Hello: We are planning to visit Paris during the first week of may. There are some interesting and affordable hotels in Montmartre , but my husband is concerned about the safety of the area specially in the night. What do you think about that? Any other suggestion ??<BR><BR>Thank you

Safety at night was not an issue when I stayed there some years ago, although there were a few hookers around. The biggest problem was the disgusting hotel that I stayed in (worse even than the worst youth hostels I have been to) and when I was there last year the rip off tourist restaurants around the church which seem to be abundant. (You will find some recommendations though if you go through some of the old lines here). What do you also rate as affordable?

Affordable ?? I would say no more 90 Euros per night. thanks again

You can stay at MANY hotels in better areas of Paris for that price. Look at 2* hotels in the 5th,6th and 7th. Hotel Muguet, for example, in the 7eme is that price and is an excellent hotel in a good location on transportation lines.

Connie,<BR><BR>I think, the Hotel Prima Lepic** on Rue Lepic (metro: Blanche) is one of the hotels with some charm in Montmartre and will be in your price range.<BR><BR>As for the popular hotels on the Left Bank, you will have to be *very* lucky to find something for beginning May.<BR>May 1 is a holiday in most European countries and a Thursday. So, another long weekend to look forward too.<BR>Bonne chance!

The H&ocirc;tel des Arts on rue Tholoz&eacute; (just off rue des Abbesses) is another possibility (http://www.arts-hotel-paris.com/English/Frameset.html). My mother and elderly aunt stayed there and found it very pleasant and good value (doubles are 78 euros). <BR><BR>Safety in the Abbesses/Lepic area is fine - I lived there for a couple of years and never had any trouble. There are always people around, even at night, due to the various caf&eacute;s and restaurants around. It's a nice area to experience Parisian life. The streets are lined with colourful food stalls in the mornings, and the many pavement caf&eacute;s make perfect people watching spots! I love the &quot;village&quot; feel of Montmartre and would stay there over the 6th arrondissement any day (but I guess I'm biased as I lived there!!). Avoid the area around Boulevard de Clichy (where the XX cinemas and shops are) except when going to and from the metro, and you'll feel like you've stepped into a scene from Am&eacute;lie!

We stayed in Montmartre this past February and absolutely loved it. You really feel a part of Paris. Even my wife, who is afraid of her shadow, thoroughly enjoyed her stay. When we go back, we will definitely stay there.<BR><BR>The Abbesses/Lepic area is really neat, and so are the cafes. Hanl sums it up correctly.