I was told at one time that the best area to stay is the 7th arrondissement. As I look at hotel information there seems to be many more hotel recommendations in the 8th. Curious to hear any comments comparing the two areas. <BR> <BR>Thanks

You must be looking at fairly high end hotels. The 8th is the glitzy area around the Champs Elysee. There are some great hotels there, and I would certainly not worry about the neighborhood. The 7th has the Eiffel Tower. But, of course, when the Eiffel Tower was built in the late 19th century, it was on the edge of the city.

It really depends on what you plan to do in Paris. If you're doing a bit of everything, I don't think it matters where you stay. I personally don't care much for the champs-elysee area. but that's just me. You are going to have to bet on walking all over and/or taking the metro. I personally love walking all over paris. I would stay in the 1-8th arr.

Nancy, I wouldn't necessary call the 7th the best. I am sure others would make an argument for other arrondissements. Each arrondissement has its own advantages and disadvantages and it depends on your own personal preferences and interests. At one time, I wouldn't stay in the 7th and now I would prefer it. I prefer it because it is just as good a location as several others, but I think it is less congested and quieter. As Martha points out, the 8th does have the more glitzy and high priced hotels if that is what you are looking for.

7th arrondissement---Champ de Mars check it out--great location and good value. Also, Grand Hotel Des Balcons 6th arrondissement, about 440 francs double <BR>

Hi Nancy - <BR> <BR>John is right about the 7th, it is quieter and less congested. If this is what you like, go for it. If you're like my husband and I, try the 5th or 6th. These are the Latin Quarter and St. Germain respectively. They are very lively areas (especially the St. Michel Place area, that's where we stay) with lots of people-watching and cafe-sitting well into the evening. We love the hustle and bustle of this area with crepe vendors, gyros and frites, and street performers. <BR> <BR>We went over to the 7th near the Champs de Mars and Rue Cler one night around 11:30pm to check out hotels we had seen on this site. The hotels seemed fine but the area was like a ghost town. Everything we saw was closed and no one was around. We tried to get a bus back to the 5th but none came by for 30 minutes so we just took the Metro. We like buses because you can see things while you're moving from one location to another. <BR> <BR> <BR>To each his own...Good luck! <BR> <BR

Well, "best" is quite relative depending on your preferences. Everyone has their own favorite neighborhood for sleeping in Paris. We like the 7th because it's an upscale residential neighborhood and very quiet at night. There are charming hotels in all price ranges. Better (to us) to take a quick taxi back to your hotel than suffer the noise late at night and early in the morning of the "lively" neighborhoods. Accomodations near Ecole Militaire metro stop render you conveniently located to a metro line which does not require excessive transfers (in less than desirable stations) to get where you're going and where more than half a dozen bus routes are available. I recommend the buses for getting around Paris. Contrary to the tour guides, they don't take much longer (and the stops are much more conveniently located), and you have the advantage of enjoying the glorious scenery all along your route without the disadvantages of the stairs, hallways and pickpockets on the metro. And, you can always hop off in an appealing area and continue your journey later. The 7th is full of charming food and gourmet shops, boutiques, and charming but reasonably priced (for Paris) restaurants. It's also where Rue Cler (of Rick Steves fame) is located. In any large city, there are "neighborhoods", each with their own unique characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. To really enjoy Paris, you'll want to get up early and stay up late. Presumably, you'll be out and about - seeing and doing - and your hotel room is for sleeping and getting dressed. And, no matter where you're staying, you'll want to go all over. I would advise highlighting the places you plan to visit on a map of Paris and selecting a hotel (with the amenities you require in your price range) as close to a metro/bus/taxi stand as possible. In spite of yourself, you'll do more walking than you can possibly imagine. A few extra blocks to your hotel at the end of the day will seem like miles, if you're walking. The 8th is what most folks would describe as "touristy".