For over 20 years, we've stayed in the same place in Montparnasse, same room. It makes us feel like we actually have an apartment there. Love the neighborhood and the little restaurants. It's our base for exploration. We've been in other arrondisements, the 6th, the 1st, but you hit on a place that says home to you and, like blackjack, you know when it's time to stick. Doesn't sound like you're there yet.

Scarlett, you could do worse. :) Asian destinations can be a great value because of currency exchange advantages in comparison to Europe. Hotels in places like Bangkok or even Hong Kong are truly impressive for rates that are several times less than what a person could expect to pay for the same thing in Europe.

Flyboy, after Japan I have my eye on Bangkok !
We will be talking on the Asia boards before you know it :D

Scarlett -

You will simply love Bangkok. I can suggest a great tailor if you would like to have some clothing made while there.

Hi Moldy, when the time comes , remember that, because I will!
My son has been there yearly for the past 5 years, but he doesn't have things made .. thanks!

Flyboy,
I agree with you about the République-Nation area. I've just stayed at the Hotel Verlain in 97 rue Saint Maur, and loved it. I loved walking down Avenue Parmantier to Nation (with its amazing Saturday morning market) and the other way, down to Boulevard Richard Lenoir.

And Travelnut, yes, it was the Riviera. I wanted out of there almost the minute I walked in. I finally left, at around 1:00 am (pity I didn't do it before). I'll put up the thread which talks about the hotel later today and try to post some sort of trip report later this week, because apart from that little adventure, I had a fabulous time in France.

I have the good luck to have had the same home-exchange partner in the 11th for several swops, and am starting to feel at home there in a way I never did when staying in a hotel. It's so easy to get to other parts of Paris anyway that I don't feel anywhere is that strange or far away - but, who knows, maybe I am missing out on something?!

Keren, that's too bad about the Riviera - it looks very nice in the photos... oh well.

On our first 5 trips to Paris we stayed in the 1st, 5th, 8th, 7th and 6th. On our last 5 trips, we have settled on the 6th. I think we'll always return to the 6th if we stay in a hotel - perhaps the 7th if we decide to try an apartment.

Keren, the Riviera does look nice for a 2*. I guess it's deceptive website photos. That is too bad, but it's great you found the Verlain. Seems like a good area.

The room itself was not bad. I had enough space to put my luggage and to walk around, it was also nicely decorated, I thought, but old.
The room in the Verlain was smaller, even much smaller.
And the Riviera might be better if you stay on the top floor.
But being a light sleeper, I should have guessed its location would be problematic. Plus I remember these old buildings from Holland (where I'd lived for some years) where you can hear everything, I just wasn't mentally prepared to stay in one again :).
AND something about the morning receptionist didn't feel right (as opposed to the lovely people in the Central Montparnasse and in le Progres in Angers, where I'd stayed before Riviera and actually, as opposed to all my previous hotel experiences in Paris so far).
In short - I wanted OUT of there.
And yes, I liked the Verlain and want to go back. I also think the Résidence les Gobelins, a 2-star budget hotel which I enjoyed 7 months ago, is better than the Riviera.
The full story is told in the Riviera thread which I have put up. :)

beatchick, as your fellow compulsive listmaker and Miss Manon fan, I'm curious about your list of hotels. I suspect it looks a bit like mine!

When is your next trip, the one where you're staying at Henri IV?

I understand your feelings, Keren. Sometimes you don't feel comfortable at the hotel you booked, not so much the room or location but with the staff. It's happened to me too and it can make your stay not as enjoyable as it should be. I am glad to know that you felt more comfortable after moving which was a good decision.

In the beginnings of the annual vacations in Paris I stayed in a lot of different districts to see what I liked best and then around 1981 I went to the 6th and loved it and have basically been there ever since except in 1999 when I stayed in the 7th for a night or two which was nice, but I'm back to the 6th again.I was last in Paris a couple of months ago. I, however, have moved south of Blvd. St.Germain since my regular hotel of nearly a decade was renovated in 1990/1991 and the price went from $50. to well over $100. Happy Travels!

Hey Elle, you & I do have so much in common, it's funny!

Mmmmm, I'd rather not say until I have ticket in hand and room reserved - I don't wish to jinx myself. But if you want to e-mail me I can let you know later on.

I just got back from my third trip to Paris and have stayed in the 1st arrondisement every time. Same hotel as well. It does feel like going home. I always have a room with a view of the Tuileries which includes the Louvre, Notre Dame, D'Orsay, Grand & Petit Palais, Eiffel Tower and if I lean over my balcony, the Arc de Triomph.

For me it is the perfect location since I travel solo.

I have met many wonderful people at the hotel and to this day stay in touch with them.

Wow, Madison, that sounds like a superb view! I'm hoping someday I'll discover my home away from home, too.

Madison, can you please tell us the name of this wonderful place? Also, is the price reasonable ?

When my wife lived on Rue de Longchamp in the late 50s I stayed in a little cafe with rooms at the corner with Av Victor Hugo - the 16th. No elevator, shared bath but the maid brought breakfast to my room and served it to me in bed. I was usually awakened by lovely odors from the kitchen. Alas, it is no more, there is a bank on the corner now.

We have since stayed in the 10th, 1st and the last four times in the 14th.

beatchick, I understand--I'm a little on the superstitious side myself (although I promise, I wasn't trying to stalk you ;) ).

Was just wondering if by any chance it was going to be the third week of June and we could put together a GTG.

Post when everything is all settled so that we can live through you vicariously once again.