ParisWannabe

Hi, folks, I need some advice. I will be in Paris for business and then a long weekend in mid-March. I have been twice before but I am still not familiar with the districts, so I need everyone's expert advice. Here is my situation: I am female, solidly in my 50s, like street scenes, activity (walking, biking, and anything else), neighborhood bistros, museums. Not much on buying things but I like to window shop. I will be by myself. <BR><BR>So I need your advice on where to stay. I have read the recent comments on Montparnasse, but I didn't see any hotel recommendations. I found Tulip Inn Little Palace on a hotel booking web site. Does anyone know this hotel?<BR><BR>Yes, I know I can do a search, but I would like the insiders' insight.<BR><BR>Thanks in advance. <BR> <BR>

paristoo

Please help. Thanks

andi

I stayed in the 4th (Marais) 2 1/2 years ago by myself, and was very comfortable. Lots of activity on the nearby streets at night to feel safe, great location, lots of interesting shops and restaurants (though what area of Paris doesn't), tres hip. I was just shy of 50 then, I am a serious walker, and I think in the five days I was there I took the metro maybe twice. Don't know your budget, but I stayed at a perfectly nice small hotel called the Hotel de la Place des Vosges, and I'm staying there again in April. I think singles run in the $75-$80 range. Bon vacances!

Lori

Since Paris is basically a small city you can get to anyplace pretty quickly via metro. I'd stay in the 7th Arr if I were you. It's safe and it's residential (we have relatives who live there, "at the foot of the Eiffel Tower" so I know what I'm talking about). There are lots of hotels, it's a great walking area and Rue Cler is nearby. We've stayed at the Relais Bosquet, just off Rue Cler and about 2 blocks from Ecole Militaire Metro stop. Very good location, nice hotel (I've done a review on it if you want to use the search function). Personally I am not crazy about the Montparnasse area but each to their own. I just think from your description of yourself the 7th Arr around Rue Cler would be better. It's more "neighborhood" but very easy to get to tourist things. We've stayed in many areas of Paris but like the 7th the best. The 16th is nice too as it is residential and it's also an easy metro ride to most places.<BR>

Capo

My first recommendation would be the 6th, especially the part that is the St-Germain-des-Pr&eacute;s neighborhood. <BR><BR>See... http://www.paris.cx/st_germain_des_pres.html <BR>...and click on "more pictures" (underneath the photo on the right) for some great photos of street scenes.<BR><BR>Second recommendation would be for the 4th, especially the Marais neighborhood, which escaped Baron Haussmann's urban planning projects and major boulevards, in 1852 - 1870 and, therefore, is arguably the most beautifully preserved neighborhood in Paris.

ParisWannabe

Thanks. This is the kind of advice I was looking for, and I thank you for taking the time to reply.

candice

Hi, I don't know what your budget is but there are some good hotels on the Left Bank where a lady alone would feel comfortable.The Danube is very reasonable and charming, the staff is excellent and take very good care of their guests.It is on rue Jacob and in the heart of the galleries,antique shops and a block off of Blvd St Germain, you can walk across the Seine to the Louvre,easily.The other hotels would be the Angleterre, a little more expensive,great staff, very protective of their guests also on rue Jacob,and the D'Aubusson.The neighborhood is great for window shopping or real shopping.THere is a cinema nearby that occassioaly has movies in English-the Odeon-there are tons of bistros, small cafes and restaurants that are comfortable for a lady alone.There is a place called the Cannibal Cafe(ignore th weird name) it is owned by an English woman who wants it to be a safe and comfortable place for single women to eat and not be bothered.The staff is instructed to watch out for single lady diners ..Keep reading the Paris posts and see which of the hotels keeps popping up and see if any appeal to you.

Barbara

I too like the 7th for its safety, charm and proximity to musee d'orsay, tour eiffel, musin rodin, invalides, louvre, etc., It isn't as "happening" as the 6th--but so close by! I stayed at the hotel de suede...and loved it (that was 5 years ago though)..have fun!

Lesli

I myself prefer the 5th or 6th to the 7th when I'm traveling alone - there are more people out and about late, so there's almost no chance of walking down deserted streets at night. Also easy walking distance to most sights and plenty of good restaurants, cafes and shops right in the area.<BR><BR>I've stayed at the Hotel St-Jacques in the 5th and the Hotel du Lys in the 6th. Both are well-located, well-priced two-star hotels with some charm. (The former has an elevator, but the latter has only an ancient winding staircase.)