cool

Can you suggest me a good area to stay in paris?We are looking for a good area,safety ,walkable distance to few attractions and to train/bus station.We will be having big luggages since we are planning to stop over in paris during our transit.
We are first time travellers we don't know which place to stay.Is it near Eiffel tower/ opera west / opera east / near cdg airport ?

elle

Most first time travelers enjoy staying in the single-digit arrondisements of Paris, 1 to 8 in particular. I think the 5th (Latin Quarter), 6th (St. Germain), and 4th (Marais) are excellent areas for a first time visitor. There are also people here who recommended the 1st, which is around the Louvre Museum.

If you're coming in to and leaving from a particular train station, let us know which one and perhaps we can make specific recommendations. FWIW, most of the train stations are not in the single-digit arrondisements but there are still some good, affordable places to stay, particularly around Gare Montparnasse and Gare de Lyon.

I don't recommend staying near CDG airport unless you have a very early plane to catch. Otherwise, you'd be staying in a very sterile environment that could be anywhere in the world and won't get to experience the true Paris.

MaureenB

You will get much advice on this question. Ultimately, of course, it is a very personal preference.
I suggest the 7th arrondisement for its more quiet, upscale attitude, walkable tree-lined streets with the Rue Cler outdoor market and some restaurants.
Best of all, in my opinion, is to get a room with a view of the Eiffel Tower. All lit up at night, it is beautiful to see. And in the early morning mist...
You can walk the Champ de Mars park and see the Tower from all angles. The Hotel des Invalides and Napoleon's tomb are right there, too. A short walk takes you to the Seine, to catch a boat. Or mass transit stops close, too.
We loved the 7th. You can click on my name above, to find my trip report of London-Paris-Amsterdam from this June, and find details about the hotel we liked in the 7th and some restaurants we liked in Paris in general. Have a wonderful time!

jules4je7

I'll also chime in to recommend the 7th, specifically the Rue Cler area. It's in the Eiffel Tower neighborhood, and you can find rooms for under $100 USD a night up to $300 if you want to spend more. We stayed at the Hotel de Champ du Mars in 2003 and loved it.

I'd also suggest getting a good guidebook -- Fodor's is fine, and I also like Rick Steves Paris 2005. It's a great book for the first-time traveller to Paris, has good recommendations for hotels, sights, hours, along with suggestions on itineraries for varied visit times. I really enjoy his walking tours as well.

I would also not bother staying near CDG...it's 30 minutes or more out of the city, and you would enjoy that time taking breakfast in rather than being in a taxi or on a subway every day.

Happy travels,

Jules

ira

Hi C,

What is your budget?

cool

My budget is $100 per day.
North / South which would be good ?

Brazilnut

I suggest the Hotel Carofftel Gobelins where I stayed last May and was very pleased. It is on the 5th arrondisement and within your budget (about 89 Euros for a double room, without breakfast). The hotel is near underground stations, and close to Rue Mouffetard with markets, nice little restaurants that are reasonably priced, etc. Besides, the staff was really helpful (I think they do speak English). Ask for a room with a terrace.

worldinabag

Bonjour

We stayed at the Royal Phare Hotel - http://www.hotel-royalphare-paris.com in the 7th District. Superior double is 79E. Excellent location. Metro and supermarket nearby and round the corner from the Eiffel. The Rue Cler market is close too. The Prince Hotel, around the corner from the Royal Phare, looked good - http://www.hotel-paris-prince.com. This is a bit more expensive though.

Don't pay for the breakfast. Go to the supermarket or bakery and pick up some lovely fresh bread etc. and save heaps.

I'm sure you will love Paris. Have fun.

Au revoir

Sooosally

It's been several years since I was in Paris (unfortunately). I stayed in the 7th and loved the area. I stayed at the Hotel de Tourville and it was a great little hotel.

ira

Hi cool,

This hotel has been recommended by other posters:
http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/h75012lux.htm

It is in the 12th, but close to Metro and bus stops.

Parfym

Hi Cool,

If you intend to use mostly public transportation, if at all possible, re-think your large luggage, try to pack light. Your comings and goings will be more enjoyable if you don't have a lot of luggage to deal with.
Have a great time!

Morganne

Yes try to have the lighter luggage possible...heavy luggage in public transport is really not easy...
For location, I would say that 5th is good to stay, I stayed in Hotel Vendome Saint Germain last June and was quite happy because of the location and also because RER Luxembourg is not very far from the hotel...It is RER B line that is going directly to CDG airport...very useful!
http://www.paris-hotelvendome.com
Have a nice trip!

Bigal

You are asking for advice that is very difficult to give based on us not knowing your likes and dislikes .May I make this suggestion. This Fodor Web site gives some wonderful suggstions as to the offerings of the various arrondisements of Paris, it gives many hotel suggestions with descriptions and prices and restaurants and activities nearby. Why not take a look and see if anything strikes your fancy and then come back here to find out if anyone here can give you advice on your selection. What might be a positive question is that you like the features of a hotel in the 4th but would prefer the 6th. Do any of us have a suggestion for a similar hotel there?

You mention you have heavy luggage. Someone suggested your taking the RER from the airport.The RER runs on the Paris Metro (Subway) and would involve stairs and possible transfers...not a happy thought for heavy luggage.