Latin Quarter or Montparnasse?
 

I'm a 1st timer to Paris - going in September. I've located 2 hotels - Hotel de Suez in the Latin Quarter and Hotel Delambre in Montparnasse. I've read good things about both hotels, but I'm not sure which area to stay in. I live in a big city so I'm not concerned about noise or crowds. I plan to do lots of walking, sightseeing, shopping, restuarants, bars...

What would you recommend? Thanks in advance.

I personally like the livliness of the Latin Quarter, as well as it's location in the city.

Hello,

Since it'll be your first time in the city, I second the recommendation for the Latin Quarter. If I remember correctly, the Hotel de Suez is well-situated, on the Boul Mich & west of the Sorbonne; definitely closer to the river. Lots of walking will probably lead you to the Montparnasse area anyway.

Another vote for the Latin Quarter; closer to the heart of the city.

Latin Quarter no contest.

I"m sure you can have a good time in both, but I would prefer the Montparnasse location and hotel myself. I also have read good reviews of both so I don't think you can go wrong, but I hope you mean it when you say noise and crowds don't bother you because that's one of the main reasons I would prefer the Delambre. The Suez is on bd St-Michel very near the Seine which is one of the areas of Paris I just really do not like -- for noise, dirt, crowds, cheap shops, traffic and general unattractiveness. Bd St-Michel has really gone downhill in the last 15-20 years in my opinion on that scale. I really would recommend a room on the courtyard if you are in that hotel because I think a room that opened onto bd St-Michel would have to be very noisy.

The Delambre is on a side street that isn't that busy or noisy, but within a block to plenty of restaurants, good cafes, movies and 3 metro stops that provide very easy public transportation elsewhere. I just like the restaurants and cafes in that area a lot better than right around the Cluny/St Michel metro stop.

It is hard to say, though, because I know a lot of people think being right near that metro stop is great and it will be easy to walk to Notre Dame, the museums, the Seine, etc. In Montparnasse, you'll have to take the metro a couple stops for 10 min. to get there -- but you will have to deal with that.

Both hotels like decent but nothing fancy, of course, what you'd expect as they are about the same rate from what I've seen. However, that's another reason I'd prefer the Delambre because that is a 3* hotel (compared to 2* for Suez because many tourists will pay more to be near that metro stop). There is usually a reason for an extra star, and from what I've seen, the Delambre has minibars and AC and the Suez does not, which is probably some of the reasons. Also, the Delambre has a nice range of room quality that you can specify by price (reg double, superior, delux), even though the range is only about 80-95 euro. I like being able to specify and knowing more what I'm getting.

If you don't care about a minibar (I like to buy water, cheese, etc and keep it in there if I'm staying a while) nor the AC, it doesn't matter so much. It depends when you are going in September as to whether AC is even a thought--early Sept. it could be. If you do book it and that is one of the reasons, I would first check on that as I've only seen it listed as having AC on one website, so I don't know if that is a new feature or a mistake.

Quartier Latin, no doubt. Lively, lots of restaurants, good nightlife. C'est l'magnifique.

Hi tandia,

If you are young and want to stay up late, then the Suez.

Looking at the websites, I prefer the Delambre at the same price.

I support what Ira and Christina said.

I prefer to visit the Latin quarter in daytime and leave it to the rabblerousers at night.

I am also with Christina and Ira. I would definitely pick the Delambre. It's not in the middle of a touristy area, but a nice "Parisien" area with good restaurants and cafes - and several metro options. I usually stay in the Montparnasse area, and like it very much. At the Delambre you could take the Air France Bus from CDG to Gare Montparnasse and walk to the Delambre. However, I've been to Paris quite a few times. A first timer might prefer being closer to all that "action"! And it also might depend on your age. I myself am considering staying at the Delambre for a night or two in October before leaving for Burgundy. Their prices are much better than my usual hotel, and I've heard good things about it. You'll have a great time no matter where you stay!

I have only been to Paris once and stayed in the Latin Quarter. Very central, very "Paris", easy to get around on foot to most of the central sites and parks.

Loved it!

Always staying in Montparnasse!
So, you'll know my answer. :)
Very convenient to get around.

From Rue Delambre you have easy access to either Edgar Quinet or Vavin mero stops.
No to speak about the fantastic bus connections and the wonderful small bistrots in that area.