KSLS

Going to Paris for the 1st time (also 1st time in Europe) the end of May arriving early in the morning on a Sat and leaving Tues morning. Been doing alot of research on the areas of paris and trying to find the best location for a 1st time visitor as location will be the key to maximize our short time there. I am struggling with the hotel and our itinerary. I have read some forums and have seen that people seem to stay in the Latin Quarter or Saint Germain. Since we plan on walking alot of places I am wondering if the 1st would be a better option. I just dont know where to stay. I am reaching out to see if someone can give me some useful information, recommendations and guidance.

1. Hotel recommendations- looking for 3 star or above hotel, Prefer to spend $1000 or less for 3 nights, would prefer a room above a standard room as I prefer not stay in a closet. Somewhere that is comfortable and not competely outdated. Would like to have a balcony or big windows that open but this is not a deal breaker.

2. Recommendations for best transportation- will need a transfers from Charles De Gaulle Airport when arriving and departing from Orly. Prefer either getting a transfer service or taxi...which is better and if transfer service any recommendations on a company?

Things we would like to see in 3 days are below. I know we will not be able to spend alot of time at each location but if anyone has any suggestions on an order of seeing things it would be greatly appreciatated!!

1. Seine Rive Cruise (plan on doing in the evening)
2. Effifle Tower (plan on seeing in the evening)
3. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
4. Musée du Louvre ( only planning to spend a few hours there)
5. Jardin du Luxembourg ( would like to take a walk through as I hear it is beautiful
6. Arc de Triomphe
7. Would like to take a walk in the area where all the fashion designers have stores
8. Basilique du Sacre-Coeur
9. Palais Garnier (Paris National Opera)
10. Musée d'orsay
11. Panthéon Monument

I am sure there are a few other things I am missing here...but I would like to see some of the sights to see some of the highlights and take some pictures, walk around and take it all in and have some time to stop and just relax in a cafe!

Plan on seeing some of the things at night like the Eiffle tower and take the Seine river Cruise (I hear that it is the best time to take the cruise) and would also like to go to a show, Lido or Moulin Rouge (any suggetions which is better?)

Sorry this is a long request but I thank anyone who responds in advance for their time and recommendations.

tatie

I don’t normally spend that kind of money on hotels so I can’t really offer any specific recommendations, although I will say that you don’t have to spend a lot in Paris to find a nice place that isn’t the size of a closet.

Given that many of the sights you’re interested in (Notre Dame, Jardin du Luxembourg, Panthéon) are in or near the Latin Quarter, I think you're right in looking for a hotel there or in Saint Germain (where you’ll also find high end boutiques and cafes). I’ve stayed in Saint Germain and walked all over the place, including to the Louvre. The rest of the sights you’re interested in are easily reached by the metro or bus.

In three days I think you’ll have time to see everything on your list; you can do a Seine River cruise or even get a pass for the Batobus, which is a water taxi with stops along the Seine. It’s a fun, scenic way to get to different parts of the city.

denisea

I love the 6th and the St Germain area.

We stayed there on our last trip and I also stayed there on a previous trip.

Here are some hotel options for you: Hotel Louis II (this is where we stayed in December); Hotel Fleurie (stayed there before and it was nice); Hotel Odeon St Germain, Odeon Hotel and Relais St Germain. All with the exception of Fleurie are right at the Odeon Carrefour...very close to the Odeon Metro station (Hotel Odeon St Germain is a little further away from the Carrefour).

Lots of great cafes and restaurants around the area! Also a Gerard Mulot patisserie that we went to every day (delicious pain au chocolat).

The above area is not far from all the major sites and with the Metro right there, it is easy to get where you want to be.

cheryllj

Your budget is about 230E max per night. Is that for a double? Twin? Triple? You say "we" but you don't say who "we" are, whether a couple or a family of 5.

In addition to the Louis II, Fleurie and Odeon St Germain mentioned above, I'd also look at the following hotels in the 5th or 6th. I don't know about balconies but they get good reviews and should meet your budget:

Hotel Jardin de l'Odeon
Hotel des Grands Hommes
Hotel Henri VI Rive Gauche
Hotel la Perle
Hotel le Regent

BowenLinda

For a very short first visit, I'd suggest the Hotel Saint-Louis on Ile St Louis:

http://www.saintlouisenlisle.com/index.php?langue_id=2

I have not personally stayed there but have two friends who independently did, and liked it and the location a lot.

You are not going to get North American sized hotel rooms unless you are spending a fair amount per night IMO. I personally haven't heard of a large Parisian hotel room with balcony at this price point, but I'd be pleased to be proved wrong.

Getting a map of Paris and pinpointing where your must-sees are will be helpful in grouping off a morning, evening, etc. and will help you prioritize.

Have fun and let us know how it went...

ellen75005

I agree with what the other posters have said. Stay in the 1st, 5th or 6th. Other areas would be fine, too, but for a first-timer, you can't go wrong with those. I'd also vote for the Hotel St. Louis. I've never stayed there either, but as BowenLinda said, you can't beat the location (Ile St. Louis is wonderful).

You have a good list of must-sees. The only thing I'd add to your list is the St. Chapelle. It's a "chapel" on Ile de la Cite with magnificent stained glass windows. Google it for pictures. If you have time, climb up Notre Dame to be face-to-face with the gargoyles. You'll also get a good view of Paris.

Try to group your activities geographically. Paris is the best walking city in the world in my opinion, but plan your time so you're not crossing the Seine several times a day.

Take a break from your sightseeing by sitting at a cafe and taking in the people. Have a wonderful trip; you'll fall in love with Paris!

Fodorite018

We have stayed at the Britannique in the 1st and absolutely loved it! Beautiful hotel, great location, and within your budget. We had two rooms. One was small, but the other quite spacious. Both had big windows that opened which was nice. I would stay there again in a hearteat, but we will be in an apt instead this summer due to budget.

http://www.hotel-britannique.com/

KSLS

Tried to get Britannique but it is booked. Most of the hotels I have looked at in the area are booked already. But I was able to book the Hotel Lenox Saint Germaine. I think it should be fine...although I would have rathered the Britannique.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a private airport transfer company?

Thank you again!

KSLS

I finally got into the Britannique! Hotel contacted us regarding a canellation. I have heard so many good things about this hotel and I am excited we were able to get a room for our stay. I have also taken advice regarding transfers and using a taxi. Apparently shuttles are a disaster in Paris. Thank you again for suggestions and advice!

Mimar

Hey, an apartment isn't just for the cheap. There are very luxurious apartments with more space than almost all hotel rooms. And with private terraces overlooking the city. But an apartment is not for those who rely on concierges, room service, etc. However if you like your privacy....

Fodorite018

You will love the Britannique Not sure if this still holds true, but when we stayed there, being a member of Bonjour Paris (I think it cost us $35) gave us a 10% discount at the hotel. We had 2 rooms so the savings way offset the fee. So you might look into that. Have a great trip!

StCirq

<<will need a transfers from Charles De Gaulle Airport when arriving and departing from Orly.>>

I don't understand this. Which airport(s) are you arriving at/departing from? Transfers between airports? Transfers to the city (if so, from/to which airport)?

Christina

I think a lot of people just use the term "transfer" to mean going from an airport to their hotel. So the OP apparently has decided to use a taxi for that.

If you really want a group airport shuttle, I don't use them myself but it seems lots of people take them and I don't think I would characterise the industry as a disaster. Most people seem satisfied, I imagine it's about the same as any other city in that regard. Although it's really a budget move so I find it surprising someone wanting a superior room in a hotel and paying that much per night for a hotel would want to scrimp on transportation from the airport, but everybody has their thing, I guess.

KSLS

Regarding Transfers I mean transportation to and from airport. Flying into degaulle and out of Orly. I was asking for recommendations on companies that provide transfers and I would be hiring a personal and private transfer. I have found most transfer companies can provide private transfers.

Christina it was interesting you automatically assumed I was looking for a group shuttle then you state you were surprised by the fact I would be scrimp on transportation based on how much I am paying for a room! I find that offensive...you should have your facts before judging and posting like this on the site. Interesting enough you dont know me or know what financial background I come from. But just to set the record straight...I take private transfers every time I travel.

I must say I do like and appreciate the time and effort people take in giving recommendations on this site. It is very helpful when planning a trip somewhere you have never been. But unfortunately I have found some people to be very rude. I dont understand why people would take the time to write someone they dont even know and offend them? I am not easily offended but geeze people...have some class!

Scootoir

KSLS,

We use private transfers in Paris and on our last trip we used Bee Shuttle. We don't want to share a van with strangers or que for a taxi after a transatlantic flight.

I appreciate hearing about the Hotel Britannique and am glad you got a booking. Our favorite hotel has not responded to recent emails so we might have to look for another this fall.

S.

wendysuebob

venere.com is a great site for finding lodging with a many stars as you choose. The hotels are reviewed by folks who've stayed there and there are links to the hotels' web sites. I found some great places in Florence, Venice, Amsterdam and Paris using this site.

For something to do in Paris, I suggest considering the tour of the catacombs under the city. I found it fascinating. Here's a link to the National Geographic article about them. http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/20...ound/shea-text and a link to the Wikipedia page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catacombs_of_Paris

Bon voyage. Wendy