Where do I stay?
 

I am visiting France for the first time. We will be staying with friends in Orleans, but traveling to Paris for a few days. I would love to stay somewhere memorable and romantic, yet don't have more than $75 a night to spend. Any suggestions?

I might recommend Hotel du Globe as quasi-romantic and cheap and a good location, as well as Hotel du Lys, both on the Left Bank in the 6th quartier. Rooms are very small, but if you're alone, it won't matter so much. Hotel des Grandes Ecoles is probably another good choice in the Latin Qtr.

Becky: Go to a bookstore and invest in Sandra Gustafson's book called Cheap Sleeps in Paris. You'll find something through her book, I gurantee it!!

Hi Becky. I'd second all three of Christina's recommendations. I believe all three of them are mentioned (along with color photos) in Fodors Rivages "Hotels of Character & Charm in Paris", an excellent book. (I originally found about the Hotel du Lys from Sandra Gustafson's book, which Deborah mentioned.)

I just remembered another one, and this seems to be one of those hotels people either love or hate. It's the Hotel Esmeralda (or Esmeralda Hotel), it's in a very romantic location (IMO), facing a pretty square and across the Seine from Notre Dame, and I think it would fit your $75/night budget. Good luck!