone for your input.

Adu, I see you were using your award-winning ability to write one-liners. Thanks for the laugh.

When you come out of la Familia, turn right and right again. Small restaurant called Alexis & Daniel. Great food and atmosphere.

DH and I have stayed at the Familia and it's sister hotel next door the Minerve many many times. It is a great area, walking distance to all, never felt unsafe even late at night. It's our favorite area of Paris, perhaps because we tend to always stay in the 5th and are very familiar with it. The Beer Academy on the corner is a great place to mingle with students and have an afternoon cocktail. Interesting to hear that Alexis and Daniel was good. Dh and I ate there a few years ago and it was quite simply the worst meal I ever had. Food was cold, wine from a box......

<i>Dh and I ate there a few years ago and it was quite simply the worst meal I ever had. Food was cold, wine from a box......</i>

But I thought there was no bad food in Paris :-)

Suki~If you are still looking...We stayed at Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais(more $4 but not much more) and loved it. We are two women who walk the streets of Paris with some familiarity.
All that being said, the hotel was small, well appointed and we felt immensely safe. It is in the Marais.

whoops that was supposed to read "more $$". If there is a way for you to get in touch via e mail(g mail account or the like) let me know. I have more Paris suggestions.
Pam

The neighborhood is wonderful and very accessible. I have lived there. I have never stayed at the Familia, but I did spend three weeks between apartments at their sister hotel, Minerve. They have both gotten great reviews, but I was completely underwhelmed.

sf7307 - Oh it is possible to have bad food in paris....

RE: Alex & Daniel... Each to his own I guess. We have had nothing but good meals there, but then again we didn't order wine in a box.

Don't know anything about the neighborhood, never been to Paris...just wanted to say...Have a GREAT TIME!

ty

Thanks ty! I plan to.

Pam, thanks for the offer. You can reach me at sukipa at comcast dot net.