I've searched through a few of the topics here and I am still at a total loss as to what hotel my husband and I should book. We will be in Paris in mid October. I do not want to spend a fortune on a hotel room. Our budget would be about $250 per night. I know many of the rooms offered in Paris are quite small and that does not bother me. I do want a hotel that is clean and in an area that is accessible to the local train station.

This is one of the hotels I have been leaning towards and I'm pretty sure I found a review from someone on Fodors.

http://hotel-langlois.com/en/location

I would appreciate hearing some of your suggestions. Thanks!

Why do you want to be close to the train station? Your budget is more than ample for a nice hotel--in a more fun area, from what I know about the Gare St. Lazare area.

Why "local train station"? there are several in Paris - and which you use depends on where you are going to or coming from.

Are you talking about being near a Metro station so you cn easily get around the city?

And agree - would go for a different area.

Yes I meant the Metro. Please suggest other areas as I am totally clueless! I am waiting for my Fodors Guide to come in the mail which will help narrow down areas. I would still like to hear other suggestions about hotels. Do you have any?

Yes I meant the Metro. Please suggest other areas as I am totally clueless! I am waiting for my Fodors Guide to come in the mail which will help narrow down areas. I would still like to hear other suggestions about hotels. Do you have any?

Anywhere in Paris is accessible to one of the six or seven train stations either via metro, bus, or taxi. I don't think train station areas are the most desirable. I prefer areas with a bit more charm.

Why be near a train station? Will you be taking the train daily? If you do need to take the train every day you may not be near the station you need. If you're heading south you want to be near Gare de Lyon, not Lazarre; same with other directions - different stations.

He/she means near the métro, not a train station.

No matter where you are in Paris you are near a métro station. That isn't really an issue and certainly not a criterion for finding a hotel. You can see the public transportation system at www.ratp.fr.

What might be more important in choosing a hotel is what you plan on doing once you are in Paris. Many people like to be in the lower-numbered arrondissements near the river.

Adrienne: Please suggest some areas where you think we may find a nice hotel. Forget about the train remark. I want to be able to take a local trains to our sightseeing destinations if possible which is why I mentioned a local train.

Do you have any hotel suggestions or areas that you find more charming than others?

You don't have to wait for the guide - click on "destinations" above and get Paris hotel info. There are tons of threads about Paris hotels.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...thread.cfm?237

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-hotels.cfm?14

This place is very charming:
http://www.hotel-grandes-ecoles.com/

http://www.balcons.com/

I was typing my reply while you were posting and didn't see your response about the trains. The screen doesn't automatically refresh.

Hi M,

Your budget of about 190 euro will get you a large, upstairs room w/bkfst at http://www.hotelbonaparte.fr/

In Paris, we always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. From 139E dbl + bkfst. It is just around the corner from Place St. Sulpice, near 3 metro stops and 4 bus routes. Has AC and an elevator.

The staff speaks English well, and is very helpful. The front desk is staffed 24/7

They can arrange a shuttle pickup to CDG for you.

Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67
[email protected]
www.hotelbonaparte.fr

For more info, enter "Hotel Bonaparte" in the "search the forum" box.

Despite several attempts this year to find an alternative, we will be staying there again.

We liked the Hotel St Jacques. Very nice boutique hotel in a great location.

You also might adjust your need for the Metro (train) to good bus lines. the buses are great ways to go, and you get to see Paris on the way.

Mixter603, it seems to be your first trip to Paris. Perhaps you can tell me what you'd like to see because that will enable you to choose the best area to find a hotel.

Adrienne: The Balcons looks wonderful! Thanks.

AussieFrance: It is our first trip to Paris and we want to see all the tourist traps.

Gretchen: The bus suggestion is also a great idea. Thanks for the tip!

Many people have suggested good hotels that are in the 5th or 6th, I think.
The usual answer of where to stay is in arrondisements (areas) 1-8, because this is where the major attractions are--but not all.
You can get ANYwhere in Paris easily--and relatively quickly with the Metro and bus. Stay in an area with lots to do around you--it doesn't have to be in the shadow of anything. Exploring the neighborhood is part of a memorable trip to Paris.

Tabernash2: The Hotel St. Jacques looks lovely also. When did you last stay there?

We were there for three nights last September. Our room had a double bed and a twin bed, with a decorative fireplace and a tiny balcony with a nice street view. We did not eat the breakfast offered for an additional charge, because there are cafes within a block. We loved the neighborhood.

I sound like a broken record because for the past two years I've recommended the Hotel Clément, in the 6th, one street off the Blvd St Germain about 1/2 block from the nearest metro.

You would want a superior double or twin, which is well within your budget.

One caveat--the wifi in the rooms is free but fairly unreliable. If you need heavy duty wifi, the free version isn't up to it, fine for casual emails and look-ups.

Breakfast is expensive, 12€ I think, and while very good there are many cafes were you can get cheaper but not as elaborate or as good quality. Nice to have if you know you don't want to stop for lunch.

www.hotelclementparis.com