My husband and I are going to Paris for the first time later this fall and would love recommendations of where to stay.

We want the hotel to feel very french, the architecture of the building as well as the interior. My husband and I are very fun people and do not want to stay somewhere where we feel we have to whisper or dress in designer clothing to pass through the lobby. We'd prefer an upscale hotel, without the attitude.

Very French, very fun and very funky-L'Hotel on the left bank.

Other thoughts-the Lancaster and the Raphael. All 3 are very expensive and all 3 are favored by the entertainment industry so they're used to anything and everything.

I've only stayed at the Raphael where the rooms are filled with French antiques and the elevator is the classic wrought iron folding gate. It's so French, it's often used for movie shoots. Imagine my amazement on returning one afternoon after a day out to find Nazi flags draped on the outside (gulp). They were shooting a movie set in WWII

the lancaster is nice but i like the plaza athenee's location better.

If you'd like a very upscale but quiet hotel which is located on that very French of squares, the Place des Vosges...check out the Pavillon de la Reine...pricey, covered with ivy and flowers, private courtyard, very refined like a country house, and, in my opinion, worth every penny
www.pavillon-de-la-reine.com

Hotel Balzac.......Very intimate and charming.I was treated as if I owned the place.Architecturally, a Belle Epoque townhome.Close to the Arc de Triomphe and CE.Not any traffic going and coming.Very subtle.

Have gone to websites for recommended hotels - all look lovely!

Wondering which side of the bank, right or left is better or if it makes much difference. I'd like to be somewhat near the tourist attractions so we could walk to them. Would it make a difference which arrondissement the hotel is in? Is one better than the others or are they all about the same?

Kalanthy, you've got some time before you visit Paris. Therefore, in the meantime, I suggest you get familiar with the different districts. They are all unique so it does make a difference where your hotel is located. Generally, I find that the 1st through 8th districts are very nice. The way you describe you and your husband I'd say the Latin Qtr. (5th dist.), the Marais (4th dist.), and St. Germain des Pres (6th dist.) will be best for you to stay.

Ofcourse it matters what arr. you're in, but I think it's more about ambiance & proximity to restaurants & cafes and less about being near tourist attractions. The 1er has the Louvre & the Garnier Opera House among other things. Some people like staying there, but I find it too touristy with not enough good restaurant choices within close walking distance. Having said that, the Ritz (ooh la la) is in the ler & plenty of people choose to stay there.

The Raphael, which I mentioned, is in the 8th right near the Arc de Triomphe. It's a quiet, somewhat residential area so no great noise at night but also no close cafes etc. either. But it does give you a feel of living in Paris.

Most people on this board like staying in the 6th which gives you a bit of everything.

Hi
In the 6th, two very nice hotels are the Le Regent and the D'Aubusson.
I've stayed at the latter, very pretty decor, nice amenities (robes and such),
all hotel services, but it's on an intimate scale. Ask for a larger (superior) room.

I have a file on Paris; if you'd like to see it, email me at
[email protected]

To me, which arrondisement you choose to stay in is the single most important thing about planning a trip to Paris!!!

Each has a distinct personality. Which is better ? is impossible to answer. But you can certainly find write ups and opinions describing the highlights and atmosphere. This covers the left bank vs right bank decision as well.

I loved the hussle and bussle of the Latin Quarter (5th). Might try out a more quiet residential feel of the 7th especially if I was traveling solo. My next trip I plan to stay in the Marais (4th).

Anything in the low numbers will be centrally located (they go outwards in a spiral) near to many of the major tourist atttractions and sites.

You need a map of the city, and a particularly good one is the Paris Mapguide by Michael Middleditch. Good maps plus lists of what to see and do. The attractions are keyed to the maps, so this might help in deciding where to stay. The arrondisments are clearly marked, along with metro stops and bus routes.

If you decide tom stay in the 2nd [right bank] I can recommend the ***Hotel Ascot Opera.