My husband and I are going to Paris in August for our anniversary. We can't seem to decide on a hotel because we are unable to decide which arrondisement would be best for us. This is our first time to Paris and we are looking to be in a safe, central area with quaint bistros, good shopping, and a real Parisian feel. But not quite as high end as Champs Elysee etc...Any ideas? Should we stay along the Seine? Also, we plan on hitting the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, etc. but we are looking for other fun activities as well.

Also, any hotel suggestions would be appreciated - something less than $400.00/night.

thanks,

Well I think the left bank is more "quaint" than the right - and all of central Paris is perfectly safe. For that budget you should have a host of options (except for truly deluxe hotels). If it were me I would head to the Latin Quarter. the Ile St Louis is also very charming and might be what you're looking for.

First off, just about any arrondissement in Paris has what you described. Second, the Champs Elysées isn't that high-end, just a rather boring avenue with American-style chain stores. Third, Paris is chock full of good hotels for well under $400.00.

I suggest you do a search here for Paris hotels - you'll find thousands of reviews. And to help you out with arrondissements, check this out:

http://www.intransit-international.c...ment_tour.html

You might investigate the Jeu de Paume Hotel on I'lle St-Louis. The island is a respite in the Seine. Brilliant 17th century architecture close to many attractions including Notre Dame, Concergerie, Saint Chapelle, Latin Quarter, Saint Germaine. You'll find many tourist attractions are within walking distance of Line 1 of the metro.

Have a great trip.

With such a budget, you can stay in any area you want. I would recommend the 1st or 2nd arondissements in your case.

I recommend Hotel Madison on Blvd. St. Germain in the 6th. For a nice anniversary dinner, I recommend Le Cigale Recamier (Metro stop - Sevres-Babylone)

This is a fairly recent forum that was set up with recommendations of left bank hotels, you might find something here.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ank-thread.cfm

We need to know a little bit more about what you consider 'fun', then I'm sure you will get lots of recommendations. Good luck with your planning, I hope you love Paris!

Hi lex,

In Paris, we always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. From 134E dbl w/bkfst. It is just around the corner from Place St. Sulpice, near 3 metro stops and 4 bus routes. Has AC and an elevator.

The staff speaks English well, and is very helpful. The front desk is staffed 24/7

They can arrange a shuttle pickup to/from CDG for you.

Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67
[email protected]
www.hotelbonaparte.fr

For more info, enter "Hotel Bonaparte" in the "search the forum" box.

keeping my fingers crossed booked on 1800 hotels 5ieme arron Hotel Claude Bernard 182.00 dollars/night for Sept. I made myself crazing reading the positives and negatives on Trip Adviser....Rick Steves...

from the pics-if I was willing to pay 400.00 usd the Senat looks gorgeous also in 5ht/6h area.