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Paris Hotel Map: Where to Stay for Sightseeing, First-Timers, & Families

Updated: December 23, 2025 • By Santorini Dave

My Favorite Paris Hotels

• 5-Star: Four Seasons
• 4-Star: Grand Powers
• 3-Star: Cler • Chopin
• Boutique: J.K. Place
• Cheap: Welcome
• For Couples: Relais Christine
• For Families: Fraser Suites
• Eiffel Tower: Pullman
• Louvre: Hotel du Louvre
• Notre Dame: Saint Severin
• Montmartre: Hotel Des Arts
• Gare du Nord/Gare de l’Est: Hotel Hor

Paris Maps – My Tips

Me in Paris.

  • 1. Download Offline Google Maps Before You Arrive
    This is the single most important thing you can do before your trip. Paris is dense, and while data is widely available, having a reliable backup in the deep Metro tunnels or the winding stone streets of Le Marais is essential. An offline map works with your phone’s GPS even when you have no cell service, ensuring you never miss a turn.

    Here’s the simple process:
    • Search for “Paris” in the Google Maps app.
    • Tap the info panel for “Paris” at the bottom of the screen, then tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top right and select “Download offline map.”
    • Adjust the map frame to include the key zones. I recommend zooming out to include La Défense (West), Montmartre (North), and ideally Charles de Gaulle Airport if possible, or at least the Périphérique ring road.
    • Tap “Download.”

    But don’t just download the map; turn it into your personalized travel guide. Before you leave home, while you have a strong Wi-Fi connection, open the Google Maps app and “star” (save) all your key locations. This should include:
    • Your hotel.
    • The top sights (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Sacré-Cœur).
    • Key dining spots you’ve researched.
    • Your arrival station (e.g., Gare du Nord for Eurostar/RER B).

  • 2. Understand the “Snail” to Locate Yourself
    Paris is divided into 20 numbered districts called arrondissements that spiral out clockwise from the center like a snail shell. The 1st Arrondissement (The Louvre) is the center. Low numbers (1-8) are the historic, tourist-heavy center. Higher numbers (10-20) are the outer, more residential rings. If you look at the zip code of any address (e.g., 75005), the last two digits tell you exactly where it is on the map (the 5th Arrondissement).
  • 3. Use the River Seine as Your Compass
    The Seine River curves through the middle of Paris and is the best way to orient yourself. It divides the city into the Right Bank (North) and the Left Bank (South). The Right Bank contains the “Grand” sights like the Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and Montmartre. The Left Bank is the historic, bohemian heart containing the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain, and the Eiffel Tower.
  • 4. Master the 3 Key Transport Hubs
    The Paris Metro is extensive, but three stations act as the primary anchors for tourists. Châtelet-Les Halles is the massive central heart where major Metro and RER lines intersect; it is the fastest way to get from one side of the city to the other. Charles de Gaulle-Étoile (located beneath the Arc de Triomphe) is the key hub for the West and connects to the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées. Gare du Nord is the essential gateway for the Eurostar and connects directly to Charles de Gaulle Airport via the RER B train.

Map of luxury, affordable, and best new hotels in Paris.
Best Hotels: 1. Le Grey • 2. Maison Souquet • 3. Le Relais Montmartre • 4. Hotel Des Arts • 5.Grand Pigalle • 6. Saint James • 7. Le Royal Monceau-Raffles • 8. Peninsula • 9. Shangri-La • 10. Four Seasons George V • 11. Fraser Suites • 12. Grand Powers • 13. Plaza Athenee • 14. La Reserve • 15. Le Bristol • 16. Park Hyatt Vendome • 17. Mandarin Oriental • 18. Westin • 19. Le Meurice • 20. Hotel du Louvre • 21. Grand Hotel du Palais Royal • 22. Grands Boulevards • 23. Les Bains • 24. Hotel du Petit Moulin • 25. Fabric • 26. Bourg Tibourg • 27. Le Pavillon de la Reine • 28. Parisianer • 29. Pullman • 30. Thoumieux • 31. Le Cinq Codet • 32. Bellechasse • 33. Pont Royal • 34. Montalembert • 35. L’Hotel • 36. Relais Christine • 37. Saint Severin • 38. Maison Colbert • 39. Lenox Montparnasse

Best New Hotel: Maison Villeroy

Best Affordable Hotels: 40. ibis Montmartre 18eme • 41. Litteraire Marcel Ayme • 42. Saint-Louis Pigalle • 43. Whistler • 44. Hotel hor • 45. Generator • 46. Chopin • 47. Hotel du Continent • 48. Paris Louvre Opera • 49. Timhotel Palais Royal • 50. France Louvre • 51. Marais Bastille • 52. Cler • 53. Hotel du Champ de Mars • 54. Duquesne Eiffel • 55. Welcome Paris • 56. Dame des Arts

My Top Tips for Staying in Paris

A photo of me in Paris.

Having a crepe in the Marais.

1. The 7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower)
Why Stay: Eiffel Tower views, Les Invalides, and the Musée d’Orsay close by. Typically calm and residential, yet steps from major attractions.
Hotel Vibe: Refined elegance. Hôtel La Comtesse offers rooms with jaw-dropping Eiffel Tower vistas. The affordable Cler Hotel on Rue Cler is a treat.

2. The 1st Arrondissement (Louvre/Palais-Royal)
Why Stay: Ultra-central, near the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, and upscale shopping along Rue Saint-Honoré. Easy walks to many landmark sites.
Hotel Vibe: Expect polished boutique hotels like Hotel Molière or high-end enclaves like Le Meurice with old-world elegance.

3. Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissements)
Why Stay: Cobblestone streets, stylish boutiques, cutting-edge art galleries, and a thriving LGBTQ+ scene. A mix of medieval charm and modern chic.
Hotel Vibe: Cozy, design-forward boutique spots. Le Pavillon de la Reine, set along the elegant Place des Vosges, embodies refined luxury amid the neighborhood’s historic ambiance.

4. Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement)
Why Stay: Intellectual and bohemian heritage (think Hemingway and Sartre), elegant galleries, jazz clubs, and iconic cafés like Les Deux Magots. While it retains its historic soul, it is now also a primary hub for high-end fashion and luxury boutiques, rivaling the 8th Arrondissement for shopping.
Hotel Vibe: Sophisticated and classic. Try Hotel d’Aubusson in a 17th-century mansion for timeless Parisian flair.

5. Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)
Why Stay: Home to the Sorbonne, the Panthéon, and centuries of literary history. Bustling student vibe, cheaper eats, and winding medieval streets.
Hotel Vibe: Smaller, characterful properties, like Hôtel Esmeralda, with creaky charm. Perfect for culture buffs on a moderate budget.

6. Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)
Why Stay: Steep cobblestone lanes, Sacré-Cœur’s sweeping city views, and a village-like feel. Artistic heritage from Picasso to Van Gogh.
Hotel Vibe: Quaint, bohemian-tinged stays – Hôtel Particulier Montmartre offers a leafy hideaway in the heart of the famed district.

7. Champs-Élysées & 8th Arrondissement
Why Stay: High-end shopping mecca (Avenue Montaigne, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré), near the Arc de Triomphe and Grand Palais.
Hotel Vibe: Luxury chain hotels and iconic palaces, such as Four Seasons George V, known for opulent décor and top-tier amenities.

8. Opéra & Grands Boulevards (9th Arrondissement)
Why Stay: Haussmann-era architecture, major department stores (Galeries Lafayette, Printemps), and the Palais Garnier.
Hotel Vibe: Mid- to upscale modern hotels – Hotel Saint-Petersbourg is a good pick for a central base near big-name shopping.

9. Bastille & 11th Arrondissement
Why Stay: Buzzing nightlife, an ever-growing foodie scene (especially near Rue de Charonne), and local markets like Marché d’Aligre.
Hotel Vibe: Trendy, affordable options with stylish edge – Hotel Fabric, set in a former textile factory, suits design enthusiasts.

10. Canal Saint-Martin (10th Arrondissement)
Why Stay: Hip, youthful ambiance with canalside cafés, craft cocktails, and indie boutiques. Easy access to Gare du Nord/Eurostar.
Hotel Vibe: Boutique stays focusing on contemporary design and relaxed communal spaces, like Le Citizen Hotel right on the canal.

11. The 2nd Arrondissement (Montorgueil & Sentier)
Why Stay: Pedestrian-friendly food haven along Rue Montorgueil, historical passages (like Galerie Vivienne), and trendy bars at night.
Hotel Vibe: Independent boutique hotels in renovated townhouses – Hôtel Bachaumont merges Art Deco charm with modern comfort.

12. Île Saint-Louis
Why Stay: Enchantingly central yet peaceful. Narrow streets, artisanal shops, and a timeless atmosphere. Steps from Notre-Dame on adjacent Île de la Cité.
Hotel Vibe: Romantic and intimate. Hôtel de Lutece offers a small, character-rich hideaway on a historic island.

13. Trocadéro & Passy (16th Arrondissement)
Why Stay: Upscale, quieter residential area with prime Eiffel Tower photo ops from Trocadéro Gardens. Close to the Bois de Boulogne’s green space.
Hotel Vibe: Classic, understated luxury – the Shangri-La has sumptuous suites facing the Tower.

14. Montparnasse (14th Arrondissement)
Why Stay: Historical home of the 1920s artistic scene, near the Tour Montparnasse (panoramic city views) and lively cafés. Good train connections for day trips (Gare Montparnasse).
Hotel Vibe: Mid-range and modern. Lenox Montparnasse offers a cozy environment close to the action.

15. Around Gare du Nord & Gare de l’Est (10th)
Why Stay: Handy for Eurostar arrivals and departures, plus vibrant multicultural restaurants in every price bracket.
Hotel Vibe: Formerly rough around the edges, now on the rise with fresh, contemporary hotels like 25hours Hotel Terminus Nord. While these hotels are excellent, remain vigilant with your belongings. These stations are high-traffic areas for pickpockets, especially at night.

Best Places to Stay in Paris

My wife and me in Paris.

My wife and I near the Notre Dame in Paris.

Our hotel in Paris.

Our room at the Cler Hotel. A great mid-range hotel close to the Eiffel Tower.

TripAdvisor Hotels (Best Value)

Paris TripAdvisor Hotels

*Note: The top-rated hotels on TripAdvisor are selected by an algorithm based on location, price, cleanliness, service, and amenities. This produces good-value, safe, and reliable hotels but often not the most interesting or unique places to stay in Paris.

TripAdvisor Hotels on Map: 1. Hotel Malte • 2. Bradford Elysées • 3. Hotel 34B • 4. Hotel Lorette • 5. Hotel Astoria • 6. Marceau Champs-Elysées • 7. Passy Eiffel • 8. The Hoxton • 9. Novotel Les Halles • 10. Pullman Tour Eiffel • 11. 25hours Terminus Nord • 12. Hôtel Raphael • 13. The Peninsula • 14. Hotel Chavanel • 15. Le Pavillon de la Reine & Spa • 16. Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel • 17. Hotel de France Invalides • 18. Pavillon Bastille • 19. Le Regent Montmartre by Hiphophostels • 20. Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave in Athens, Greece 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.