I am looking for a small, elegant boutique hotel--4 to 5 star--in the 16th arrondissement. I prefer staying in an upscale, centrally located neighborhood off the beaten tourist track. The 16th sounds perfect. Any suggestions on a hotel or b&B would be appreciated. I like luxury but not stuffiness. Thanks.

<BR>I can't help about a "boutique-hotel". However, though the 16th is indeed upscale and off the beaten tourist track (actually even off the parisians tracks...I live in Paris, and I don't think I go there more than once every other year) it's not centrally located.

We are planning on staying at the Raphael. I believe it fits your description.

Thank you for the advice. Is the 16th a little too far off the beaten track? Is there an a quite, elegant area a little closer to the center of things?

I don't live in Paris, but visit 3-4 times a year. I like the 16th but it IS a little off the beaten path, as you say. It is a predominantly upper-middle class, residential neighbourhood. I stayed in the area once in Queens hotel (2-star probably) which was very nice and I enjoyed the local restaurants. What I particularly liked about the area was that it was QUIET - I had stayed four nights in St. Germain area and I was ready for quite! <BR> <BR>I was in the area last week and I posted the following information re the Hotel Dokhan (did not stay there)- it is a member of the Sofitel chain, which in my experience is a gurantee of quality and I would certainly consider it: <BR> <BR>For those in search of a bit of (respectable) decadence: Last night a colleague and I visited the champagne bar in Le Dokhan hotel in the 16th (found it on the Fodor's site) that serves NOTHING but champagne (where else, but in Paris!). Apparently, every week there is a different champagne by the glass featured. The room is tiny and beautiful and was full. Definitely NOT recommend for those sensitive to cigarette smoke. A nice treat before you dine in the 16th or around Trocedero (nearest Metro). The hotel itself is a Sofitel and looks "tres chic". Rooms cost from about 2,000FF to 4,000FF (suite). <BR> <BR>If you want to stay in THE hotel in the 16th, St James is the one and if you stay there you MUST let us all know if it is worth the money!!!! <BR> <BR>I have stayed in various areas and recently have settled on the Hotel Lotti in the 1st, because of its central location and here's what I posted last week: <BR> <BR>I'm staying at the Hotel Lotti, (Rue Castiglione (off the Rivoli, close to Concorde), two blocks from the Intercontental and down the street from the Ritz (far cheaper than either). I stay here often, when on business, and rates vary. "Faded glory" is the term that comes to mind. It is an Italian chain and, from what I have observed, predominantly caters for Italians and business people. It has been going through extensive renovations over the past year. The rooms are relatively large (for Paris) and the rates vary - I have paid anywhere from 900FF to 1600FF depending on time of year; rack rates are far more - the best room I have been given had a rack rate of 3,900FF and I was lucky enough to get it for 900FF and it was HUGE by any standards). <BR> <BR>There are several other hotels I would recommend you check out on the following website: <BR> <BR>http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/ <BR> <BR>The 14th is probably my favorite area and I would recommend the L'Aiglon and Raspail. <BR> <BR>In the 6th, I liked the Relais Hotel de Vieux Paris and the Victoria Palace. <BR> <BR>There is a huge selction of hotels to suit every taste. Have you planned hwat you want to do? - that might help with the hotel selection. <BR> <BR>Good luck .... Ger

We had an apartment in the 16th, practically around the corner from the Queen's Hotel that Ger mentioned. I love that part of the 16th and the Ave Mozart and Victor Hugo areas. We were in Paris yesterday visiting friends staying at the Meurice across from the Tuileries. We went over to the 7th for a bit and then to the Marais to do some last minute Sunday gift buying. On the Thalys home, my husband and I kept saying crowded all those places were and how much we appreciated the 16th. It is NOT too far off the beaten track, but it is far enough!! When we had our apartment (in the Auteuil) section of town, we could easily get anywhere we wanted by metro. But unless we were tour guiding visitors around or going to a specific sight, we preferred to spend our time in the 16th, just enjoying ourselves. <BR>The Raphael is a lovely hotel and has a strong following among the Italian fashion, media and film industries. The rooms are large (at least the ones we've seen) and the bar is great. <BR>BTilke

The Raphael is gorgeous, a bit big to be a boutique. Also the Baltimore (same street, avenue Kleber). You might also look at the Parc Victor Hugo nearby (nice couryard restaurant for summer dinners).

Thank you all so much. You have been VERY helpful. There are so many hotels to pick from that it is terribly confusing. Is there one section of the 16th that is more convenient than the others or are all of the hotels clustered together? Keep the advice coming. It's fantastic!!!!

We are booked at the Hotel Kleber in the 16th. It is only a 3 star but thhe web site looks very parisian (and ornate) at least in the lobby.Will be there next week. Will let you know how it is.