Whilst not being a professional hostel goer I have stayed at some and the very worst I have encountered was 'Le Village' in Montmartre in Paris. There was no fire escape, the very narrow winding stairs took a bit of negotiating especially with heavy luggage, the excuse for a kitchen was a dirty corner with 2 burners but no sink and no rubbish tin, the staff were of no help with luggage, the lift didn't work and I am sure that if it had been in any other part of the world it would have been condemned. <BR>I had booked three nights and stayed only one because I found a nice little hotel around the corner with lovely rooms, service, linen etc for less than I paid for the hostel.

What's the name of the other hotel? I'm looking for a nice, clean hotel in Paris to convince my husband to take me and my two daughters to Paris for carnival season (1-8 March 2003).

I am replying so this won't get lost in the heap of posts whilst I try and remember the name of the hotel for you. It cost 42 Euros per night for 2 of us which was wonderful for Paris.<BR>I will post again when and if I find the info for you. <BR>

Actually we checked out a few hotels in the same area and they were all between say 40 Euros to 60 Euros per night. Not 5 star but clean and comfortable and when you are in Montmartre you are in the centre of everything - the Metro is on the main street too so you can get into other areas of Paris without any trouble - get either a three day ticket or longer if necessary. Take extra bags for the beautiful material from the 100's of material shops in Mont.

LAG - while in Paris this summer I stayed at Hotel les Argonautes on rue de la Huchette in the Latin quarter. The rooms were clean and simple, no T.V. or a/c, but found that it wasn't so hot that I needed it.<BR>The only drawback it that rue de la Huchette is a popular tourist area so it is busy during the day and can be noisy until the restaurants close at night.<BR>It is on a pedestrian only street and walking distance from Notre Dame (one block away) Isle St.Louis, the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, the catacombs, etc.<BR><BR>http://eurocheapo.com/paris/listings/selection/argonautes.asp<BR><BR>Hope this has helped!<BR>Julie

LAG, I wish you good luck on convincing your husband. I know that I picked up a room for three at the Grand Hotel Francais for under 100 Euros and doubles for around 75. It's a very nice area and a straight shot on the metro to the heart of Paris. It's a 3-star, but some might feel it is more of a 2* plus. In any case, it certainly is very well kept and I don't think you would be disappointed; it's a great value. <BR><BR>Feel free to e-mail me for particulars if you want more info and on how you might be able to get the best rate. (I would be interested in learning some more about carnival season from you, too.)<BR><BR>Happy contrails!