leighlaf

My husband and I are traveling to Paris this August(13-17th). We will be arriving via the train from Amsterdam. We would like to stay somewhere that isn't in the heart of the tourist attractions. Preferably just outside of them, but easily accessible to them. We like to eat where locals eat, and immerse ourselves in the culture. I have read so many reviews about different ARR's and I am overwhelmed. We are trying to enjoy our European trip without breaking the bank, any suggestions on where to stay that is safe, close to public transportation, and relatively inexpensive would be great! Thanks.

PalenQ

What does really inexpensive mean to you - it is a vague concept as folks have different takes on that - what do you want to spend max per day on a hotel?

Anyplace in central Paris is close to a metro station - within a few blocks usually and all places IME are safe - what is inexpensive?

pariswat

Sounds like you'd like outer arrondissements, and I'd recommend the 18th.
The only hotel I've reviewed here is the Boronali (spelling?) - I've slept there about 50 times.
It is in a quiet neighbourhood, 5 min from Chateau-Rouge metro (a lot of people hate that area, usually racist people)... and 5 min from the foot of la butte Montmartre in the other direction.
Several great restaurants very close by, lots of Young people at the terraces...

pariswat

Leigh
For me relatively inexpensive in Paris is about 100€
cheap is 60 € (and very diffciult to find something correct)
Normal would be around 150 €, nice around 200 € and expensive above.
In case it doesn't correspond, clarify !

leighlaf

Thank you for your replies. We would like to spend less than $150 US per night. I've been looking into AirBnB as well, but once again, that too, is overwhelming. We are in our mid 40's so clubs and young people really isn't ideal for us. We both are foodies and like jazz music and are looking for a more laid back kind of experience. Sure seeing some of the landmark sights are on our list, but at the end of the day, some good food, wine, and music would be the perfect setting.

pariswat

Cannot comment on appt rentals, I have a negative opinion and it doesn't fit my travel habbits (hardly ever more than 2-4 nights at same place).
Let me then clarify about the neighbourhood I described : no clubs there, just cafés, and full of students.
Students will not be there in august since it is holiday.
Easy access to anywhere in Paris.
Hotel : I pay usually between 90 and 110 - august being low season, you'll have it at low end. Without breakfast (I never do it in Paris, just go to nearest café).
Close by : Sacrée fleur (best meat in Paris imho), Illium/illios ? a very nice french small 'restaurant de quartier', l'Assiette (also de quartier, max 15 people), Zenyama (jap, quite good), Atelier Ramey (a little bit more elaborated, was there on monday), and more (one tapas, very great, but not sure still open) etc.
I hardly encounter any tourist there. Except in the hotel - must confess that the only times I slept bad there was when US tourist came back at 2 am and were quite loud and banged the doors...
Tourists !!! Should be forbidden (at least in hôtels I sleep in, the nights I'm there).

MmePerdu

I can recommend 3 within your budget.

Hotel l'Esperance, simple hotel in a quiet part of the 5th, near the Rue Mouffetard market and Saint Médard church:
http://www.hoteldelesperance.fr/en/

Hôtel de la Porte Dorée, a very nice place, in the 12th, near the Bois & Chateau de Vincennes and, it appears, a huge bargain for your dates. Book early as it's a popular place.
http://www.hoteldelaportedoree.com

My personal favorite, L'Ermitage, behind Sacre Coeur in the 18th, quiet residential neighborhood, feels like you're staying in an elegant home. Have stayed several times.
http://www.ermitagesacrecoeur.fr/

nytraveler

Can't help with specifics since that is not our price point. But you need to understand that quite a few less expensive hotels in Paris do NOT have AC - and the weather can easily be up in the 90s.

So if it were me I would try to balance my budget with some basic (to me) amenities: AC, elevator (versus just stairs) and private bath. And then try to find a place that doesn't have VERY tiny rooms.

We usually stay in the 5th or 6th but that might well be too touristy for you. (We ARE tourists and want to be very central so we can walk most places.)

leighlaf

MmePerdu:
Thank you for your recommendations. I just booked our stay at Hotel de la Porte Doree. It looks like a lovely hotel and I hope that we will be as pleased as many other reviewers of this property. Could you tell me if it is close to public transportation and also, could you recommend some places to eat? Are there any places that you would recommend that have jazz music? We are in our mid 40's and not looking to "club" or hang out all night. Quiet, relaxing and a true Parisian experience is what we are seeking.

MmePerdu

Oh, good, leighlaf. I've never mentioned it before because most visitors, unlike clever you, want to be in the middle of everything, whereas I prefer the fringes.

There's a great bakery (also sandwiches, quiche, etc.) directly across the road. You'll get more recommendations, I'm sure. I eat wherever I find myself when I'm hungry so useless in that regard. I travel alone, as a rule, so am rarely out to hear jazz. Someone will likely point you in the right direction.

All things transport here: http://www.ratp.fr/en/

The 46 bus stops at the hotel doorstep:

http://www.ratp.fr/informer/pdf/orie...s_paris&fm=gif

And the Metro (Porte Dorée) is across the road.

http://www.ratp.fr/informer/pdf/orie...x&nompdf=metro

almcd

My wife and I rented an apartment through VRBO in the Marais district and it was fantastic. It was reasonably priced , right across the road from a bakery that made superb croissants and 200 metres from a supermarket. The area was very handy for everything and was walkable to Notre Dame. I would recommend the area and the company. Much better than a hotel. We had wine, bread and lots of fruit awaiting us on arrival. Try it. You will not regret it.

MmePerdu

Almcd, reminder: "We would like to stay somewhere that isn't in the heart of the tourist attractions."

And for just a few nights, hotels with their knowledgeable staff can be the best option.

pariswat

La porte Dorée, for sure, no risk to be touristy.
Nice hotel, but I found the area one of the most boring I've ever been in Paris.