I'm planning a solo, last minute trip to Paris the second week of August. Any suggestions for where to stay? Looking for picturesque cafes, good food, good shopping.

Is this your first trip to Paris? If you advise the board of your budget many people will chip in for hotel advice. Having all the time in the world this morning, I went to laterooms.com and found there are LOTS of rooms posted as available starting 8/12. And since its downtime in the City, they rooms are VERY reasonable in my opinion.
If you are a first timer, I suggest staying in the central areas ... Paris is spread out and no one area holds all the fascinating things to do. Those would be 1st through the 11th. (I think!)
You'll constanting trip over interesting things, beautiful cafes, bistrots, etc. The metro conveniently dots the city, the buses give you a ride with a view.
I loved visiting Paris solo. What an adventure!!

Thanks for your response SuzieC. Yes, this is my first trip to Paris...I'm on waitressing salary, so pretty low budget...but I wanted to treat myself a little...(the 12th is my birthday). I've been reading about the different neighborhoods around Paris...a little overwhelmed...don't know which will be best to spend 5 nights. Only concern is that people wil be away for summer holiday...will the city be to deserted for a 25 yr old going on to 25?

August is the traditional vacation month so there will be some places closed, but there will still be plenty of people, things to do and places to go in Paris. Just realize that it is likely to be quite warm - downright hot, even - so a hotel with AC can make a great difference in how you enjoy your visit. For your first time, staying close to a Metro stop can be helpful. Everyone has a favorite area of town; I like the 4th, 11th, and 7th best of all.

Thanks for the suggestions Seamus. I think I may stay in the 6th or the 7th like you suggested. I've been reading the "one blissful week in Paris" postings, which have been helpful.

I was going to book flight and hotel together through Orbitz or Hotwire...is this a bad idea?

bonnie - Keep in mind that with a package you will have to pay a single supplement, since advertised prices are usually per person based on 2 in a room. There still may be some deals, but before you do that, you might check out what it would cost to put together your own air and hotel. You can compare airfares online at http://matrix.itasoftware.com/cvg/dispatch/ and if you see a good deal call or go online to the airline to book. There are a number of places to look for hotels - the laterooms.com site mentioned abovr by SuzieC usually has some good deals. Just be sure the place has AC, and not just in the public areas!
BTW, you do have a current passport, yes?

August is low season for hotels in Paris -- there are lots of discounts available IF you avoid the most obvious tourist hotels.

I can recommend the Hotel De Nesle (hoteldenesleparis.com). It's in the 1st arrondissment and was well-priced. Perfect location, on a side street, so action all around, but quiet enough at night. Lovely courtyard. Single female, stayed there 2 nights, felt safe. Also recommend the 'walks' in Fodor's See It Paris book. I covered a lot of ground!

Hi

My wife and I went to Paris in April and we stayed at TimHotel Tour Eiffel in the 15th district. I don't think that it matters that much where you stay in Paris as long as you are pretty close to the metro so that you can get around. I have posted a trip report with pictures and links on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/Paris_France.htm Maybe you can get some useful info there to start with. Get in touch if you have any questions.

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Thanks everyone for all your advice!

Seamus- The matrix website was very helpful...I like how they state long layovers etc. I've been looking for hotel and airfare separately now and it's looking to be cheaper. And, yes, I have my passport!

Brandie346- I loved your suggestion...Hotel De Nesle looks like my kind of place...quirky and cute! I was all set on staying at Le Regent, but you might have changed my mind.

Gard- I'm bookmarking your website...You have lots of good advice in there. Thanks!

Just a correction for the hotel de Nesle, it is in the 6th not the 1st. I have stayed there too and would recommend it as well.

Just booked my ticket!! Called Hotel De Nesle to make reservation (in the 6th (thanks kellyee21)) but computers are down...will call later.

I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight!

The Hotel de Nesle is in a great neighborhood, but I would be very surprised if it has A/C.

The 3* Hotel Regent with A/C just around the corner is wonderful and last I checked they have a summer special starting at 90 euro.

The Hotel de Nesle has computers? Wow!

I didn't even think about a/c, as I was there in late May.

And you're right, it's in the 6th, although if you look at the map on their website (as I did!) it looks like it's in the 1st. GREAT location either way. I would stay there again.

Made hotel reservations at Hotel de Nesle this morning...I requested a room with AC and bathroom...I think it will be okay.