Kristalblue

From California, and traveling to Paris late May for the first time. Although I've read suggested hotels, however, I would like to have a couple hotel that would be comfortable for a female, early 50's, not pretentious, but classic, not trying to pick up. Willing to spend $160-$250/nt. Never traveled alone, am a bit nervous.

P.S. Thank you to all that helped me to navigate through the site.

bardo1

MOST hotels are suitable for a single female in here 50's so that doesn't narrow things down much.

A much more important consideration would be location. I would suggest something close to the river/islands for a first timer who may be a bit nervous - for charm, convenience, and "classic" Parisian feel (as imagined by most who not been to Paris before).

Here are a few that are so located - all within your $160-$250/night budget and in order of average rates (low to high):

http://www.carondebeaumarchais.com/en/index.html

http://www.hotelleregent.com/

http://www.paris-hotel-parcsaintseverin.com/en/ (best of both worlds: super central but on a very quiet street)

StCirq

Unless you check into a pay-by-the-hour hotel in Paris, just about every hotel is going to be safe for you. I really don't understand your concerns. Paris is a big metropolitan wonderful city that is visited every year by thousands of solo female travelers. Just pick an area of the city that appeals to you, research prices, and pick a hotel.

hpeabody

If they still have any rooms available, consider the Hotel Des Grand Ecoles. It may very well suit your needs. I am a 50 something female solo traveler and stayed there and enjoyed it very much.

jan47ete

I love the hotel Jeanne d'arc in the marais. Always stay there and can highly recommend it.

Kristalblue

Thank you so much for your comments and suggestions. Have no idea what to expect...but it's time for me to step out of my box.

Rich

We like the Fleurie

http://www.hotel-de-fleurie.fr/en.php

Freda_Seddon

Fellow solo woman traveler, age 57, I will be in Paris for the first time this April. I don't think there is any need to be concerned, as long as you use the same common sense you use in California. My budget is not as generous as yours, but I have every confidence I will be safe in a one-star hotel in the 11th. An expensive room doesn't = safety. Read the TripAdvisor reviews - ignore those that expect North American size rooms. Rooms will be smaller and if the hotel has character, the mod cons will be vintage. Enjoy your trip.

cls2paris

I've stayed at each of these and would not hesitate to stay again. I felt safe, close to the metro, restaurants, shopping, and the sites I wanted to see.

http://balcons.com/
http://www.hotel-actev.com/en/
http://hoteldescarmesparis.com/Engli...rmes_paris.htm

nytraveler

A couple of notes:

The central arrondisements - 1 through 8 - are most convenient for a first time visitor. And the closer to the river the better in terms of sightseeing.

Do realize that more modest hotels in paris are very different than American hotels. They are often in old - very old buildings - with small rooms and baths added afterwards - tucked in a corner. If you want AC - you might or might not need it do check- many hotels do NOT have it. Also quite a few have stairs versus elevator - so check for that too. At the top of your price range you should have a reasonable choice of pleasant hotels in central locations. (IMHO the 11th is too far out for a first time visitor - just too much trekking around.)

rosemaryoz

I've had to travel solo a lot to Paris in the past couple of years, and usually go to either Hotel de L'Empereur or Hotel Champs du Mars. Both are in the 7th, ten mins walk to either the river or the Tour Eiffel, both are really clean, but well priced and recently renovated. But Freda is right - do not expect big rooms in Paris hotels! That area is also really safe to stroll around at night to go for dinner (and there are a couple of good restos nearby too). I've never felt unsafe on my own in Paris, if that gives you comfort.

mamcalice

I've not traveled alone except on business. We always stay in the Hotel des Stes-Peres in the 6th and on my last business trip to Paris, I decided to stay there even though another hotel was suggested by the embassy where I was working. I felt ever so comfortable and enjoyed my stay as much as we had enjoyed our vacation stays. The hotel is in a safe area, centrally located for sightseeing and has a very welcoming and helpful staff. I highly recommend it - it is in your price range. And it has AC and elevators.

nini

We are fans also of Hotel des Grandes Ecoles. It should fit your budget and being solo your room rate would most likely be lower than the rate we will pay in May-150 euros per night for two. We have stayed there several times and love the terrace and garden area-very pretty-a countryside feel. Location is great-a short walk to Notre Dame. A huge gate to enter will make you feel very secure. The staff is wonderful-very accommodating. And the rooms are not small.

Jetlag767

I can recommend the Hotel Muguet near the Eiffel Tower. Quiet street, near great markets, near the Metro and very French. Reasonable rates as well. www.hotelmuguet.com

Rastaguytoday

If you want to strike up a conversation, especially on a train, just hold up a book you might be reading. Folks will pick up on the fact it's in English and engage you.

Jax76

I'm the same age you are and I traveled to Paris alone last year. Stayed at the Hotel Brighton on the Rue de Rivoli (opposite the Jardin des Tuileries) and loved it. Would stay again this year but it's already booked up for beginning of May. Great area and the Jardin is beautiful late at night.

mogsanova

I'm a 42yr old female and traveled to London by myself for the first time in 2009. I had many of your concerns. I wore my money belt (don't know if it really helped but I didn't get ripped off - peace of mind for me). I also got back to the room around dark most nights to plan for the next day and I was pretty beat from walking around the entire day. I went to shows and a play and on those nights just hailed a taxi. I thoroughly advocate traveling alone! Everything is on your timetable. You will be surprised at how much fun you have with yourself!

As for the location of hotel in Paris, I will be going by myself in September and just booked a studio rental in the 9er. I have never been to Paris so I am studying the Metro Map, the bus map, and RER map. This studying helped me so much when I went to London. I took the bus everywhere and loved it. On your budget you shouldn't have a hard time finding any place to stay. I look up every place on the map and find what Metro lines and buses are closest so I can get around easily. I like to go, go, go so as not to waste any foot power walking back to my hotel/apt. Have a wonderful trip!

vmratcliff

Am staying in the Hotel Muguet at the moment and and have stayed here many times...as recently as Dec and Jan. Am always comfortable. The staff is pleasant and the area safe. It is a three star and fits within your budget. The hotel recommends that you email or call directly rather than use a service as they are better able to give you a deal. All the staff speaks English and will be willing to help you with reservations for restaurants if you need them.

Freda_Seddon

I'm on a very tight budget but had the advantage of a friend who lives in Paris.She tells me that this location is a good one. The hotel I'm staying at is near two metro stops, lots of local stores and markets. I want to experience a bit of real life Paris, so being in a not so touristy spot suits me fine.

PatrickLondon

Picking up on mogsanova's point about maps:

http://www.ratp.fr/plan-interactif/