I have written this post once before, but have definitely nailed down 2 hotels to stay at. I have gone through all of the past boards, and seem to like either the Hotel Grandes Ecoles on Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, or Hotel Bonaparte near Blvd. St. Germain as my choices. Does anyone have an opinion, considering we are first time visitors to Paris. Which one is better based for seeing the sights, better restaurants, etc.

This may not be helpful... but they are both perfect for seeing the sights, great restaurants, etc. and are both perfect locations for a first time visitor. They are also an easy walk from one another.

You've very good hotels to pick from. There are fans of either one and either one would be a good selection. You'll do fine. Have a great trip.

Do you have your dates? Have you called to check availability at both? That might make your decision for you, since both sound great.

You might want to check out this recent trip report concerning your choices.

http://tinyurl.com/u5fom

Things I like about Hotel Bonaparte:

1. Location
2. Location!
3. Breakfast delivered to the room
4. Lots of restaurant choices (try
around back in the Rue Guisarde area).
5. 3 metro stops. Bus options even better...Saint Sulpice/Saint-Germain are major hubs. (DO try the bus, it's not hard.)
6. Staff is extremely helpful.
7. Easy walk to the river.
8. Bathrooms are generally large.
9. It has A/C--don't know when you're going.
10. Great shops on/around Rue Bonaparte.

PS: At the Bonaparte ask for a higher floor, facing the street.

there's another thread about the Bonaparte with other comments
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34888722