I'm 26/F & going to Paris on my own for 5-6 days in Nov.

Is it worth staying in hostels just because you'd like to meet interesting people on a trip?

I'm debating between hostels & hotels. And the only reason I'd prefer a hostel is meeting people.

I don't know if hotels (budget hotels) would have a common area for people to meet up etc.

Thoughts?

Have a wonderful trip, Paris is a wonderful city to wander and be lost in. I have travelled solo often, and have never had trouble metting people / talking to people, and this normally happens when I am on trains, or in queues, or at a market, or in unexpected places. I was sitting at the base of the Eiffel Tower, just dreaming and looing at the view, and said something in passing to someone else, and then another person overheard and recognised my accent as from being in his home city (Adelaide)... and we got chatting for a long time. Travelling solo in my experience is great and meeting people if you feel like company is rarely an issue. Day tours have been a good way to make friends as well.

If you are going solo because of circumstances but prefer a companion at all times not even a hostel may offer you this. Advertise right here on Fodors for a GTG for a drink, meal, whatever. I loved travelling solo in Paris and was never lonely.
Read my Trip Report: 2 Weeks in Paris & GTG's Trip Report. Maybe you'll pick up some tips.

You could try a walking tour for something and see if you meet people that way.

I wouldn't count on meeting people in a hotel (and I've never stayed in a hostel so can't comment on that).

I think the idea of a 1/2 day tour or activity might be good in an area that interests you... bike tour, cooking class, etc. Also watch for restaurants that have a bar to sit at or common table where singles are seated.

I have found it is easier to hook up for a short time with a couple (as a single person) than another single. Many people who travel solo aren't necessarily interested in meeting strangers along the way. While more than once I've been invited to join a couple or group for dinner when people see I am alone.

I once saw a tourist strike up a conversation with an incredibly interesting looking older Parisian woman while sitting on a bench in Luxembourg Gardens, but he spoke reasonably fluent French.

If you haven't yet, also read on The Lonely Planet website their bulletin board called The Thorn Tree. There are more younger, hostel staying posters on that BB than on Fodor's.

I posted a response to one of your other threads about C.I.S.P. It's an international student dorm with very inexpensive nightly rates. You would likely meet other international students there. While there might be few from France, there will be people for you to join up with and go to local clubs. (at least, that's the experience my daughter had when she spent a semester in Paris).

Click on your name to find your other posts.

I still correspond with an Architect from Uruguay, a Bank Admin from Argentina, and an Agricultural Engineer from Nicaragua, all whom I met on a Julia Tours daytrip to Toledo. We were all traveling solo in early 2001 around Spain and happened to take the same day tour to Toledo. So, as far as hotels vs. hostels, I would stay where you feel safer, because as far as meeting people, you will if you make an effort.