Recommendations for accommodations for Paris
 

I am looking for accommodations in Paris for my mother and myself. This will be my mom's first time in Paris. I have been there before however it's been about 5 years. We will stay for about 3-4 days and I would like to stay in a nice quiet area with shops, supermarket, and within walking distances to some of the attractions, as I know we will need to use metro to get around.

I am debating between hotel, or an apartment. However, I do want wifi and air conditioning.
I would like your input as to what hotels or B&B's you have stayed at and would recommend. Also, what sites have you used for renting apartments, and would you advise this in Paris for the length of time we are staying. We like to buy groceries, and eat mostly at 'home' and like to relax at the end of the night at the place where we are staying but I want to take my mom out to see the Eiffel Tower lit up one night.

Thanks for your suggestions.

I stayed at the Hotel Relais du Louvre. They have an apartment. I found the area quiet and close to everything to walk and an amazing view of the Eiffel tower while standing on the Ponte Neuf. It is right across the east facade of the Louvre and the Rivoli metro is a few stips up towards Rue de Riviolo on (I think) Adm. Coligny Blvd.

I enjoy the privacy of apartment stays.

The time of year and a budget would be helpful in pointing you in the right direction.

3 to 4 days would not be appropriate for your visit to Paris. Check in time at most apartments is mid to late afternoon and check out time is generally before noon, so you could end up loosing half of the first day and have nowhere to store your luggage on the day you check out. If you're staying at a hotel, they will usually allow you to drop off your luggage if arriving before check in time.

We love the Hotel Muguet in the seventh. Lots of restaurants, supermarket and brasserie on the corner, La Florimond around the corner, on 4 bus lines, two metro stops to choose from,can see the Eiffel Tower if you go around the corner--or have the top room, and dare I say it, at the head of rue Cler.

What you ask for isn't that possible. The areas that are within walking distance of tourist sites are not generally quiet. But it's hard to know what you mean by that. For example, some people stay in the 7th and it is relatively quiet in most parts, but it isn't close to many tourist sites except for the Eiffel Tower and Invalides (and I guess Rodin Museum if you are over that way). Is that what you mean by some sites? If so, that would be a good area. Because there aren't too many parts of St Germain or the Latin Qtr near the Seine that I'd call quiet.

I personally would never rent an apt for 3-4 days, it's too much trouble. YOu will have to prepay, you'll have issues with getting in and departure, getting a security deposit back, etc. And in such a short stay, you won't be having tons of down time, I wouldn't think. I would never cook on a vacation of such a short time, anyway, though. I don't want to eat in when I'm visiting places, I like going out to dinner there.

I can name a few places I've used for apt rentals in Paris -- Locaflat and www.lodgis.fr and www.parisbestlodge.com. I used another one but it's not in business any more. They were all fine, but Locaflat and lodgis are not for the typical tourist, ideally, who doesn't know French or the city well, they aren't going to do hand-holding (lodgis is just apts from French owners, the website manages things) or provide a lot of amenities or information on the city, etc. Lodgis will have legal contracts in French and require you to buy insurance (but it's easy, they give a link and it doesn't cost much). And since it's private owners, they can sort of decide their terms and you may find some that will rent for such a short time. I'm sure many of their owners do speak English, and they do have a good search tool. But the agency won't take responsibility for a lot of personal issues with the apt as it's mainly a listing vehicle.

I plugged in your criteria and it only came up with 15 apts in all of Paris, and most are too small (like studios) or in areas you wouldn't want. They do have one that appears to meet your criteria, though, and will rent for min. of 3 days, although it isn't clear if it has Wifi (says it has internet, though) http://www.lodgis.com/en/paris,vacat...d.html#details

Which brings up an issue, your requirements are pretty stiff. You want a very short term rental (many agencies won't rent for 3-4 days), plus A/C and Wifi. There aren't that many Parisian vacation rental apts with A/C, so you will have to search a bit to find something to suit you.

I don't stay in hotels in areas like you want, actually, I stay in the 9th or 14th-15th arrondisements usually. I never stay within walking distance of tourist sites for the most part (depending on what you mean, but I suspect the big stuff around the Seine).

I don't think an apartment would work well for you. I think the 7ème would meet your requirements for a nice neighborhood, though. Check out the Hôtel Duquesne-Eiffel and the Hôtel de France.

It really would be helpful, though, if you'd state a price in euros and the time of year you're going.

I agree that the 7th meets your description. I also think that an apt would be fine also. I have used VRBO for renting apts and have been satisfied. I usually google apt Paris (add in the 7th in your case) and you will get a ton of agencies and rentals. There is a thread on here that lists many apts and rental agencies. Do a search and you should find it. That said, it may be easier to find a hotel since there are so many apts you will have to sort thru to find one that meets your needs.

I read over your comments and agree that a hotel would be a better choice. My budget is at the lower end (99-100 euros/night). I have been fortunate in finding apartments in Venice and Rome within that price range for my parents and myself. I got a deal on both apartments since they were last minute (booked 1-2 days prior). The only thing with the last apt. in Rome, there is in wifi or air conditioning and I turned down another apt. with it to take the quaint and more Roman feel atmosphere. However, after being in Rome for the past week, I have learned my lesson. I realize that having wifi and air conditioning is more important to me especially with the humid weather.

My mom and I were talking and we might take a break from touring before heading off to Paris. We are a bit tired from hoards of tourists and street vendors in Rome. When I was here in 2009, I didn't experience this although I came in October/November and it was sunny without the humidity, and I didn't experience the huge amounts of tourists and street vendors. I enjoyed being here. I find it hard to enjoy Rome this time around. It makes me feel sad but it is what it is. It's not the same for me. I'm glad that we will be going back to Calavbria at the end of our trip to spend time with family and go to the beautiful beaches minus all the mass confusion that's in the more larger cities.

We were looking to go to Paris is weekend. I know that you will have some reactions but I really don't want to hear the negative. I want to do what I can to find something for my mom and I. It is possible as there are always last minute accommodation specials. However, I noticed that flight prices have gone up 10 euros but cheaper a day later. I'm thinking of extending the trip 4-5 days to make it worthwhile and not feel so rushed.

My mom has friends near Rome - about 1.5 hours south of Rome. I'm debating what to do. Go there for a few days to rest/relax and than head to Paris or go to Paris from here so we don't have to travel back and forth again - to my mom's friends, and then back to Rome to catch train to Fumicino Airport.

In the meantime, I will check out the hotels that some of you have recommended and keep my eyes on flights.

I have a question about Vueling airlines. If you purchase the basic fare, are you allowed up to 23 kg and if you go over, pay what the fees are? I know with Optimum fare, you get 23 kg and choice of seat. Has anyone taken this airline? Can you please offer some advice?

Thanks. I'm having a tough day today. I shed some tears last night and I'm close to it again today. Mind you, I have a 'guest' this month so I seem to be sensitive to a lot of things. The humidity isn't helping other. Plus, I'm sitting at McDonalds using wifi and the commotion in hear is getting to me. Since there is no wifi at the apt., I have no choice but to come here, which is a pain.

One last thing. I want to stay in a neighbourhood that it not so touristy, and full of street vendors as we have experienced in Rome. I think the 7th sounds good. I don't know the areas very well but you are the experts so feel confident in your suggestions.

Thank you again.

I don't think the 7th is going to suit your budget. And maybe not AC anywhere. Certainly not wifi. There are 2* but at least the one our DD stayed in was a real dump--don't know the name.
Look on Priceline.

Hi ,, well first off in Paris there are quiet streets in almost any area,, so just avoiding or choosing one area can be misleading.. you need to be specific ( not easy when you don't know the area, but you can check with us on internet! )

Yes its so last minute,, so its harder, that and your budget .. but there is always luck.

I suggest at this point you start looking at lastminute booking sites.. I think there is one called "laterooms" , but just keep fiddling.

Rome IS very hot and crowded in summer.. this is well known,, I can't imagine how you passed on taking a place with a/c.. in many places in Europe a/c is sort of optional.. in Rome,, in july or august, its just not. .its exhausting being in heat all day and then not having a cool retreat so I can understand why you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed right now.
Check booking sites like Venere too.. I have used them.

good luck.

Hi ,, well first off in Paris there are quiet streets in almost any area,, so just avoiding or choosing one area can be misleading.. you need to be specific ( not easy when you don't know the area, but you can check with us on internet! )

Yes its so last minute,, so its harder, that and your budget .. but there is always luck.

I suggest at this point you start looking at lastminute booking sites.. I think there is one called "laterooms" , but just keep fiddling.

Rome IS very hot and crowded in summer.. this is well known,, I can't imagine how you passed on taking a place with a/c.. in many places in Europe a/c is sort of optional.. in Rome,, in july or august, its just not. .its exhausting being in heat all day and then not having a cool retreat so I can understand why you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed right now.
Check booking sites like Venere too.. I have used them.

good luck.

Ask for any room away from the street. We like the Minerve, get a room on the courtyardLots of bus lines across the street, 2 metro stations lots of cafes and services nearby and 3 very good restaurants iwthin 5 min walk, Le buisson ardent. Bister des gastronomes and Terrior Parisian. Shortwalk to the Seine and Notre DAme and the Isle St Louis and ile de Cite

I hear you on the AC, it makes a huge difference in terms of feeling rested and relaxed if you get a good sleep. I used to stay in Paris without it in summer but won't any more (I think it is typically hotter now than 15-20 years ago, also).

If you are going in just a couple days, I would think it hard to manage even booking an apt. but some of them do have last-minute specials. But most don't have AC, actually, in general. I checked the one I know with last minute specials, and it had nothing for this weekend with AC.

Your budget is very low for Paris for what you want (a triple), but the good news is that many hotels have discounted rates at the end of the summer, which might help. But there are going to be very few hotels with AC and Wife that have triples (for 3 adults) for 100 euro, even at end of July/August.

I often stay in Montparnasse which isn't too hectic, especially if off the main boulevard, and there are a couple hotels I know there that actually do have triples for about 110 euro in late summer with AC and Wifi. Here is one and it does have a vacancy this weekend http://www.renoir-hotel.com/
I haven't stayed in it, but know the outside, and the location is very good.

sorry, I just reread your OP and am thinking maybe you only need a double for 100 euro, not a triple? That is much more do-able, but the above hotel still should suit your criteria.

try www.booking.com

But you are going <u>this</u> weekend. I'd think this is much too short notice to find a decent budget hotel that meets your criteria. (and if this qualifies as a 'negative' post - I'm sorry. But most nice budget places book up well in advance)

Wow, what a deal. Good job.

Thanks to those of you who have been helping me. Just to clarify, I did not say that I was looking for a triple room. I said that I was going with my mom. I also had a few owners e-mail with last minute rates when I went to Venice and dropped the price 190 Euros. There are places available. It's just a matter of looking. I'm willing to do that so if you are not going to help than I would appreciate you not sharing your comments here because you are not helping me.
Thanks.

Well, gee whiz, I looked back and don't see anyone who hasn't tried to help you--if saying you probably can't find an apartment for that time period is not "helping" you, big whoop. Christina found a GREAT buy for you and can recommend it and the neighborhood
Good luck with that attitude--and a little too much information in your internet café post, IMO.
AND you didn't even bother to give your budget originally when asking for all the amenities.

Agree with Gretchen - though you got quite a bit of help. And an actual hotel link posted by Christina that had availabilty.

Last trip was in April. Stayed in the 4th. Metro anywhere in 20 mins. other than Versailles, concierge if want - She bought our morning and snacks- waiting for us on arrival. Recommend highly: http://adrianleeds.com/parler-paris-apartments.

well, EXCUUUUSE ME.

I thought you needed a triple because in one post you said you could find an apt for you and your parents in other places for that price, that's all. So I was thinking it was 3 of you.

I just checked and that availability seems to be gone now, at least for Fri-Sat or so, but they do have some beginning MOnday at least, if you push your dates back like you were thinking. I still think it is a very good choice as they have pretty good rates now. YOu might still want their triple as I thikn their doubles only have a double bed, not twins. Of course there are other places you can look. The Ibis hotels will have some locations at 100 euro with Wifi and AC if you only need a double, but not their prime locations.

W'eve stayed here. The rooms are tiny. The neighborhood is great, with cafes, a supermarket, a fabulous patissiere and I believe our room came with mini-fridge. Great rates for the great neighborhood. 3 or 4 metro stops within walking distance and La Motte Picque metro just a block away. Easy walk to Eiffel tower maybe 12 mins. Safe, clean, friendly.

The website brings up 3 hotels and the one I'm recommending is the first one, "Grenelle". If you choose this hotel,let me know if you need metro directions or anything.

http://www.saphirhotel.fr

I believe it is air conditioned but you may want to email and check that the A/C is working as Paris is going to be 95 this weekend.

And here is another hotel in the same general neighborhood, a couple of blocks further from the Eiffel Tower, have not stayed here but checked it out and it was clean and friendly, rooms a bit larger than the Saphir Grenelle........... (also the wife says I'm mistaken and the S G did not have air conditioning)

This is the Beaugrenelle St. Charles...not to be confused with the Hotel Beaugrenelle.............

http://www.beaugrenelleparis.com/rooms.html

She's a legend in her own mind. Christina, you did good AND covered everything, including the number. Whatever.

We go to Paris twice a year and I heartily dislike the 7th! Transport seems a long walk for me as I use buses almost exclsively/ Love the 4th 5 th and 6th< try Tiivago for comparable rates.

"I have been fortunate in finding apartments in Venice and Rome within that price range for my parents and myself" Sorry, but it's difficult to compare Paris with Venice and Rome, at least for some of us.

It's nice that Avalon2 things that the 7th is the pits, but for some of us it's the best, having everything we need, including some of the best restaurants, but this being Paris, nothing in Paris Ville is that far of a walk, and certainly not far on the metro.

Since budget is the issue, I'll have to pass. I've never stayed in Paris for less than €130/night, and that's during low season. It was also last November in the 7th at a nice 3-star property.

Budget is not the problem |Robert.. timing is. I almost never pay more then 120 a night in Paris,, and often less and I always get ac in summer, and I always stay central. I do however book months in advance. All the cheap good places go fast.

But there are thousands of hotels in Paris so OP will find something, but it may be not exactly what she wanted or may cost more.. that's what you get last minute.

I though Avalon ( OP) was a bit rude in last post ,, people have been doing their best but just not good enough for her I guess. Like we are paid employees.

Sorry did not mean Avalon,, meant Isabella. the OP.. just got names mixed up

I wasn't trying to be rude. I apologize if I came across that way. I have been feeling a little stressed and hot/ tired from the heat and overwhelming number of tourists in Rome. I was disappointed with myself because I didn't book something sooner. I do appreciate your help and I am keeping positive that things will work out as they always do.
Thank you.

Avalon, try staying in the 7th. As I mentioned in my post the particular area we like has FOUR bus lines and two metro--so your assessment of that part is off base. I don't care if you don't like it, but don't throw others off with erroneous info.

I just read over the comments as I missed a few.
Christina - I greatly appreciate your help. My message was meant sincerely when I clarified that I was looking for two people and not three. I was just clarifying that I was looking for 2 person accommodation rather than 3. My dad returned home Wed. so it's only my mom and I who are travelling at this time.

Sometimes the 'tone' In postings and emails can come off as sounding different than what was intended. I read one of the postings implying that my post was negative because I was looking to book accommodations this weekend. I understand that it's not the norm but under the circumstances, I am keeping positive and optimistic. I want to especially for my mom. I took that post to heart when I shouldn't have. I was feeling stressed, tired, and hot. I can't connect wifi to my iPad (I tried but doesn't have the capabilities. I have the first iPad). I also have an older model phone - Nokia that I purchased to use while in Europe. I didn't consider getting a phone with wifi capabilities. However, I do appreciate your input. For future reference, I will always look for something with wifi and air conditioning if it's during the summer.

Christina, I looked at the hotel link you posted (yesterday) but when I plugged in my dates, it was gone. I decided to stay an extra night in Rome. The owner of The Beehive called a friend and found a B&B for 74 Euros/night with breakfast, and air conditioning. I looked at reviews for The Beehive and they had a double bed, and location near Roam Termini but there was no air conditioning in this particular private room. Only a ceiling fan while searching other places, a little voice told me to call her back so I did. It turns out that she was waiting for my call and was happy that I called her because she spoke to a friend who had something! She also said that if the B&B didn't have wifi than I was more than welcome to use wifi at The Beehive. I was so happy that everything worked out.

I also want to mention that The Beehive 'cross pollinates' and has apartments and guesthouses around Europe including Paris, Barcelona, and Istanbul. I will see if there is anything available through them as well.

I do appreciate your help. I was a bit frustrated with Rome this time around. It hasn't been as enjoyable as it was when I was here 4 years ago. Plus, I didn't organize this part of the trip well and was beating myself up about that. However, I don't want to continue feeling bad about it. I just want to make the most of it and continue to receive your support and encouragement.

Thank you.

P.S. I went back to the link that Christina gave me and plugged in my dates July 27-31/13 and even though there is no availability they offer a link to their partner properties. From that list, is there any hotels that you would recommend?

We are at the B&B and have wifi and air conditioning. My mom is haapy. What a difference it makes!

I forgot to thank the other people who sent me links. I am looking at them now. Thanks.

Glad things are looking up for you. I have the first generation iPad and have trouble connecting sometimes too. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

I booked a flight with Vueling as it was the cheapestnI could find - 99 euros although it certainly adds up quickly with all the charges, and fees. We will be landing in Paris Orly. I know that this airport is about 8 miles from the city so I'm guessing it shouldn't take too long to get there compared to CDG, which I have read can be a nightmare. I was just wondering if most of the hotels that are recommended here are easier to get to front this airport whether by bus or shuttle like FCO to Termini Station in Rome? Thanks.

RER Train from Orly into Paris is about 10 Euros each and will probably require a metro connection, Taxi to hotels in the Eiffel/Grenelle area will run average 25-30 Euros and probably worth it. GoParis has a rundown of the options.

Here's a hotel getting great reviews, with availability, 99 Euros this Saturday then it goes down to 89Euros.

www.firsthotel.fr

Take a taxi.