In general, Parisian hotel rooms are small, like NYC hotels. Personally, I like to stay in the Marais (4eme) district - the Jewish/gay/fashion district. It's also the only Parisian quarter that did not have its streets redone by Haussman, so it's a lovely warren of old, narrow cobblestone streets in which to get happily lost. It's a lively neighborhood of locals (vs tourists) convenient to many sights and the Metro. Here's where I like to lay my head in the Marais:
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| 2nd floor view from Hotel Beaubourg, © 2012, Joan Klau |
Hotel Beaubourg: Every room is decorated differently, and the ones facing on the street are bigger than the ones in the back. If you’re so inclined, they do a nice simple breakfast in the basement cave.
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| Looking west from room #53, Hotel Vieux Marais, © 2012, Joan Klau |
If the Beaubourg is sold out, then
Hotel Vieux Marais is just one block away for the same price. Fair warning: this place has been under construction for the last four years - and truth be told, the rooms are pretty basic. Some can be tiny with thin walls, and a little chipped around the edges, but they are clean, in a great location, and the staff is INCREDIBLY kind if you are friendly. Definitely email ahead to request a room overlooking the street (otherwise, your view will be of an airshaft), particularly one of the doubles overlooking the street on the 4th or 5th floor.
We didn't stay there, so I can't say for sure, but we looked into
Hotel de la Bretonnerie and it seemed cute, with similar price/location/reviews.
The first time Ben and I went to Paris, we stayed at the
Hotel Colbert, in the Latin Quarter - a bit nicer, but twice the price as the Marais.
Also, I found if you can find a reason to have a friendly email exchange with the hotel, even if just to confirm your reservation or arrival/departure dates, they will do their best to accomodate your requests - including putting you on a waitlist, or a room with a view - although instead of asking for a room with a view, I usually ask for a room on the top or upper floor, overlooking the street or courtyard (depending on the property). If you can speak/read French (or can fake it with
translate.google.com), people tend to be much friendlier (and accomodating).
