l_boh

I'm going to Paris,solo, Feb 16-19. I've read all the threads on places to stay, but so many suggestions and choices makes it even harder. Lot's of reccomendations for Jeanne d'Arc, but they are already booked. So Rue Cler, Latin Quarter, Marais.

I want someplace fun and not stuffy. Central but no crowded and touristy.

Tim_and_Liz

We enjoyed the Hotel Saint Jacques in the Latin Quarter.

NeoPatrick

I've always liked Le Regent.

PS: If you go to Paris and want to avoid crowds and tourists, you've missed the point. Give it up. Crowds and tourism is what Paris is all about, like it or not.

l_boh

Thanks Tim & Liz. I'll look into it.

l_boh

Thanks NeoPatrick
What I mean is, for example, the difference between staying in NYC's Times Square and Soho.

The Le Regent seems reasonably priced and good location near the Seine.

Robespierre

Every hotel in Paris, with few exceptions, is a good location for touring, because everything is a short Métro ride (or an even shorter bus ride) from everything else.

So you can select your lodging based on value for money rather than proximity to anything.

Having said that, if you insist on having the ParisLand experience at your doorstep, I recommend the Ve and VIe arrondissements.

For myself, I prefer to stay outside the central zone and get twice as much lodging for half the money at the expense of a 15-minute ride on the suburban express train to reach the heart of Paris. To each his own.

Keren

For your information, le Regent is in the most touristy and crowded area. I would never stay there.

There are many places in Paris that are not crowded and without too many tourists but I wouldn't call any of them central, although they are easily accessible by metro and bus.
Look, maybe, for hotels in the Batignolles neighbourhood, which has lots of cafes and restaurants (like, for example, the fabulous l'Abadache, 89 rue Lemercier) and an organic market on Saturdays. Other restaurants I read good things about are:
Cinnamon, 15, place Richard Baret
http://www.cinnamon.fr/
Le Bistral, 80, rue Lemercier

Hotels in the area include:
http://www.batignolles.com/
http://www.hotel-paris-batignolles.com/
http://www.hotel-paris-orient.com/

Paris is NOT all about crowds and tourists.

Keren

Or maybe you can look into something in the St Georges neighbourhood, in the 9th arrondissement, pretty central but residential and, I think, very pleasant.
Fodorite Lutece lives there, a few months ago she has posted some great information on the 9th, I will bookmark it for you so it will jump up to the top, the thread's title is "Comfort Gare de L'est Hotel or Husa Grand Hotel Montmartre".
Or you can find it online here:
http://tinyurl.com/yny7ox

Hotels in the area I will look into include:
http://www.parishotel.fr/
http://www.arvor-hotel-paris.com/
http://www.hotelmodial.fr/

I just loved Denise Acabo's chocolate and candy shop, at 30 rue Fontaine. And greatly enjoyed my two visits to the Musée de la Vie romantique
http://tinyurl.com/yz3und

ira

Hi I,

I'm assuming that this is your first visit.

Thus, staying in the 4, 5 or 6th will give you ample opportunity to see Paris in theway that it should be seen by a first timer.

After you have gone a few times and become jaded, you can look for inexpensive hotels far from the city center in working class neighborhoods frequented only by locals.

"Le Regent" is close to the Seine, Notre Dame, Rue Buci, Boul St. Germain, the Odeon Metro stop, The St. Germain Market and the many restaurants nearby, St. Sulpice, St. Germaine des Pres, etc.

I think Gigi's house is on Cour de Rohan, nearby.

If your budget allows it, it is a very good location.

I note that they have 40% off for Sunday nights.

Enjoy your visit.

Retired_teacher

You might want to consider the Elysees Ceramic Hotel http://www.ceramic-paris-hotel.com/ which is located within signt of the Arc de Triomphe and just off the Champs-Elysees. It's a 3 star hotel with good online rates this winter. It's location takes you away from tourist gridlock, but a five minute walk brings you to the nearest Métro stop. Yes, the next time I'm in Paris, I will stay there again.

Robespierre

I don't think it's necessary to become jaded to look for value in lodging. Even on a first or second trip, staying out at the end of one of the Métro lines (especially the Left Bank) will save you $30-$80 off your lodging bill and still give you the "authentic Paris" experience.

I stay in Antony, where the median income is well above €100,000 - not exactly what I could call a "working class" neighborhood. Many visiting professionals stay in hotels there because it's the smart thing to do.

Keren

I wouldn't stay in Antony, myself, but save from one visit I've always stayed in quieter parts of town, either because I'd been sent there by a TA (first & second visits, years ago) or because I'd wanted to save some money and/or experience a more residential area. I don't think I've missed anything by staying in the 9th and 12th on my first two short visits. I have fond memories of both.

NeoPatrick

I'm curious if those who stay out at the end of a Metro line in Paris to save some money and still get a true Parisian experience, also stay in New Jersey if they are visiting Manhattan? Or if they stay in Oakland when they are visiting San Francisco? Different strokes for different folks, but none of those are the way I prefer to see and experience a city.

Cimbrone

I once stayed near the Balard metro stop in a sleek, modern hotel (can't remember which one) in order to get better "value". This was the end of a metro line. The neighborhood was fine, but there's nothing like being able to walk to Luxembourg Gardens or the Rue Mouffetard on a whim, in my opinion.

Robespierre

Like most things, it's all tradeoffs. As I said: to each his own.

Luisah

I agree with Ira and NeoPatrick. For your first visit, especially since it's only for a few days, stay in the 5th or 6th so you'll be within steps of the Seine, Notre Dame, cafes, etc. and not be spending your time underground on the metro. They are touristy areas but you are a tourist and in February there will be far fewer tourists than in spring and early fall.

Just go and have fun.

suze

I like the Latin Quarter. It is definintely "someplace fun" but also I think most would consider it "crowded and touristy" too.

The 7th (rue cler) is less central, and less touristy (except for all of the people who follow Rick Steves).

JeanneB

For a solo trip, let me suggest Hotel de Notre Dame on Rue Maitre Albert (5th). Left Bank, no more than 100 yards off the river, right at Notre Dame. Walk out the door and you're in the heart of Paris---the Iles. The Latin Quarter is easily accessible, directly behind the hotel. Easy walk across the Isles to the Marais in one direction, the Louvre in the other.

The hotel is nice, clean, with large relatively modern baths. Double 150eu...I don't know the single rate.
I don't have the website address with me. If you're interested let me know and I'll post it so you can contact Mdme. Dominique directly.

l_boh

Thanks all of you; great feedback. I do have limited time,and although I'm sure the metro is part of the experience I do not want to spend too time on the metro.I want to try and walk as much as possible. So, for the first time staying central would probably be best.

luveurop

I'm planning my 10th trip to Paris next March. I'll be staying at the Hotel Regent (for the 2nd time). It is a great value for the location. But then it all depends on what you want in a particular location. One example, for me, is that I *have* to be within easy walking distance of the Louvre.