The 28 Best Hotels in Paris

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.

1. Staying in the Marais

   Hi Dave,
   My partner and I are travelling to Paris for the first time in May this year. We are both in our early 20s, but have no interest in partying, just enjoying nice food and a drink at dinner/nice bar for atmosphere. I have had a recommendation from a friend who lived in Paris to stay in the Marais area. We are going to spend 3 nights in Paris (is this enough to see the city – main tourist attractions?), and wanted to stay somewhere cheaper so we can splurge at other places over our 4 week trip. Sounds fussy but we usually stay in 4-5 star hotels, so don’t want somewhere that will feel gross or unsafe. I have been reading your posts and saw that you recommend Hotel Emile and Gardette Park Hotel in the Marais area for mid-budget (looking at spending no more than 300AUD per night), would you recommend these hotels for my situation/what one would you recommend me to choose? I am worried about general safety in Paris, is this area okay/these hotels safe?

   1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Both are very nice hotels in my opinion, with some great restaurants within a short walk. This is a perfectly safe area.

2. Staying in the 11th With Kids

   Hello Dave,
   I will be visiting Paris with my wife and kids – ages: 13, 9 and 7 – for five nights. I booked a Hotel in the 11th Arrondissement – Gardette Park. Based on this location and my kids ages, can you kindly share with us any suggestions and/or tips to make the most out our trip particularly for them. I am concerned that I might have picked wrong location.
   Thanks,
   José Tamayo
   Mexico City

   1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      It’s a great area with a handful of metro stations within a short walk of the hotel. There’s a nice park and playground right across the street and several good local (non-touristy) restaurants within an easy walk. I like that it’s not right in the middle of all the tourist attractions – so you’ll have a more relaxed stay.

3. Excellent Paris Hotel in Great Neighborhood

   Hi Dave,

   Thank you for all your recommendations – they have made our trips to Europe so great utilizing all your recommendations. My husband and I are in our early 30s and are celebrating our anniversary the first 3 weeks of August in London, Santorini, Mykonos, and Paris. We are staying at Cavo Tagoo in Mykonos (4 days) & The Grace in Santorini (5 days) ending our trip in Paris for 3 nights. We are really unsure where to stay in Paris as it’s our first time. We are looking for a hotel that is superb – we would like to go to great restaurants, do some sightseeing, romantic walks, and possibly some nightlife. I am going back and forth from your recommendations between St Germain Des Pres and First (ie. Relais Christine or Ritz or Mandarin – no budget). Any help on recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

   1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      That’s a tough call as they are all great choices. Since it’s an anniversary trip and I’d think romantic setting is important, I’d choose the Relais Christine over the Ritz and the Mandarin. The Mandarin is fantastic, but more on the modern side and maybe not what I’d recommend for someone’s first trip to Paris. The Ritz is outstanding, and worth having a drink at the Hemmingway Bar, but it’s location on the Place Vendome, though beautiful, doesn’t have the same charm as the narrow cobblestone streets and tucked away gem feeling that the Relais Christine has. That said, there is a wonderful boutique hotel called the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal. It’s hidden away off a small side street near the Palais Royal yet minutes away from the Louvre and other sights. Those would be the best choices for hotels since you are deciding between Saint Germain and the 1st. As far as the neighborhoods go, they are both equally matched. The 1st is great for restaurants (Spring, Verjus, Juveniles are all excellent) and it’s proximity to the cools bars in the Marais. However, Saint Germain, though it can get a bit touristy in some parts, has all the classic architecture and charm that people think of when they think of Paris. There are also excellent restaurants and wine bars there (Freddy’s, Semilla, L’Avant Comptoir) as well as the great jazz clubs. Since it’s your first time, Saint Germain might have a slight edge but I don’t think you can go wrong in either neighborhood.

4. First Time in Paris: Relais Christine or Hotel Bel-Ami?

   Hi Dave,
   I want to thank you for your amazing website and guidance! We spent our honeymoon in Greece (in Naxos, Santorini and Athens) and used your site for a lot of the planning. This year we’re headed to France for our one year anniversary and I wanted to know which hotel you prefer, Relais Christine or Hotel Bel-Ami? We were able to book a Superior room at Relais Christine, but I read the rooms are pretty small and it is pretty expensive for the dates we are going (mid-July), but we are willing to spend the money if it will be a memorable Paris experience. It will be my first time in Paris and France, so I am looking for a very “french/Parisian” trip!

   Thanks!

   1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      I prefer the Relais Christine, however, it’s mainly because they have a beautiful garden in central Paris. My favorite rooms there are the garden suites which actually give you direct access, while other rooms have a balcony or terrace view of them. They also have some really charming touches like a cat that lounges around the hotel and other things that to try to make it more homey. However, if price is a driving factor for you, the Hotel Bel Ami is also a great hotel in a great location. If you are getting a better deal there, that might outweigh those other details. Size wise, you mentioned you booked a superior room at the Relais Christine which is approximately 22 sq. meters. (236 sq. ft). I hate to break it to you, but this is actually on the roomy side for Paris hotels which typically start at 15 sq. meters (160 sq. ft). So keep in mind the rooms will be much smaller than you are used to, especially in central Paris. At the Hotel Bel Ami, a superior room ranges between 19-23 sq. meters just to give you some perspective. I don’t know what the rates are for both the dates you want to stay but Relais Christine is definitely the more romantic and more “Parisian” of the two.

5. Hotel with View of Eiffel Tower

   Dave,

   Great site. Used a lot of your info for my trip last year to Greece. We have 1.5 days in Paris and want to do a lot of sightseeing. Looking for a hotel room in a convenient location with balcony views of Eiffel Tower for less than $1,000 USD. Any recommendations?

   1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      You have a few options for hotels with a balcony and view of the Eiffel Tower, especially if you’re willing pay for it. If your budget is 1,000usd, and depending on the time of year, I’d recommend the Plaza Athénée. It’s an incredible luxury hotel and has a great location on Avenue Montaigne. (Along with the Champs Élysées and Avenue George V, this makes up Paris’s “Golden Triangle” of high end boutiques and luxury accommodation.) Should this end up exceeding your budget, the Shangri-La in the 16th is another excellent choice. In a former residence of Napoleon’s grandnephew, this property is like stepping back in time. It is near lots of great museums, the Seine and easy to get around with the metro but slightly further out than you might want to be. Your other options are in the 7th, which is a central and fairly low key district. A good area for first timers to Paris as you’re close to all the major sites as well as some outstanding restaurants. Hotel le Walt and Hotel Duquesne in the 7th are solid hotels and more budget friendly options than the other two. And lastly, you could try the Pullman. It’s the closest to the Eiffel Tower, so you’d have the best view. However, the location isn’t ideal. It’s a bit of a walk to the metro (if that’s how you’re planning to get around) and they are lines that don’t connect you to the center very well.

6. Molitor Paris MGallery and Steak Restaurants in Paris

   Thank you so much for all your information. WOW! Going to Paris next week with two 20 year olds. Amex recommended staying at Molitor Paris By MGALLERY Sofitel. Your thoughts. I do not mind spending money for a better hotel, looking for hip cool and really nice hotel for three people. Any suggestions for a trendy steak place would be helpful too.

   THANK YOU!!!
   Maureen

   1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Yes, the Molitor is very trendy but I have doubts about the area for two 20 year olds. Unless you plan to spend most of your time at the hotel itself, the 16th is fairly residential and a bit of a distance from many of the cooler parts of Paris. Better would be either the Marais, though a bit touristy, or South Pigalle which has really come into its own over the past few years. South Pigalle also borders the former red light district, so though it’s quite safe some people may be hesitant. In both of those areas you’ll have lots of hip boutiques, bars and restaurants to choose from. For hotels, a few favorites are the Pavillon de la Reine in the Marais, or the Grand Pigalle Hotel and Hotel Maison Souquet in South Pigalle. For a trendy steak place, probably the hippest one is Beef Club in the 1st. Great food and cool decor. Another option is L’Etable Saint-Germain, the restaurant of the famous French butcher Hugo Desnoyer. Not as hip as Beef Club but the quality of meat is exceptional and the vibe is still relaxed and friendly.

7. Hotel Monge / Paris in January

   Hello,
   We are going to be in Paris for our anniversary in January from 3rd to 11th and planning to stay in 5th area at Hotel Monge on Rue Monge. Can you give some suggestions for this visit in Paris in January. We are going for the first time. Any suggestions for transportation from CDG to the hotel. Comments on the area we are planning to stay. Some suggestions for restaurants, mainly French cuisine. Sight seeing and museum suggestions in January in Paris. Thanks.

   1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      The quickest and cheapest way to get from CDG to central Paris is to take the RER train. These are the trains that serve the suburbs vs. the metro. It takes you to Gare du Nord in less than an hour and costs about 10 euros per person each way. Otherwise it’s a much more expensive flat rate by taxi. I think the area you have chosen is great combination of classic French neighborhoods, interesting architecture, charming cobble stone streets and a mix of lively walking areas. Some are a bit touristy, as the Latin Quarter has a reputation for cheap student hangouts, but the nicest one is Rue Mouffetard. There you’ll find lots of cafes, restaurants, and specialty shops. There is also a small farmers market on that street and make sure you stop at Androuet, one of the best cheese shops in the city. Closer to you is a twice a week market at the place Maubert Mutualite. For restaurants in the 5th, I suggest Les Papilles, Sola, or Cafe de la Nouvelle Marie. For sightseeing, you’ll be within walking distance of the Cluny Museum, the Middle Ages museum built over Roman baths and worth a visit or the Pantheon which is a tomb honoring France’s most famous citizens. You’ll also be walking distance to all the literary treasures of Paris like Shakespeare and Co. book shop or the old haunts of Ernest Hemmingway.

8. Inexpensive Paris Hotel

   First time to Paris in February. Will be there for 2 nights, what affordable hotel do you recommend ($125-$250 range)? Thanks,
   Jeff

   1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      The Gardette Park is one of my favorite affordable hotels in Paris. Nice location walking distance to the Marais. Good restaurants nearby with local vibe and few tourists. Highly recommended.

9. Booking Hotels for Paris in September

   We will be making our third trip to Paris the last week in September. I noticed a big spike in hotel prices between Aug when the whole country is on vacation and September. Should I wait and try to book a better last minute deal or book now in mid August?
   George Monroe

   1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      September is wonderful in Paris but insanely busy – book as soon as possible.

10. Best Area of Paris for Shopping

    We have 2 different visits to Paris (3 days outbound to Rome, 1 full day on our way back home). For the first visit we are sightseeing. For the second visit we are shopping. What area of Paris would you recommend for shopping? We are two girls from New York in early 30s. We are mid-range shoppers, nothing too high end, but I guess don’t mind looking with a few splurges.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

       For shopping, your best area is the Marais. There is a mix of high end, mid-range, and local designers all within that neighborhood. Rue des Francs Bourgeois and Rue des Rosiers are standouts but you’ll have lots of options. It’s also worth checking out the department store BHV, which is where more French do their shopping vs. Galeries Lafayette. Galeries Lafayette and the area around it is also another worthwhile destination for the price point you’re talking about, but it is much more touristy. At BHV, to encourage international visitors, they’ll give you an automatic 10% discount if you show your foreign passport.

11. Paris For Two Days – Where To Stay?

    Hello,
    Your site is just amazing, I tend to research a lot when i travel but you have cut my research time drastically. Thank you for this.
    My Husband and I will be visiting Paris for the first time for two days only. We fly into London for a few days then from London to Paris very early for just two days before we head out to Hamburg. We want to do high end shopping, eat fantastic french breakfast and pastries, and browse through the Louvre and other top museums.
    For our specific needs which area would you recommend and what hotels that aren’t too pricey but still fantastic?

    Thanks

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

       For the things you’ve described I would suggest somewhere in the 1st arrondisement. The most popular choices are the Marais and Saint Germain but they are also the most pricey. In the 1st you are walking distance to great shopping, the Louvre, and sights like Notre Dame but also in an area with good bar and restaurant options. While I’d recommend Rue Saint-Honore for high end shopping, the hotels on that street are going to be pretty pricey (Mandarin Oriental, Hotel Costes, etc.) One favorite is the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal because it’s tucked away yet right next to the pretty and not overly touristy Palais Royal. There you’ll have several charming cafes and pastry shops to choose from for your morning coffee. (Just note, the French don’t typically do elaborate breakfasts and it’s usually coffee with a croissant or pain au chocolat.) If you’re really on a budget, you can always try the Hotel Chopin in the 2nd. It’s another tucked away place inside one of Paris’ old covered galleries with rooms starting at 87 euros. You’re still walking distance to most things and you’ll also have great metro connections. You’ll be close to Galeries Lafayette, and a short metro ride to the high end shopping on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, Avenue Matignon, and the department store Le Bon Marche.

12. Paris 5 Star Hotel with Good Bar

    Hi Dave – my wife and I are traveling to Paris this summer and looking for a 5 star hotel that’s lively with good bar and reception area for relaxing. Food and dinner options aren’t that important as we plan to eat out for our meals. What would you recommend from your top list. I’m think the Mandarin is the best option. Would you agree? Any thoughts on the Ritz post remodel?
    Dan C

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

       There are a number of 5 stars with lively bars and reception areas. Some favorites are the George V with its fabulous outdoor terrace and the Peninsula with its rooftop perch and views of the Eiffel Tower. Le Bristol is another good one for its lovely garden, one of the largest in Paris. The Bar 8 at the Mandarin Oriental does have a nice outdoor space too, plus a great location in the 1st. It’s more modern than other options in the same category. I lean towards the Ritz for liveliness, central location, classic Parisian appeal, and the excellent Bar Hemingway. Headed by Colin Field, many consider him to be the best bartender in the world.

13. Family of 3 in Paris in May

    Hi! We (hubby, 19 year old daughter & myself) will be visiting Paris from May 6-14 and will be staying at a hotel in the 9th arrondissement.
    Just a few questions:
    1. Is there such a thing as “one week unlimited” or using same ticket for “transfers” like they have in New York City?
    2. Is Uber readily available in Paris? In some cities around the world, they operate in limited capacity.
    3. I understand that there will always be a crowd when visiting Versailles. But, is it really worth to see the water fountain/light show available on Tuesdays for us to brave the crowd? Or should we just visit on Wednesday when there’s less crowd?
    4. As we happen to be in Paris on the 1st Sunday of the month, we could avail of free entries to certain museums. I’ve narrowed it down to four: the Pompidou, the Cluny, Musee d’Orsay and the Musee de quai Branly. Too much for one day? How would you do this, where do we start/end? Preferably end near the Eiffel Tower as we plan to get on the Vedettes de Paris Siene river cruise because my husband can go on board for free as it’s his birthday.

    Thanks!
    Blanca

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

       1. For transfering on the metro, they don’t allow you to exit and re-use the same ticket. You will need to go to specific stations where various lines connect. For example if you look at the Paris metro map, stations with connecting lines are indicated. There is a pass good for one week called “Navigo.” It costs €31.60 for unlimited rides throughout central Paris, plus €5 to purchase the card itself. You can get them at most ticket windows in the metro stations and you will need a photo that is slightly smaller than passport size (3cm x 2.5cm) that gets fixed to the card. The main thing to know is that the Navigo pass is good only from Mondays to Sundays. Meaning that if you bought yours on the Saturday you arrive, it will literally expire the next day at midnight. So you’ll have to wait until Monday May 8 to buy it and be able to use it for the full week.

       2. Uber is readily available in Paris and works just like it does in the US. Uber doesn’t have a flat rate but for taxis it’s something like €55 (Right Bank) and €65 (Left Bank).

       3. The water fountain/light show is worth seeing, and the upside is you’ll be there in May when it’s not as crowded as it is in the height of summer.

       4. Four museums in one day is pretty ambitious and I would narrow it down. It really depends on what you’re interested in seeing, but I’d say the two you should definitely visit are the Centre Pompidou and the Musee D’Orsay. Personally, I’d start at the Centre Pompidou but choose only one or two exhibits. Then I’d head over to the Musee D’Orsay where you can easily see the entire museum in about 2 hours. And then I’d squeeze in the Musee Quai Branly which is next to the Eiffel Tower.

14. Hotel Regina or Relais Christine?

    Hey Dave, I have two reservations on booking.com! Hotel Regina and Relais Christine. Relais is a bit more expensive with smaller rooms apparently but I notice you list it on your top 15. Again, first timers coming for our anniversary in April. Which one do you think would be best? I need to cancel the other once I see your reply. Thanks so much!

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

       Both locations are excellent, so it’s a tough call. If price and room size are important factors, than the Hotel Regina does offer better value. Relais Christine’s rooms, though newly renovated, are typical for Paris and small by American standards. If you think you need more space and can’t opt for a superior room (or the luxurious garden suites) than the Hotel Regina is a terrific choice. In general, I think the area around Hotel Regina and the rue de Rivoli is slightly busy with lots of traffic and pedestrians. I wouldn’t call it romantic, but it’s an unbeatable area if sightseeing is your priority because you’re so close to the Louvre, across the street from the Tuileries, etc. Try to get one of their rooms with a view. Since this is for an anniversary, the more romantic choice is Relais Christine. You’re still walking distance to lots of sights like Notre Dame, but the immediate area feels more isolated and charming, with winding cobble stone streets and the hotel itself is set off a courtyard. Both areas have great nightlife and restaurants close by with the Hotel Regina having better transportation links.

15. Best Hotel Bar in Paris

    What hotel has the coolest bar in Paris – looking for character, history, great drinks.
    Thanks,
    Brad

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

       Bar Hemingway at the Ritz is pretty damn cool.

16. Le Clef Louvre vs Hotel Regina

    Hey Dave. Thanks for all the great information. Le Clef Louvre or Hotel Regina? Anniversary trip for Paris first timers! They are about the same cost so just let me know what you think. Thanks! Chris

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

       It’s a tough call. Since they are only a few blocks away from each other, there isn’t a significant difference location wise. One thing to consider is that the Hotel Regina is on Rue Rivoli, a bustling street that constantly has traffic and pedestrians. Not the most romantic area unless you are able to score one of their rooms with a view. That would probably be the biggest advantage to staying there. La Clef Louvre as you know are serviced “suites” and even the smallest one (27sq m), though closer to a typical American sized hotel room, is nearly twice the size of most hotel rooms in Paris. So if you feel like you’ll want more space and be in a slightly quieter location, then go for La Clef. You’ll also be right by the garden of the Palais Royal, which is enjoyed by both tourists and Parisians. There are lots of quaint cafes there but the best coffee is at Cafe Kitsune. And just up the street from you on Rue Richelieu are three fabulous restaurants, Juveniles which is hearty French style home cooking, Ellsworth which is more refined, and Verjus if you want something more fancy. All are pretty reasonably priced.

17. Hotels and Where To Stay in Paris

    Dave, Thanks for you last response to my email. Man, shopping for hotels in Paris is 10 times harder than NYC! There seem to be so MANY beautiful hotels to choose from and I still have not booked anything for our upcoming anniversary trip in April. With that said, I need to make a move so one last question: For best hotel accommodations, service, LOCATION, and relaxed atmosphere I have selected: Grand Hotel Palais Royal, Relais Christine, Splendide Royal, or St. James??? My friend just came back and said the best location is near Rue de Rivoli? Your expertise will help me make my final decision so really appreciate everything and I am sure we will be happy with what decide. Thanks Dave!
    Chris

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

       Your friend probably said Rue de Rivoli because of its location, but it really depends on your trip. For example if your primary goal was sight seeing, I would agree with them. The 1st can’t be beat if you want to walk to the Louvre, the Palais Royal, Tuilleries Gardens, Place Vendome, etc. There are also lots of excellent restaurants in that area. However, I wouldn’t pick that area for a romantic anniversary trip. Most of the 1st is defined by those big, vast spaces I mentioned and it doesn’t have the same quaint, cobblestone street, neighborhood feel that other areas have. It’s very commercial by comparison and Rue de Rivoli is a bustling street with lots of traffic. The Grand Hotel Palais Royal is one of the few exceptions and is tucked away in a pedestrianized area. The immediate area of the hotel is very charming and it’s great to be close to the Palais Royal. I would say it’s between this and the Relais Christine, with a slight lean towards the Relais Christine if this is for your anniversary. The hotel itself is tucked away through a courtyard and already in a quaint area with lots of winding cobblestone streets. If you can spring for one of the garden rooms, even better, because you’ll have your own private outdoor space. (And as a side note, they keep their own bees and use the honey at breakfast!) The location is also excellent since it’s the best of both worlds: it feels a little off the beaten path but you are 5 minutes walk from Notre Dame, great restaurants, the more lively parts of Saint Michel, etc.

18. Paris Hotels and Things To Do

    Dave, Great website my friend and has made me feel much more at ease in planning a 4 day trip to Paris in Early April. This will be the first time into Paris and my wife’s dream vacation! We are in our late 30’s and looking to get 4 full days of sights, history, shopping, etc. I have 3 questions and thanks in advance for your advice/suggestions for us virgin Paris tourists:

    1) Which hotel is the most French authentic, extravagant, best location for touristy stuff, must stay at hotel? We are into more classical, traditional versus trendy, and modern. (Relais Christine, L’Hotel, Hotel D’ Aubusson, Grand Hotel Du Palais Royal.)

    2) We plan on hitting up the Loire Valley as well as the Champagne region. Is this possible to tackle most of Paris, Loire Valley, and Champagne region in 4 days (Wednesday-Sunday).

    3) Do you know much about Charms and Secrets motorized bike tour? Looks great and is what we planned on doing the first minute we land in Paris.

    Thanks so much and hope to hear from you!
    Chris

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

       1. Of the hotels you mention, I lean towards the Grand Hotel because of its fantastic location off the Palais Royal. It’s off a quiet, pedestrian street and you have the beautiful garden and quaint cafes of the Palais Royal close by. You’re walking distance to many big tourist sites and some fantastic restaurants are in that part of the city. You’ll also have great metro connections for traveling around. Of course, if you really wanted to be extravagant and budget is not an issue, I’d suggest any of the “palace” hotels. This is a category that distinguishes the top tier 5 star hotels and there are several in Paris. They include Le Bristol, the George V, Le Meurice, Plaza Athenee, and the Shangri-La. The Shangri-La used to be the residence of Napoleon’s grand nephew and many rooms have Eiffel Tower views. Otherwise Le Bristol is another good option for very classical French decor, central location, and it even has a small pool.
       2. In reality, you have closer to 3 days as many things are closed on Sundays in France. Paris and the more touristy areas have gotten much better about this in recent years, but be sure to plan accordingly. Champagne is an easy day trip and about a 45 minute train ride. It’s possible to do one or two cellar visits and tastings without renting a car. The Loire Valley is a little more tricky and really depends on what you want to do. If you want to see the chateaux, you’ll need a car and at least a day. Or if you just wanted to explore a charming town, I’d suggest Amboise. It’s about a 2 hour train ride from Paris and is known for its Sunday morning market, the Chateau d’Amboise and Leonardo Da Vinci’s final home.
       3. There are many bike tours in Paris to take and though I’ve heard good things about Charms and Secrets, I would just ask how comfortable you are riding an electric bike in traffic. It’s different than riding a normal bike because they are much heavier and on some models the motorized part effects your ability to start and stop. Most people get the hang of it quickly though.

19. Paris Hotel and Area for September Visit

    My wife and I will be in Paris from September 16-23 this year. Where would be a good area to stay? We are both 58 and healthy and love great food and history. I’m into craft beer and don’t know what it is like in Paris. Going to Jimmy Buffett at La Cigale on 21st. My wife loves Monet, so spending a day and will visit Giverny. Thanks, JoLynn and Jeff

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

       There are lots of choices for areas to stay but the most popular tend to be Saint Germain or the Marais. The Marais is known for being very hip, with lots of cool restaurants and trendy boutiques and galleries. Other visitors love Saint Germain because it combines beautiful architecture with a mix of culture and nightlife. These also tend to be the more expensive areas of Paris, but rooms generally start around 150 euros/night so they are still within your budget. The area around La Cigale is up and coming, and it leans towards a much younger crowd with mostly bars and clubs. Since it sounds like you want a mix of culture and food you might also consider the 1st where you’ll be walking distance to the Louvre, the Tuilleries Gardens as well as top restaurants like Verjus and Spring. And if you love history, you’re in luck because the “Journees du Patrimoine” (Heritage Days) will be happening the weekend of Sept. 16-17. This is the weekend when numerous sites that are normally off limits do a city-wide open house to allow people a behind the scenes look at many of the historical and cultural institutions around town. Some events you can just stand in line for while others require advance booking. The official government website hasn’t put any info up yet, but you can get an idea here.

20. Hotels and Areas of Paris for First Timers

    Hello,

    We are visiting Paris for the first time in February for 7 days. What area/hotel would you recommend that are in the $200-$300 per night price range? Also, what would you recommend for us to see and experience as first timers in Paris? Besides the Eiffel Tower, Louvre etc. Me and my wife are both in our mid thirties. Can you please recommend any restaurants that serve authentic French cuisine and are not tourist “traps”.
    Thank you so much in advance, absolutely love you site! Your site definitely tops all others on Paris recommendations.
    Mihai Zaiat

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

       As first timers in your mid-thirties, I think you would appreciate the Marais. It’s very central, walkable to many notable landmarks and museums like Notre Dame and Centre Pompidou, but has lots of options for nightlife and dining. It’s an area known for being very hip, so if you want to take a break from the crowds at the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, you can pop into some fantastic art galleries or shop at boutiques filled with local designers. Hotel-wise, you’ll have a lot to choose from in the price range you mentioned and one standout is Le Pavillon de la Reine. It’s tucked away through an almost secret entrance off the famous Place des Vosges yet just a two minutes away from bars, restaurants, and shopping. As for what to see, museums like the Musee D’Orsay and Centre Pompidou are excellent and less crowded than the Louvre. You might also consider taking a river cruise along the Seine. There are numerous companies to choose from but a good one is the Vedettes du Pont Neuf and tickets start at only 14 euros. If you do stay in the Marais, be sure to check out the Marche des Enfants Rouges, a great collection of small eateries and vendors popular with Parisians. As for restaurants serving authentic French cuisine, there are a few I’d suggest where a lot of tourists go but I wouldn’t classify them as tourist traps. Bistrot Paul Bert is a classic and has fantastic food but you’ll see both Parisians and tourists. Same with Cafe Constant in the 7th. They don’t take reservations so you’ll have to wait on line. If you really want to eat where the locals go, the most happening area is the 11th (just next to the Marais). Restaurants like Aux Deux Amis, Clown Bar, and Au Passage are where chefs go to eat on their night off. Septime and Le Chateaubriand are also extremely popular. Just be warned that these sorts of restaurants focus on serving small plates meant to share and/or a set menu.

21. Grand Hotel du Palais Royal in November

    Hi, we are traveling in early November to Paris and are thinking about staying near the Louvre. We are trying to decide between hotels and Grand Hotel du Palais Royal seems like a candidate but I couldn’t find a lot of information on this hotel other than from hotel booking sites. Any opinions about this hotel or other suitable alternatives around that area?

    Helen

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

       The Grand Hotel du Palais Royal is a fantastic hotel and one of the few I’d recommend in that area. You are literally steps away from the Palais Royal and the Rue de Valois almost feels like an extension of it. The small surrounding streets are quiet and almost see no traffic. In fact you might see Parisian children playing near by on their way to the gardens or while their parents are having a coffee at the cafe just across from the hotel. Inside the grounds of the Palais Royal are several spots to have a drink or enjoy some of the best coffee in Paris at Cafe Kitsune. The only other hotels in that area that are in the same category (Mandarin Oriental, Le Meurice, etc.) are also wonderful but Rue Saint Honore and especially Rue Rivoli see a lot of foot and car traffic. The Grand Hotel du Palais Royal is kind of a hidden gem and also has the benefit of being about a ten minute walk from some excellent restaurant options like Verjus, Ellsworth, or Juveniles.

22. Orly Airport and Hotel L'Antoine

    Hello Dave.

    I’m planing a visit to Paris at the beginning of October. I’ll be arriving to Orly Sud airport and probably staying at the Hotel L’Antoine On Rue de Charonne near Bastille (11th). First time in Paris. Can you help me with some tips:

    1. What is the best way to get from Orly to my hotel? Don’t mind using public transport as long as it is comfortable for hauling a couple of suitcases.
    2. What do you think about Hotel L’Antoine? How about the area?
    3. Do museums get really crowded on the first Sunday of the month?
    4. Any good restaurants for a nice dinner that is not too expensive?
    5. What would be the top three tips for first time Paris visitor (or things to do, not usually get covered on the guides)?

    Thanks for your help, it is really appreciated.

    Miguel

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

       1. The cheapest and most direct way by public transport is to take the RER B to the stop “Antony” and connect to the dedicated Orlyval shuttle train. It will cost you about 12 euros and the RER trains run about every 10 minutes, with the Orlyval shuttle running about every 7 minutes. Once you’re on the Orlyval, travel time between Antony and Orlyval Sud is approximately 8 minutes. From there you’ll have to transfer at the Chatelet metro stop to the line 1 to get off at Bastille. The easiest way it, of course, to take a taxi from just outside the arrivals hall.

       2. I have not stayed at the Hotel L’Antoine personally, but the area is great. You’ll have lots of options nearby and be in a lively area of Paris not frequented by tourists. I would suggest exploring the area around the Ledru-Rollin metro rather than Bastille. Be sure to have one of the best croissants at Ble Sucre, and visit the Marche D’Aligre and the Promenade Plantee (the inspiration for New York City’s Highline.) The Marche in particular has lots of great local spots near it like the Baron Rouge wine shop. On Thursdays and Sundays check out the big Bastille farmer’s market which is also walking distance from your hotel. It will be slightly more expensive and touristy than the one at Marche D’Aligre, but it will have more variety.

       3. Museum attendance really depends on the season rather than the specific day. October is definitely a less touristy time than the summer months and if you’re worried about crowds just plan your visit for the mornings or early evenings.

       4. The 11th has tons of great restaurants and many are close to your hotel. The best is Septime and for 30 euros you can eat a michelin star lunch. You need to book early though. If you can’t get in, just next door they have a seafood restaurant called Clamato. They don’t take reservations and focus more on small plates you share (like tapas). Each plate is roughly between 7-14 euros and plan to get at least two or three. The food is also excellent at Restaurant Will. The 3 course lunch menu is a steal at 19 euros and the dinner menu is a reasonable 45 euros. You can also order a la carte. The food there is more modern French so if you want something more traditional head to Bistrot Paul Bert. You will need to book at least a few days in advance but dinner should be roughly around 40 euros – 50 euros per person.

       5. One of the little known things you can do in Paris is to take a hot air balloon ride. It operates out of the Andre Citroen park in the 15th and for 12 euros you beat the crowds (unlike the Eiffel Tower) and take in some magnificent views of the city. The whole thing lasts about 15 minutes but it’s really worth it. Other tips would be to always check opening times of shops and restaurants. Unlike most countries, restaurant kitchens generally close between 3-7pm (unless you are in a touristy area), many shops (including department stores) are closed on Sundays, or if they are open on a Sunday they may take their day off on a Monday or Tuesday. It’s also common for smaller shops to close during the day for lunch or a siesta (even in Paris). And if a shop says it closes at say 8pm, arrive at least 20 minutes beforehand because it’s possible they might close the doors at 7:45pm in order for workers to leave at 8pm. One last tip is to always greet the shopkeeper with a “bonjour” or a “merci, au revoir” when you enter and leave a store. It’s not a commonly known fact, but the French consider shops personal space much they way they do their own home so not saying hello to the shopkeeper is considered highly rude. In most countries we are so used to anonymous shopping but the French, especially the smaller shops, require a little more civility. Don’t worry that you are engaging them for help or someone will start trying to sell you something, it’s just a formality. Also understand that in France there is more emphasis on being served rather than self-serve, so saying hello first will ensure a friendlier experience.

       1. Miguel

          Dave,

          I really want to thank you for your help, it really means a lot!

          All the best

          THANKS