As for hotel breakfast, it's good now that the price of breakfast is quoted separately from the price of the hotel room. I remember the days when it was not and I couldn't get the price of breakfast deducted from the hotel price. I prefer to not eat breakfast at a hotel and especially since I have three food allergies and can't even eat most of the items served.

Happy Travels!

"PatrickLondon: Not sure what you mean by the St Paul le Marais being a bit "swisher" ... Do you mean the decor? Or the "gayborhood?""

In British English, it usually means "swanky", possibly approaching OTT (Over the top)

The Best Western Hotels in Paris are usually very good and something excellent! The one in the Rue de l'Ancienne Comedie is a fantastic location

We stayed at Hotel Le Regent in 2010. We loved the location and walked almost everywhere.

Thanks so much for all your comments and great suggestions. At the moment I'm leaning toward the St. Jacques.

My only question is whether the 4th or 6th arr. might have any advantages???

Some of my favorite attractions, such as the Luxembourg Gardens, are either in the 6th or the 5th so my preference is for the 6th arr. I also like the topography of the 5th and 6th, including the Rue de la Montagne Ste. Genevieve, and more greenery. I remember it being more crowded in the 4th and more traffic. Of course, there are exceptions in each arr. but these are my general impressions.

We stayed for two weeks in the 3rd arr. a few years ago and also took a walking tour of the Marais/Bastille area a year ago so we spent quite a bit of time in the Marais.

I think our room was superior, but am not sure. The price was vary good, compared to others I contacted, and the room was good-sized.

We really liked the location. It is pleasant and lively at night, which made it feel safe, too, because lots of people were out at night. We walked nearly everywhere

very good

Thanks so much for the responses. This has helped so much. Now, time to get out the "How to Speak French" CD.