What are the major differences between the 6th and 7th arrondissements?
Is the 7th as charming and romantic as the 6th?
We were thinking of staying at either Hotel d'Aubusson or Villa D'Estrees in the 6th, but are now considering Hotel Montalembert in the 7th. We are first timers to Paris and will do the usually touristy things.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks

I am not sure how romantic either of these are but the Montalambert is in a great location for walking and sighteeing.

Yes, and if you are looking at the 7th, consider Hotel Pont Royale

I think the most romantic of the three hotels is Hotel d'Aubusson. All are great hotels. As much as I love the 6th, I always suggest 1st timers stay in the 1st. Very near the major sights and easy metro access, as many will be only one line rather than two from the 6th. The 1st has some great hotels as well.

6th close to 7th or 7th close to 6th
is the best I have found ( have stayed in 1-9, 16 and 14th)

In general, the 6th is a little more lively; more tourists and hotels, and in my opinion, a little more central. The 7th is a little more residential, beautiful, upscale residential. The Montalembert, though in the 7th, is right on the border of the 6th in an excellent location - Though a nice hotel, I find the standard rooms a bit small, and sometimes overpriced. D'Aubusson is very good, and in a great location. You will not go wrong with any of your choices.

D'Aubusson. Lovely hotel, great area. Close to everything. We loved it! Returning to the area but renting an apt this time.

1st timers need to be prepared to walk a lot!

Hey, You! I stayed in the 6e for only one reason: I wanted to walk in the footsteps of many French and American literary giants and philosophers. I got chills sitting where Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoire sat, sipped, chatted and argued, and dining where Hemingway and Miller did -- though not together, of course. I found the sixth arrondissement to be quite walkable and loved the tiny, winding rues near the Seine. Each of us is allowed to have our biases. I found the 7e to be more elegant than the 6e, not the least of which reasons is it has the Eiffel Tower and the Rodin Museum! However, both arrondissements are charming in their own ways. Not sure if Hotel Lutetia is in the 6e or 5e, but I have heard only lovely things about that hotel. It is pricey, but you will be able to walk easily to touristy sites. BTW, being originally from New York City, I found the changing of train lines (look for those "Correspondance" signs in le Metro) to be effortless. Any good subway map will show you the transfer points clearly and in the different colors. That way, if you feet are tired (and they will be!) and it is late at night, you will be able to hop on and off the trains. Bonne chance!

I think you are making a mistake by thinking that if you stay in the Montalembert, the characterization of the 7th arr. as a whole pertains. It doesn't, as that hotel is close to the 6th and not near what most people will be talking about when they describe the 7th. The Lutetia isn't even near the 5th, it's in the 6th, very close to the border of the 7th. The Montalembert is a very convenient location, I think, being near the river and on a good bus route. I don't think of entire major urban areas as being romantic.

"Romantic," as with other adjectives, is subjective. I am well-studied on Romance as informed by art and literature, and I must say that no matter how hectic the urban realities of Paris are, once you stroll over to the Seine (upper or lower quais), Romance is so tangible that it has the power of transforming even the most jaded urbanite. And it's not just the Seine. Returning to my ornithological visual, a pigeon lighting on a statue in le Jardin du Luxembourg speaks volumes. Two lovers smooching near said statue is priceless. The Seine is never far away unless you are in the 'burbs.