Thanks for all your replies.

Based on your comments, I'm narrowing it down.

The Suede on the 7th looks fine. Did check out Grand Hotel Ecoles, and it looks like a great possibility. But will check on Lenox Montparnasse,La Marroniers, Varennes, and Bonaparte.

I would love an apt., but given there may be 4 or 5 of us, everyone seems to want their privacy. And we will only be in Paris for 5 nights.

I wanted a courtyard or some outside space, but that's not a deal breaker, nor is the adjoining rooms idea.

Thanks again.

http://www.paris-hotel-stjacques.com/en/
This hotel is in the Latin Quarter, which we liked, but you're looking to stay elsewhere, it sounds.

http://www.hotellabourdonnais.fr/en/...la-bourdonnais
We liked this hotel in the 7th. There is a complete 'grocery' market next door, an ATM on the corner, Rue Cler a block or two away, Champs de Mars right across the street, Eiffel Tower view from some rooms & an easy walk to get there.

Calabria62, Hotel de Varennes has a lovely courtyard, with furniture to sit on. Look at the photos on their site.

I stay right near the Lenox Montparnasse and wouldn't have thought of that fitting your requirements at all. As with most hotels, it really depends on the situation of your room, but that is a narrow street, although I don't think there are really restaurants or bars right near that hotel (except one that is almost right next door but doesn't cater to noisy youth or anything). There are mainly shops that close in early evening. I had an apt once for a week almost right across the street from it.

I really like the Montparnasse area but it didn't sound like what you would have considered central, I know I've seen many people complain about it being too "far out" for typical tourists, which I find perplexing, but no, you can't walk to the Seine from there (well, you can, of course, but it's about 1.25 miles). I like it for that reason. The hotel is nice, but has small rooms--there is no patio or garden. So I'm not sure what your criteria is at this point, but you need to book one of the more expensive rooms in that hotel to get any space, and if you get one overlooking the street, there will be street noise.

Your party will be four or five people. Is your $200 (178 euro)nightly budget per person, per room, or for the entire group? Clarifying that would make a difference.

-- Steve

Hi I recommend you try http://www.wolumba.com

Thanks to all for your recommendations.

Yakkin....the budget is around $200US per room, not per person. (More if we end up with adjoining rooms or suite).

Edu, Tab, thanks for your input as well. I will look up your suggestions.

Calabria62