Paris lodging location - apartment or hotel? Which?
 

We are planning our first trip to Paris for the first week in September (dates are flexible, however). I'm overwhelmed at the decision about where to stay. On the trip will be three adults (my husband, myself, and my mother) and one child (3 years old). We'd definitely prefer a/c and a place that either has a lift/elevator or is on the ground or 1st (French) floor. Proximity to metro station and nice places to eat or vist would are also important of course.

We're open to either a hotel or an apartment. Does anyone have recommendations? We plan to stay for a week and would like to keep it around $2000 (somewhat flexible).

Hi,

On our first Europe tour we spent 3 nights in Paris in the Rue Cler neighborhood at Hotel Valadon. It has recently changed management so you'd have to check more recent reviews on trip advisor. The hotel has a "family cottage" which would work well for your party. The 7th arr. is lovely and a great location central to the Eiffel Tower, The Arc de Triumph, Orsay and Louvre Museums.

You might look at the Vacation in Paris website. I prefer the 4-6 quarters. You are walking distance to many sights, the area is lively, many green spaces and all kinds of cafes and services. I have this courtyard apt rented for October. An apt with a courtyard would be ideal for your little one.

http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_201.htm

VIP is very easy to deal with, you get your keys and an information package before you leave, pay in US dollars with a credit card or paypal, no security deposit because you buy an inexpensive renters insurance when booking. There is a key deposit which is returned promply when they get the keys back

I would think an apartment would be the ideal thing as you will have access to a washing machine etc., but on the otherhand it would need a nice park across the road or at least within a short walking distance. Great place for running around around and letting off steam at that 3 year age!
This is the little apartment we are renting in August but it would be too small for all of you - I do love the little garden though! http://www.vrbo.com/103254
Also getting an apartment is already a bit late for the choice ones. Look at his calendar.

Failing an apartment I can suggest The Ibis Hotel, Esplanade La Defense. Yes,it is on the otherside of the 'peripherique'
( circular freeway all around paris) But there is a huge plus in staying at this hotel.

a- If you book now you would only pay 44euros for a doble/twin room en-suite. It's their special offer called "Happy 20". Mom could have a room all to herself right next door.

b- It has a metro almost right in front which gets you to the Champs Elysees in roughly 15min.

c- Next to the hotel, on top of the metro station is a paddling pond (actually some kind of artistic feature) but kids paddle there all the time - even 10pm at night while the parents watch from the well placed benches along the side. It is a huge space all around actually and even sports a vineyard. If you are interested I will post some photos here.

Hi J,

Check out http://www.hotelbonaparte.fr/, which is where we always stay.

They have singles, doubles + crib, twins, and triples.

They satisfy your other requirements.

Bkfst in your room at the time you want it.

Enjoy your visit.

((I))

I think your budget is a little skimpy for what you want -- a double plus triple room with AC in central Paris. There aren't that many apts with AC, either, and I'm not sure you'll find one of those to suit your entire family, as I would think you'd want at least a one-bedroom and then a fold-out couch maybe (if your mother would agree to that, they are not always that comfortable). But it might be easier than a hotel at that rate in September, which is the peak rate season.

I've stayed at the St Thomas Acquin mentioned, and it doeesn't fit any of the criteria -- it is more expensive than that (150 euro a double), doesn't have AC, and I don't think they even have triples or allow three in a room, even if one is a child. The Bonaparte is a good idea, but also much more expensive than you want (a triple is 175 euro, a double 130-160 euro). The 2* Clement also has AC but is only slightly less expensive than the Bonaparte http://www.hotelclementparis.com


YOu could get something in an apt in your budget, but probalby without AC.

I love having an apt. Am leaving it tomorrow for hotels so I can compare; but having your own place is divine...shopping in the local mkts, meeting the owners, lounging around in the am with your coffee.tea..
early eve with your wine/cheese.
BEST way to travel!
We are with Paris Perfect, but there are many in all price ranges
Enjoy your honeymoon
MoneyB

My approach for Paris is to figure out which arrondisement you want to stay in first (or pick a couple), then search from there. It's a lot easier than trying to tackle ALL of greater Paris looking for a places to stay!

Do check Vacations in Paris for apartments--$2,000 might get you a two-bedroom. I would look for places within easy walking distance to the Luxembourg Gardens, lovely for adults and where the 3-year old can run off steam, watch the boats in the fountain, see a puppet show, ride on a carousel, etc.

A couple of friends and I rented a 2 bedroom apartment in the Palais Royale a few years ago and it was divine. The living room opened up onto the park, so there would be plenty of room for your kid to play and you can sit and have a glass of wine while watching the fountain. Great to have a washing machine and to make breakfast/lunch with products purchased at the market. Central location with metro stops right there.

Type in the Search box,"Paris Hotels Left Bank Thread" and my hotel thread will pop up. The Right Bank thread is linked to it. Happy Travels!

For a week stay, apartments have definite advantages for families - more space, seating other than beds, kitchen, dining table/chairs. If you do have to spend a little more (and you may not), there is considerable savings on beverages, breakfast, light meals, wonderful take-away meals. With a small child, it's also nice to be able to put a child to bed in a separate room so the adults can socialize. Having a washing machine is great for hauling less clothing.

Having been to Paris many times in September (and a wimp when it comes to temps over 75), you really won't need air conditioning if you book an apartment, as most have cross ventilation, so less necessary than in a hotel room.

I also would suggest an apartment - much more comfortable. Personally, I like the 5th, 6th and 7th arrondissments. We just stayed at the Hilton L'Arc de Triomphe in the 8th (free with our points) for a couple nights and I didn't care for the area. It was very nice, clean but it lacked the charm of the 5th, 6th and 7th. They are more neighborhood-y, if that is a word, in my opinion.

Also, i've used Homelidays.com a few times to secure apartments and have very happy with their offerings - in many price ranges. My daughter used them and got a good sized studio, in the 10th for only 300 euro in July for one week.