bridget_from_oz

I've stayed at St Germain and found it expensive and didn't particularly enjoy the area.
I have now stayed in the Chatelet area (within easy walking distance of Chatelet des Halles station) and love it. Its lively with lots of cafes and restaurants, and lots of shops. Its definitely cheaper than St. Germain. Its Paris though - anywhere is great !

Cali

bridget_from-oz, We are also looking im the Chatelet Area as well as St Germain and some other areas that surround it. We hope to make our reservations with our travel agent on Monday. She has traveled a lot and knows these areas well and has advised me about some hotels in several areas. We have definitely decided against the Champs Elysee even tho our travel agent (who we have known for years and like her ideas) told us she loves that area. I am hoping to get into one of several boutique type hotels we have on our list that have come well recommended from friends as well as Fodorite friends. Will keep you posted.

Cali

Just to update all of you. I did a lot of research on possible hotels and then gave our travel agent a list of some we liked and she ended up checking on them for us and she found some were already full for some or part of our dates. However, she did get us a room st Esprit St Germain Hotel and she got us a better room and price and some extras that I was unable to get when I tried booking the hotel myself. We are pleased and looking forward to our trip to Paris. Thanks so much for all your advise. It helped lots and we really appreciate your input.