I'll be in Paris the first part of December, it'll be my first visit and I have no idea where to stay. I know I'll spend a lot of time at the Louvre so is that a good area to stay in? Does anyone have any recommendations? As long as its under 300 USD a night and in a good, safe location to walk around and explore, and central and near the sights. Thank you!

Prices near the Louvre are rather high, Rue Rivoli is a ritzy street, although your generous allowance might fit something on that side. Cross the river and you're in St. Germain/Rive Gauche/Quartier Latin and it gets cheaper and more varied, also more nice "village" atmosphere. Still in walking distance. Safety not really an issue.

Hi emst,

We very much like http://www.hotelbonaparte.fr/

We shall be staying there in Sept.

For 300 USD (= 233E) you can stay in one of their largest rooms w/bkfst and have a very nice dinner.

PS,

The Bonaparte is about 20 min walk from the Louvre. If it is raining, you can take the Metro with only about 5 min walking outside.

Anywhere in Paris inside the Peripherique is "safe". So that's one less worry. We stayed at the Grand Hotel St Michel our last trip and loved it. It's near the Pantheon... a slightly longer walk to the Louvre than Ira's suggestion but there's not much wrong with a longer walk in Paris! :^)

We've stayed at the Fleurie the last couple of times and like it a lot . .

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

We have stayed at the Hotel Brittanique and really liked it. It is in the 1st, on a small street that parallels rue de rivoli. It is a 5-10 minute walk to the louvre, is a very nice hotel, and within your budget.

http://www.grand-hotel-francais.fr/

It's in the 11th. Well under $300.. I will be there in November.

http://www.dauphine-st-germain.com/

Very good location! It was a lovely walk to the Louvre. There were lots of cafés and restaurants around too.

Hi emst,

I stayed at the Hotel Brighton and loved it! It's across the street from the Tuileries (terrific views from the hotel room), so just steps from the Louvre.

http://www.paris-hotel-brighton.com/en/

Have fun as you plan!

s

We all have our favorites, my current is the Hotel Clement, one street off Blvd St Germain. About 15 min walk to Louvre and the same or less to Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle, Panthéon, Luxembourg Gardens, etc.

Superior rooms are around 170€, well within your budget. 6, rue Clement

www.hotelclementparis.com

You can try the hotel Caron de Beaumarchais in Le Marais area.

Info: http://www.petitfute.uk.com/accommod...s/e-21614.html

or the Hotel du Lys in the 6th arrondissement

Info: http://www.petitfute.uk.com/accommod.../e-552617.html

Lots of good ideas. In spite of "spending a lot of time in the Louvre", you'll want a "cute" neighborhood to get your pastries and have a glass of wine and window shop.
And I hope you'll spend some time in the other museums!!

Thanks for the help. I'm looking at all of these.