I have been on many Paris travel websites and I would really like to go to Paris. I have never been there, and I will do all of the typical tourist things, but I just don't know what area is the BEST? area to find a hotel in. I know that it is a difficult choice but where do you like to stay and why?<BR><BR>

Look for 2 posts called ". Paris arrondisement info-updated 1-10" and ". Paris arrondisement info-updated 11-20"<BR><BR>It'll give you a general discription to help you decide.<BR><BR>

DellVecc,<BR><BR>From what I've gleaned over the past year and a half, seems a lot of people prefer the 4th (Marais), the 5th (Left Bank), the 6th (St. Germain des Pres), the 7th (Rue Cler area), as well as the 14th (Montparnasse - sort of the old Bohemian section) and the 18th (Montmartre - although it's not usually recommended for 1st-timers or if you're a single woman).

IMHO a boutique hotel in the 6th is the best for a tourist. Lots of interesting restaurants and very central location to most of the city.

First trip to Paris: 6eme or 7eme, closer to the river than away from it.

It's not critical at all where you stay as long as you're in the central area. The various areas (arrondisements) are right next to each other, across the street from each other. There's no great demarcation line. Everyone has their own favorite area they will argue for, from the Latin Quarter to St Germain to the Islands to the Marais to the Louvre area and on and on. You'll be out and about the whole city anyway, and the city is so easy to get around you can go to most areas quickly and easily for sites, restaurants, etc. The 1st, the 6th, parts of the 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th - they would all be fine for a first timer. If you're looking at hotels, look at addresses - 75001 is the 1st arrondisement, 75002 the 2nd, 75003 the 3rd, etc. For more Paris information e-mail me: [email protected]

If elvira says 6 or 7..take her word!

I always stay in the beginning of the Latin Quarter at the Elysee Luxembourg Hotel. I like it because on the corner of San Michel and Gay Lusac is the Luxembourg Metro, across the street are the Luxembourg Gardens, within walking distance is St. Germain area, you will be close to the Cluny, near Notre Dame and the boats to go to different areas...you'll also be near other gardens, etc. Many lovely restaurants and bakeries for breakfast, and away from all the craziness of the rest of the city. I recommend the 3 star Elysee Luxembourg hotel, room 504 with its wrap around terrace (you can see the Eiffel Tower and also many apt. buildings across the street on Gay Lusac). The hotel is not expensive and is very near the windy street La Huchette near the Cluny. Enjoy!

Stay in the 19th; it's made for people with your IQ.