I'm going to Paris in Sept with my mother, would like to stay in the 1re Arrondissement, willing to pay $200-$300 a night. Only spending 1 week, and it's the first time for my mother, and I haven't been there since 1972. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I know of about several hotels that meet your requirements. Some have suites that would be in your price range. If I knew a little better how far you want to be from the Seine, the Louvre and the Metro I could make detailed suggestions. For example you could get a suite in the Le Relais du Louvre for under 1450F. It is at 19 rue des Pretres-Saint -Germain-L'Auxerrois in the shadow of the church of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois and a few steps to the Seine, two metro stations and Pont Neuf. You are about three blocks to the entrance of the Louvre. The other hotels that I am refering to are in the general area from Pace Vendome to the Les Halles gardens. Don't forget that Rue Rivoli is a very noisy street. The area for the Relais du Louvre should be fairly quiet. The hotel is small with 18 rooms and 2 suites with doubles starting at 800F. If you wish to give me more of your desires by direct e-mail I will give you what info I have. Please do so soon however since we are leaving for Fiji in a few weeks.

We stayed at the Regina when in Paris in February. I would recommend this hotel to anyone...great location...great service!

I too will be staying in a 1e hotel...it's the REGENCE OPERA. Do you know anything about it?
Merci in advance.

Judy,
Can you give a location for the Regina. It's sounds like you really enjoyed the hotel.
Thanks

HELLO: I am in Paris about 4 times a year and mostly I stay in the 1st. I love the Meurice with a room overlooking the Tuileries gardens for around the price you are looking for. I stayed at the Regina once and it was very nice. The place I usually stay is the Moliere 850ff for a double with bath. LIDIA

The Meurice is a beautiful hotel in a wonderful location with world-class service. I'm not certain $300 will get you a room overlooking the Tuilleries, but a well-connected travel agent just might be able to swing such a deal, as September is a less busy time in Paris. From the Meurice, you're a short stroll to the Louvre, the Tuilleries, etc. Great suggestion.

I agree that the Meurice is a lovely hotel, however if you can get a view room for $300 a night that would be the bigget hotel bargain in Paris. On their home page they quote their rack rate for a deluxe double at 3900F. At today's credit card rate that is $661US. I do not believe the Regina will make the $300US budget either.

You're sure to receive a lot of opposition to this - but, why the 1st? The Hotel Meurice is a luxury hotel for sure. Highly doubt you can receive a room larger than a closet for the rate you have in mind though. Have you considered the 7th? Charming, quiet, safe, wonderful "quintessential Paris" neighborhood with a dozen or more charming places for affordable accomodations. Hotel le Tourville, Hotel de la Bourdonnais, and Duquesne, just to name a few "upscale" but affordable and well located places near Ecole-Militaire metro stop and the fabulous "rue Cler" scene (of Rick Steves fame). And, there are numerous bus routes from here (much preferable to the metro, in my opinion). If you are adamant about the 1st, book a room at the Hotel du Louvre (not to be confused with any others of similar names). Charming and very well located (metro stop just outside the front door, and within your price range). View of WHAT? How much time do you plan to spend looking out the window of your hotel? The essence of Paris is experienced out and about! Seriously, the view in most hotels is blocked by the surrounding buildings. And, there are very few hotels riverside, or with a view over the rooftops of Paris in which you would really want to stay.

HELLO Again: The last time I stayed at the Meurice was September of 96 and the room rate was 1900ff for a double overlooking the Tuileries and the room was large for Paris standards. When I called in 96 the quoted room rate was 3500ff. But I am sort of a wheeler dealer I don't know maybe because I was born in France it was cheaper but they can tell when you are French and who knows what they do. The hotel is fantastic and the service is superb. I will be in Paris next week I will see if I can update the rate.

Hotel Louvre Forum, 25, Rue De Bouloi, 75001 Paris
next to the Louvre at 540FF per night for a double is a great location, great price. This was recommended by Fodors.