Hi - we (2 people) will be in Paris for the weekend of Feb 28 and looks like all the nice hotels (from Fodors, Timeout, Frommers, etc.)in the Marais are booked! Any leads on decent (2 or 3 star) but less known hotels or rooms for rent for two nights (Feb 28, March 1) in the Marais or neighbouring areas would be much appreciated! Thanks!!

I stayed at the Grand Hotel Jeanne d'Arc on the Rue de Jarente two years ago, and it was fine. A tiny place, about 2 stars I think (maybe 3), but clean, friendly, and comfortable. And reasonable.

Since your trip is less than a month off, I'm not surprised to hear that the popular places are booked, especially since most are small. I'd suggest trying some booking engines which allow you to search for availability by date. One that does, and also allows you to narrow your search by arrondissement, is http://www.paris-hotels-in-paris.com/ <BR><BR>You could still contact the hotel directly to reserve (I do), but at least you wouldn't be wasting time with hotels that are completely full.<BR><BR>Bonne chance!

digital.france.com/hotels also shows you vacancies by date and they have a good list of hotels and rates, although they are skimpy on 2-star hotels. They show several that look decent with vacant rooms -- the St Paul le Marais and the Bourg Tibourg and Des Chevaliers. That isn't the same St Paul in St-Germain that people comment about on here, but should be fine for two nights. I'm sure that site can't be exact with vacancies but it's better than random inquiries. They have many customer comments, also, which is nice.

Not sure which hotels that you tried. In 2000, stayed at the Caron de Beaumarchais, which was great but probably booked.<BR><BR>In '01, stayed in the Hotel Saint Merry and also liked it very much:<BR><BR>http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/h75004stmerry2.htm<BR><BR>Good luck and enjoy your visit!

Arista, the Jeanne d'Arc is one of those listed in practically every guidebook. It's usually booked months in advance.

Thanks for all your suggestions! We are booked at the Bretonnerie (a classic room). Has anyone stayed there? Any feedback would be great!

I've stayed twice at the Hotel Lyon Mulhouse, 2 **, 11e 8 Boulevard Beaumarchais, Mo: Bastille, ph (01) 47 00 91 50, fax (01) 47-00-06-31. email: [email protected]<BR><BR>I've even recommended this to my boss and she loved it, too.<BR><BR>My room both times was large, had phone, tv, bath w/shower, hairdryer and a balcony.<BR><BR>The hotel is half a block from the Bastille metro and there's lots of restaurants and the Opera House nearby.<BR><BR>I stayed there is '01 and our triple room was abour $73 and our double was about $70.<BR><BR>Give them a try and good luck,<BR>Sandy ([email protected])

Look no further -- you've already got one of the best deals in Paris. I would definitely get a &quot;charming&quot; room if I could.

We stayed at the Bretonnerie in November in a room de charme and we loved it! The room was beautiful, the neighborhood was great, and the staff was very friendly. Have a great time!