Hi - I'm heading to Paris in early September and have been researching like a mad woman for where to stay. This is my 6th trip to Paris. The 2 previous trips I stayed at Grand Hotel des Balcons - I liked the hotel and location a lot. But they do not have a/c. This is the first trip for my TC and I'm in charge of the hotel.

I need a place with 2 beds and considered an apartment but I'm finding that there is not much of a cost savings so I'm back to hotels.

My requirements are air conditioning and nearby restaurants and shops. I got an offer from Hotel Monge for either 96 Euro or 107 Euro (depends on tub or shower). I got an offer from Hotel Clement for 123 Euro. I am waiting to hear from Hotel Bonaparte and I think they will be about the same as Hotel Clement. I'd prefer not to go much higher in price. All of these hotels have good reviews here, Slowtrav and Tripadvisor.

Is one of these locations that much better than the other? They both have shops and restaurants nearby. It just seems to me that Monge is a bit further from the Seine and more out of the way. But saving some money might be worth it.

I'm open to other hotel suggestions - in these 2 areas or the Marais.

Thanks!

ttt

I think your assessment is right. The higher price is mainly due to the St Germain real estate, and the location. I would say that the Monge is more out of the way for most people. However, you have been to Paris six times and have never even been around where the Monge is? It's not that unusual an area, I visited that area due to the history of rue Mouffetard, St Etienne du Mont church, the Arenes, etc., before I stayed in that area. So, perhaps you might find it fruitful to be in some other parts of Paris and learn a little more about the city, that is one way of thinking. However, if you just know what you like, and don't want any variations on the theme or possibility of not liking an area quite as much, I think you will prefer the location of the Clement/Bonaparte.

Thanks, Christina. I have always planned to visit that area and seem to get sidetracked elsewhere so I don't make it. So, maybe this is the way to do it. I appreciate your suggestion.

Hi, cls2paris. I have stayed at both hotels and actually prefer the Monge to the Clement. But then, I also prefer and feel more comfortable in the 5th than the 6th. (I know, heresy!) Some of the less expensive rooms at the Clement are *really* small. I enjoyed the Hotel Monge (had a room overlooking the Arenes de Lutece) and found it easy to walk to Notre-Dame from there. Plenty of cafes and such nearby. And Cardinal Lemoine metro station is only about a block away. Why not give a new place a try?