Hi all! In October, I'm taking a business trip to Paris for 3 weeks. I want to know how to experience Paris to the fullest, keeping in mind 10-12 hour workdays. I spent 3 weeks in Sao Paulo last year, and don't feel like I really experienced it. I don't want to make that same mistake twice, especially with somewhere as magical as Paris!

I believe our office is in the 17th, and I'm having a hard time finding a hotel for under $225 a night, given its close proximity to Champs Elysses. I usually try to stay at a Marriott or Sheraton, but haven't found any nearby. Definitely willing to go boutique if given a good recommendation. No problems cabbing it or taking the metro to work.

Where can I stay? Eat? Play? I've been to Paris only once before...for New Year's Eve in 2000. It was only for about 2.5 days, and we tried to cram as much touristy things in as possible.

My husband will probably visit one weekend, as I will be there during our 2nd anniversary. Any ideas for us for that weekend as well?

Also, what would be the best way to get to Geneva? I have an uncle there that I would love to visit one weekend. I've been there before (after the last Paris visit), but when I tried to look up train tickets, they were about $250. Is that right?

Thank you *so* much for any help you can give! I know it's very early, but trips that seem so far away tend to sneak up on me. I really want to have a great experience, so I want to plan in advance ;-).

Regarding places to stay: I believe there is a Best Western on rue St Ferdinand in the 17th, and I know that the Hotel Palma is not expensive, but may be too basic for you. It is a very nice, picturesque location right near the Place St Ferdinand.
http://www.hotelpalma-paris.com/
Sorry I don't have more advice - we lived in the 17th about 20 years ago. We mostly ate in the neighborhood.

For your train tickets, make sure you're looking on the SNCF website and not another one that charges extra (like RailEurope). Also, if you book within 3 months, you can sometimes get an off peak ticket for a discounted fare.

One that we used and liked which should be close to your work is
http://www.hotel-paris-regenceetoile.com/

By the way, some Best Westerns in Paris (and France, generally) are quite nice, especially those that have the label "Premier" as part of the name.

You might also consider renting an apartment for your stay. That would enable you to live more like a Parisienne. No doubt you could stay somewhere quite nice (albeit small) for your budget. Of course, the disadvantage is that you won't get any points with a hotel frequent stay programme.

If you'll be in Paris at the start of October, note that you might have difficulty finding a reasonably priced hotel because I believe the women's ready-to-wear fashion shows take place then, and there are a couple of other events at the same time. So book asap.

Do you want to stay in Paris for the weekend your husband comes to visit or would you like to explore outside the city? And how much time will he come for (and how jet-lagged will he be)? One option would be to take the train somewhere relatively close (e.g. the Champagne region, the Loire or Burgundy), stay in a chateau and do some wine tastings.

Thanks all! I was wondering why the hotels seemed *so* expensive. If Ready-To-Wear is going on, that makes total sense. I noticed lots of Best Westerns, I'll have to check those out. I'm not sure what our corporate policy says about renting apartments - will have to check. But that would be an awesome option if it's in budget! I would love to live in an apt. vs a hotel!

We're not sure what we want to do the weekend my husband is here. That might be when we go see my uncle, but we might just make it a day trip, even though the ride is about 3 hours. Just easier than checking out of the hotel, expense-report wise. However, a weekend outside Paris sounds heavenly, too! Eek! So many possibilities! I'll be checking them all out.

Thanks so much!

You can visit the champagne region on a long day trip. Take the TGV to Reims (which I prefer to Epernay). Book a couple of tours at the large champagne houses, take a walking tour of the Art Deco buildings, have a nice lunch and visit the Surrender Museum (where the Germans signed the surrender treaty in WWII).

Renting an apartment is a good way to experience Paris to the fullest. I stayed in Paris for a month's business trip and rented an apartment in Le Marais. Might not be the closest to your company but the metro is reliable and cheap. Apartment could work out cheaper but can be complicated for corp lets as deposits might have to be paid and other things.