Good hotel in central Paris, especially around St. Germain?

Question

In December, I'm going to Paris. I've been there once for a short trip, but can't even remember the name of the St Germain area hotel I stayed at.

I don't want to stay at some out of the way place just to save a little money, but I don't want to spend 200 euro a night either.

I found a hotel called the Danube. Looks fairly good.

Do you have any hotel suggestions? Please answer only if you have first hand knowledge. I know a lot of websites I can search on, but I'd like to get real, personal opinions.

The most important factors about the hotel are location (St. Germain is good because it's very centralized, and you can walk to the Lourve), a comfortable and large bed, and a room without noise from the street.

Also, any suggestions about sites to see? Besides the typical (The Lourve, Eiffel Tower, Orsay Museum, Palace at Versailles, Notre Dame, the catacombs, the Le Pere Cemetary), are there any sites you'd recommend? Anything really special to buy?

to "Woman W": you gave some excellent advice (especially about getting tickets in advance! I would not have thought about it). However, you didn't mention any hotel. Do you have any recommendations?

Answer 1

My personal favorite in which I have stayed dozens of times is the Hotel St. Andre des Artes. ( http://www.123france.com/en/0/hotel-saint-andre-des-arts-paris_486_en/index.html ).

Its location is excellent. The rue St. Andre des Arts is one block north of the blvd. St. Germaine and its just a few minutes to the blvd. St. Michel. The Odeon metro stop is a minute from the front door.

It is dirt cheap for the location. A double with en suite shower and WC, breakfast and taxes will cost you 86 euros (single is 66 euros).

However, I admit this will not be the hotel for everyone. It is old ( the building was constructed in 1601) and there are none of the amenities that many tourists, especially Americans, regard as essential (no TV, no mini-bar, no room service, no elevator).

But the management is warm and friendly and this place has been a magnet for knowledgeable visitors for decades. I stayed there on my first visit to Paris almost 35 years ago and have returned over and over in the years since.

Answer 2

OK, when you arrive, ask to see your room. If you don't like it - it could be tiny, or have no view, ask to see another one & change if they have a better one. Sorry if that's totally obvious advice, but I keep meeting people who don't think to do that, for some strange cultural reason - it's perfectly normal to do this in Paris.

Versailles is a whole day trip if you go around the gardens as well as the Palace. If you are going up the Eiffel tower, buy a ticket at your hotel, save queueing for one. Last time I was there, the line to buy tickets was all around three sides of the square; we already had our tickets & went straight to the queue for the lift/elevator.

You could check out the Cité des Sciences by going from St Germain des-Prés to Gare de L'est, then to Porte de la Villette (Metro stops).

If you visit Sacre Coeur don't plan to have dinner in Montmartre, it's way too overpriced & the food is not good. Check it out in daylight, travel back for the evening, best plan!

The cafes & bars around the Pompidou centre are a fun way to meet people to talk to, and you can find some great art posters in the nearby shops too. I have no idea what you would like to buy, though? Envy you the food, the people & the Metro! Enjoy your visit.

Answer 3

Check this page for regularly updated suggestions for Paris hotels
http://europe4vacations.com/paris-france/weather/weather-in-paris.html
Hope this helps

Answer 4

I don't have any suggestions, but do have fun. Hope you find a great place to stay.