We will be in Paris for 3 to 4 days in March. This will be our first time there. Aside from all of our reading & research I'd also like to ask those who know Paris: What area is the best place for us to find accomodations? We will spend one of our days going to Versailles. The rest of the time we will spend in Paris, seeing as much as we can fit in. Also, if you suggest a particular area, do you have a hotel recommendation as well? Thank you!!

Hi Gwyn. You will undoubtedly receive many and highly diverse answers to your question about hotels in Paris and which areas to select. You will find that Arrondissements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 all have their proponents. <BR>Paris is full of good, small 2 and 3 star hotels that offer good service and good accomodation. I don't think there is an area that is "best" for all. <BR>For example some people like the 7th Arr because it is quiet and residental. Others reject it for exactly the same reason. Some will tell you that the Latin Quarter is the place to be for the action while others will warn you away from it because it is too noisy. <BR>If you do a search on Paris Hotels, I think you can dredge up quite a few opinions on this subject. They are too numerous to recapitulate or summarize here. <BR>In my trips to Paris, I have found places to stay that were both good and bad. The 7th near the Eiffel Tower has several good small places including the Muguet. My own personal choice is just off of Boulevard Montparnasse on the edge of the 6th. The area is lively at night, and numerous Metro lines and bus routes traverse the area, yet down some of the side streets you will find relatively calm. <BR>

Thank you Bob! That is helpful. I have to admit that even with all of the research, I am a little confused as to the many different Arrondissements. I still think first-hand knowledge from others who've already been is more comforting than reading a guide book. Thanks again.

Dear Gwyn, <BR>Frommer's web site has a good/quick descriptions of Paris' arrondissements, as well as a map, at the following links: <BR>http://www.frommers.com/destinations...062020048.html <BR>and <BR>http://www.frommers.com/destinations/paris/62_maps.html <BR>The city proper is within a ringroad and includes 20 districts (arrondissements), from 1 to 20, 1 being the most central. <BR>The districts I always recommend to "newcomers" are the 4th (Marais, Ile de la Cite, Ile Saint-Louis), 5th (Quartier Latin) and 6th (St Germain) because they combine the advantage of being central, close to the main sights and museums (walking distance), with plenty of amenities (hotels, bars, restaurants, shops, markets, ...). They're also the most touristy but a good base to start from. <BR>With regard to hotels, I would suggest that you check the website www.paris-hotels.com: it has a good choice of hotels which you can select/review by area dn price range. <BR>Finally, you will find a goldmine of information if you do a search under "paris hotel" in this very forum--it's one of the most talked about subjects. <BR>Good luck!

Thanks Miane! Excellent information. <BR>--Gwyn

Hi Gwyn, <BR> <BR>We like Hotel Le Tourville in the 7th. It's true - the 7th can be too quiet for some people. But the Tourville is in a very good location near the Ecole Militaire and Champ due Mars. Plenty of restaurants around the corner on Avenue de la Motte Picquet, and the Rue Cler is a wonderful market street. Metro stop is "Ecole Militaire" - it's about a block from the hotel. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip!

I did not get to complete my first message because of a major interruption and I did not want to lose what I had said so far. <BR> <BR>My main objective has been to find a comfortable place to stay at a decent price that is convenient to places to eat AND transportation. I can give a few recommendations, but my sampling is limited. I mentioned the Muguet because many people have said it was good. <BR>But I have my own favorite and will go back there because I am a creature of habit! Once I find a place that is OK, I tend to return because I know what to expect. <BR>Email me for more input.

Does anyone know of a tour company that can arrange a guided tour from London to Versailles via the Channel Tunnel? <BR>We are looking for a one day (is it possible?) tour to Versailles in July. <BR>Thanks. Jo

Jo <BR>I am sure that there some companies that will do this for you but do not know any off hand. I would suggest that you do no need a tour company to do this. You can book the Eurostar yourself London to Paris 3 hours. Take an early morning train arriving in Paris mid morning at Gare Du Nord. From there take the RER B line to station Chatelet Les Halles, switch to the RER C7 line right to Versailles. Spend the afternoon then reverse the above back to Gare Du Nord and catch a mid-evening Eurostar back to London. <BR> <BR>Be adventuresome - you can do this without a tour company. Figure out the schedule ahead of time and allow yourself the travel times to make the connections.

Not sure of your likes, dislikes, age, party habits, but for my money and anyone under 45 (or over 45) should stay in the 6th. Plenty of stuff to do at night. Plenty of Metro stops. A Hotel??? I stay at the Welcome Hotel where the rooms are small, older furniture and cheap (also clean)($60). Although if you want more pizazzz, this Hotel may not be the one.