My wife and I will be taking a 3 night trip to Paris this Christmas for our anniversary. We are a young couple and this is our first time in Paris. We want to do as much as we can in our 3 days there. We are looking for a modern luxurious hotel (4 to 5 star)in a good location. Our biggest dilemma is which arrondissement to stay. We want an safe area that has a lot of nighttime activity (restaurants, shops, etc.) within walking distance from the hotel. Some of the places which appear somewhat appealing include the following:<BR><BR>Hotel Inter-Continental - 1st Arrondissement<BR>Hilton Paris - 15th Arrondissement<BR>Scribe Hotel - 9th Arrondissement<BR>Hotel D'Aubusson - 6th Arrondissement<BR><BR>Can anyone provide feedback on the above hotels or suggest any better accommodations? Thanks for your help.<BR>

Mark,<BR><BR>Try "www.ely1212.com". It has a good list of hotels all around town. I like the Latin Quarter, but most places along the river up to the Tower are nice. Enjoy your trip.<BR><BR>Greg<BR>

the Hotel D'Aubusson!<BR>There are others here that can give you first hand recommendations on the Aubusson, but I do know it is lovely and everyone that has stayed there has liked it.But, the area is the best! I stay on rue Jacob usually which is nearby the street the Aubusson is on and anywhere in that district is great. Antiques,restaurants, cafes, shopping, book stores, food markets, theaters, tiny winding streets that you just wander into and discover wonderful things~I have stayed at the Hotel D'Angleterre, the Danube and the Lutece on the Ill St Louis..the best thing about staying around the Blvd St Germain is you can walk easily from that side to the Louvre and the Right Bank..we also go on our anniversary in November and there is nothing as romantic as Paris..Happy Anniversary~C

Mark,<BR><BR>There are others 4 stars ( none 5 stars or luxury in fact..) in the 6eme, like Hotel Lutetia, Hotel Bel Ami, Hotel La Villa and Relais Christine. I've stayed only at D'Aubusson, twice, which I very much like, but don't expect the standards to be the same of the United States. It's a small 4 stars, although wonderfully located and with an excellent staff, all of them English speaking.<BR><BR>I particularly do not recommend you the Lutetia, since it doesn't have a modern feel (it's a bit stuffy, and the location is not ideal, IMO), although it has been modernized. The La Villa was projected by Andree Puttman, a well known French architect. However, not everybody likes the style, since it's a little extravagant. I haven't been at the Bel Ami since it was refurbished about two years ago, but some rave about it, mostly for having one of the best concierges in Paris.<BR><BR>The Relais Christine can't be called modern, although it's lovely, with a front yard and a very romantic atmosphere. <BR><BR>Also D'Aubusson, although having been modernized, is an ancient building with a traditional decor ( Aubusson is referred to a beautiful ancient tapestry, exposed on one of the lobby's wall), but it boasts all the modern amenities, and mostly a modern elevator, as well the fixtures and equipment are all modern.<BR><BR>Of the others you mentioned, Hotel Scribe is excellent , but the area where it is doesn't have a lot of night life, just "some". The Inter-Continental isn't a bad choice either, if you like larger hotels, with more facilities.<BR><BR>I'm particularly fond of Saint Germain, because there's always something happening, not matter how early or late it is. Lots of jazz clubs, restaurants, antique shops, book stores, boutiques, brasseries, cafes, you name it, all of them walking distance from the mentioned hotels. And I'm not particularly fond of Rive Droite, unless for the Marais, although I'm very partial to Fb. St. Germain.<BR><BR>I hope it helps...<BR><BR>Have a great time in Paris!<BR><BR>S

I have stayed at Inter-Continental (by Tuileries - not Grand Hotel Intercontinental) only because the hotels were booked up due to the World Cup. It is a business hotel and in the mostly business district, less activities at night. Even the breakfast was like American business hotel breakfast rather than a French Cafe. If I had choice, I would stay in a charming hotel (rather than a business hotel) in left bank, 6th or 7th, Saint Germain, etc.<BR>

For 4 stars, modern, I think of Hotels Bel Ami and Montalembert (www.montalembert.com) in the 7th arr (Montalembert has both traditional and modern rooms, I think, but the traditional is Louis Philippe, not Louis XIV), and Hotel Buci Latin in the 6th (only a 3 star).

Mark:<BR><BR>I have stayed at the Paris Hilton and found it's location near the Eiffel Tower to be quite enchanting. The rooms were rather simple (but clean) though. And the smallish lobby was always crammed full of people. These things might be offset if, as a "first-timer", you get a room with an Eiffel Tower view!

I suggest you avoid the 9th and 15th arrondissements. Little to see; not centrally located; not as safe. Not to sound as a pedant, but, the French system of rating hotels does not recognize more than 4 stars (though there is a "4* lux" category). Of your other 2 choices, I suspect the D'Abusson would give you more of a flavor of Paris, at least cafe society (though I've never stayed in that or the Intercontinental). The 6th is also a great area in which to walk.That's the best way to feel the city.<BR>I actually prefer the grand hotels in the First and Eighth, if someone else is paying, and the smaller hotels of the Fourth when traveling for leisure.

Hello from Paris!<BR><BR>We like the hotel d'aubusson for sure, and try this one also Relais saint jacques, near the luxembourg..Beautiful 4star hotel!<BR>Contact me please if you need other services for Paris such as private guided tours, transfers, etc...<BR>http://www.frenchadventures.com/<BR><BR>Agnes

I agree with most of the other posters. Definitely from your list I'd go with D'Aubusson. And while Agnes may be trying to sell you Relais St. Jacques, on a scale of 1 to 10 for what you have described that you want -- I'd give D'Aubusson about a 8.5 and St. Jacques about a 3.<BR>Although you haven't asked about others, since you are looking for luxury, I'd also suggest Relais St. Germain (see a current post going on about this one)or Relais Cristine. Both in the same great 6th -- near D'Aubusson but I think with even a little more luxury.

Not really more luxury, Patrick, but maybe more functionality. The rooms at the Realis St. Germain are likely larger ( some rooms at D'Aubusson, even the De Luxe ones aren't that large), but it has a piano bar, a restaurant, and a wonderful staff. The Relais St. Germain offers less services, and bigger rooms.<BR><BR>Relais St Jacques, forget about it, Mark, not your cup of tea, nor the Buci Latin. In spite of the smart decor, too small rooms...<BR><BR>S

Relais Christine or D'Aubosson - take your choice. They are in close proximity to each other. Surrounded by wonderful restaurants, walk to all the important museums. YOu have a choice to make, do you want to stay in a hotel with a French feel or one like you could find in New YOrk City. Luxurious sure, but you could be anywhere. Listen to the posters abovee. Take the Relais Christine or the D'Aubusson - you won't be sorry.

good advice, but be wary of any information from Agnes. seems she's been reminded repeatedly that this forum is not a vehicle for free advertising. nevertheless, she advertises, shamelessly. why would anyone trust such an individual?

Hi Mark<BR>I stayed at the d'Aubusson last Dec and liked it very very much. As noted, the decor is charming, and the location is excellent. You would be surrounded by many cafes and shops, and within walking distance of major sites like Notre Dame<BR>(20 minutes) and the Louvre(1/2 hour). You are a five minute walk from both the Odeon and St Michel metro stops.<BR>As noted, the d'Aubusson is a small hotel, but it has all amenities you could want: an excellent (if a bit pricey) breakfast), museum passes sold in the lobby, pleasant staff. Our "superior" room was much much larger than the average double room in a small Paris hotel, and the bathroom was excellent. Also, minibar. Rooms facing rue Dauphine are sometimes subject to some minor noise early on weekday mornings because it is an access road to Pont Neuf, but there is no roar of traffic, just an occasional horn.<BR>Around the corner on Rue de Buci<BR>are shops selling everything from<BR>cheeses and wine to roasted chickens; you could put together a nice picnic in the room if you didn't feel like going out one night (pack your own paper plates and plastic utensils, remembering that these days even plastic knives should only be in checked luggage, not in a carry on.)<BR>The Intercontinental I know, and the Hilton I suspect, are large business-oriented hotels. More hustle and bustle inside, but to my mind not as romantic or charming. The Intercontinental does have an excellent right bank location, and some travelers like the Hilton because you are close to the Eiffel Tower, and yet a little off the beaten path. I have often stayed on the right bank myself and I like it, but<BR>I must admit there's not as much to choose from in terms of interesting restaurants within walking distance.<BR>I have a file on Paris; if you'd like to see it, email me

You have the right idea in chosing the 1st arr., around metro Concorde, for your first visit. This is the most beautiful part of "new" Paris. From her you can easily walk or metro to other areas. You will be surrounded by great shopping, restaurants and attractions such as the Tulleries, Louvre etc. But I too would advise against the "business" hotels. Try our current favorite, Hotel Cambon(www.hotel-cambon.com), one block from the metro, a few steps from rue Rivoli and one block from several super restaurants( Le Souffle, L' Ardoise etc)

Mark<BR>We have just returned from Paris and stayed at the d'Aubusson hotel It was a great place to stay. The location is fantastic (last Dec. we stayed at the Paris Hilton near the Eiffel tower). The ambience is much more authentic and the room are adequate. You can walk sooo many place and get a wonderful feel of Paris.Ther are great resturants within walking distance ie, Le Procope, right on the same street. The Berthillion is within walking distance on Ille St.Louise. Aurberge de la Reine Blanc(their charlotte aux framboise was to die for!) was another good resturant we went to on Ille St. Louise. The Samaritan dept store is just up the street and from the very top you can geta fantastic view of the entire city of Paris(with help from painted pictures all around in each direction..a DO NOT MISS !!)<BR>Gerad Mulot is also a wonderful chocolate shoppe not to be missed. It is closed on Wed. but is located at 76 Rue de Seine.Of course, you must have atleast coffee at Le Margot...just because it is such a landmark! Try every crepe stand with a different flavor...Oh, and don't miss St. Chappelle..A wonder to behold in the sunlight or at an evening concert. Have a wonderful trip. S.

Hi, Mark~Restaurants within walking distance of the Hotel D"Aubusson- Relais Louis IV,Le Bookiniste,Allard,Laperouse,Brasserie Lipp..then you can take a longer walk, go over the pont to Ille St Louis and there are many good restaurants..The St Germain area is so wonderful, all of Paris is, but for a first short visit, there is nothing like staying in that area to get a feel of what the city is like.The first, rue de Rivoli and all is very nice, and expensive and extremely touristy, the 6th and 7th arrondissments are so much more charming and for couples of all ages-Romantic! Best wishes to you and your wife~K