France
Located in an impressive old building in the center of the Saint-Germain-des-Pres, the Hotel Saint Vincent is a charming 3-star hotel with a beautiful character. Classic with a touch of contemporary, the room was lovely with a large comfortable bed, a small desk and a little balcony. We had a fantastic time in Paris, we loved the quarter, the hotel, everything.
hotelsaintvincentparis.com
5 rue du Pré aux Clercs 75007 Paris
Just a block from the Grands Boulevards, Hotel Aston is in an elegant part of the 9th arrondissement of Paris. The Opera, the Madeleine, the Moulin Rouge or the Sacré-Coeur are all within walking distance, and there are many excellent restaurants, cafés and bars right in the quarter.
Originally a residential town house, the building has been tastefully transformed into a classy contemporary 3-star designer hotel. The lounge area is elegant in a classic way, the rooms, however, represent a different style. Very bright with white walls and a few coloured items - a red curtain and lamps, a contemporary painting - giving it a charming character. As far as design concerned it is a good example of "less is more." Equipped with all the modern amenities the room we had was very comfortable and spotlessly clean.
And all this came at a very reasonable price - not only is Hotel Aston a great hotel, but also very good value!
Hotel Aston
12, cité Bergère - 75009 - Paris
aston-hotel-paris.com/
It's a simple but quite nice budget hotel in a very lively Parisian area - the Oberkampf quarter. Very cheap with Parisian standards and the area is really great. It's a youthful hotel in a youthful quarter, with friendly and helpful staff.
15, rue de Malte
75010 Paris
www.marys-paris-hotel.com/
It is a nice budget hotel in a prestigious neighborhood in the center of Paris, between Bd Haussmann (the Printemps etc) the Madeleine and the Opera. It's a 2-star hotel so don't expect anything extra, but our room was comfortable and spacious, and it actually had a quite charming character with the exposed timber beams. Staff, same as the hotel, were nice in general but nothing to rave about. The reason to choose this place is for its location and the good price.
5, rue de Castellane 75008 Paris
paris-hotel-royalopera.com/
A contemporary and trendy designer hotel in a youthful and busy area, the Marais district. Close to all the action of the area, but luckily it is in a quiet little street. Tasteful design, ambient colours and comfy beds. On the downside, the room wasn't that big. But that's pretty much how it is in the historic parts of the city. It was a great base to explore Paris, very convenient with many of the sights - Notre Dame, Pompidou Centre, Ile Saint Louis, the Bastille etc - are within easy walking distance. But the charming district, with its cute streets and cafés, is the real attraction.
Luxury and class in every detail - Hotel Belfast stands out not in its size but charm and elegance. It's a 3-star hotel, but deserves more as far as quality and service are concerned. And what about the location? It's right at the Arc de Triomphe, only a few meters. Best of all, there is a view on it and there is also a little balcony.
The room we had was comfortable and elegant. Only the upper rooms have a balcony, and it is worth that little extra. There is lift, so that shouldn't be a problem. It was great to have a coffee in the morning out on the balcony and a late night drink. It's a busy area, but traffic noise didn't bother us at night.
The receptionists were attentive and friendly, they gave valuable advice. We had a great time and we were happy with everything. Even the rate was very reasonable, you get value for your money.
Website: www.hotelbelfastparis.com/
10 avenue Carnot Paris 75017
While the Right Bank of Paris has a certain character, across the Seine there are also some very lively and interesting districts - it's good to see a bit of every face of the city. Montparnasse is a great location as we found out, a very vibrant place with mostly a local middle-age and middle-class crowd. Lot of fancy cafés and bars, cabarets and excellent restaurants. We stayed at Hotel Edouard VI, right in the center, and it was an elegant, quiet little boutique hotel at a very good price.
Hotel Edouard VI
61 Boulevard du Montparnasse 75006 Paris
hoteledouard6.com/
The Trocadero is a great location, being equally close to the Eifffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees and some other sights, and it's an elegant and lively location. Hotel Etoile Trocadero is a lovely 3-star boutique in the district, at a great price. The hotel is classic and our room was comfortable and charming. The staff we met were friendly and knowledgeable. Good value!
Hotel Etoile Trocadero
21, rue Saint-Didier 75016 Paris
www.paris-hotel-trocadero.com/
Ok, so I know it's hardly original but this place holds a very special place in my heart. Having accepted that, although having been with my partner for a long time, we weren't destined to be married as it didn't seem to be something he wanted, I was absolutely stunned when he went down on one knee whilst visiting the Eiffel Tower and proposed to me. I actually thought he'd dropped something when he bent down and started to look around to see what it was he'd lost. We returned to the City of love and lights for our first anniversary but circumstances haven't allowed for a return visit since. But I live in hope. If you have the chance, just go!
Address of the Eiffel Tower:
5 avenue Anatole France
Quai Branly 75007 Paris
France
Tel: 33 01 44 11 23 23
The great thing about the Republique area is that prices tend to be cheaper than in the touristy districts - hotels, restaurants, bars etc - while it's still a very central location. And it's a trendy quarter, very lively, popular with locals. The Meslay Hotel is a romantic cutie in the district, it's affordable and stylish. We loved it!
Hotel Ares Eiffel is located in a quiet little street just 5 minutes away from the Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. The 4 star boutique hotel is absolutely amazing, it really is a luxury place; the furnitures are made by an Italian designer, there are Versace tilings in the bathroom, the TV's are the best I've ever seen in a hotel, there is free wi-fi in every room and free internet in the lobby. We stayed in a double room on the 3rd floor which was top notch, beautifully decorated, clean, bright and big enough, the bathroom was spotlessly clean and lovely as well. The staff are friendly and helpful, the neighborhood is loaded with some of the finest restaurants, bars, bistros, bakeries and antique shops. Public transportation is absolutely great, there are 3 metro lines within 5 minutes which makes getting around easy and convenient. Hotel Ares Eiffel is not a budget accommodation, a night starts from around 250 Euro, but if one can afford it I am totally convinced that the person won't be sorry about the extra money spent.
www.ares-paris-hotel.com/
7 RUE DU GÉNÉRAL DE LARMINAT
75015 PARIS
+33 1 47 34 74 04
Affordable and stylish, the 3-star Hotel Massena is in one of the most prestigious districts, near the Opera, Place Vendome, the big department stores and luxury boutiqes. It's a shopper's paradise - even if you only window-shop - but also convenient for sightseeing. The Madeleine is a short stroll, and the Tuileries Garden, the Louvre museum and other sights aren't that far either.
We loved the place, it's a cute gem of a boutique hotel, with a very ambient and trendy atmosphere. Our room was modern and classy, with a big comfy bed and spotlessly clean bathroom.
Considering the location and class the prices seem moderate with Paris standards. We certainly believe it's worth it, Hotel Massena is one of those lovely places that make a visit to Paris even more memorable.
www.paris-hotel-massena.com/
16 rue Tronchet
75008 Paris
One famous flea market is the Porte de Vanves in Paris. Its is one of the best in France due to its size and variety. On Saturdays and Sundays more than 300 vendors set up shop. It may be messy, but it is more for people who love good bargains.
pucesdevanves.typepad.com/
Avenue Georges Lafenestre, 75014 Paris, France
+33 6 86 89 99 96
Google map: bit.ly/x1To62
This is not a fancy hotel, but it is more than adequate. I stayed there for 3 nights. My room was clean, the bed was comfortable. The staff were all pleasant and helpful. I was here on business and didn't choose the hotel (the company I was working for booked it) but I was satisfied with it. There are 2 nearby Metro stations (Republique and Temple, Republique connecting to more lines and making it very convenient to get to and from the area), many shops and restaurants in nearby walking distance. The breakfast was basic, but good.
This is a wonderful 'literary wine bar' in the Marais, that hosts readings and performances. They have a solid list of 'by the glass' wines and space in the back to relax.
www.cafeine.com/
31 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75004 Paris, France
+33 1 48 04 71 60
Google map: bit.ly/tgwuYx
Hotel Villa Saint Germain is located in Saint Germain des Prés, one of the nicest neighborhoods in Paris. The hotel is just a few blocks away from the river Seine. Within walking distance there are such famous landmarks as the Louvre and d’Orsay moseums, the Luxembourg Gardens, the Sorbonne and the Notre Dame. With the public transportation (there are 2 metro stations nearby) it is really easy to get around, not to mention the many antique dealers, galleries, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and bars. The 4 star hotel has everything one would ever want from a place like this: from the standard room to the De Luxe and the suites, the decoration is fine and delicate from the hall to the last room. Alol rooms are tastefully decorated, large, with spotlessly clean bathrooms. The receptionists and all staff members are really friendly and helpful, the food is terrific. If anybody would like a truelly memorable stay in Paris then look no further!
In its way, an anti-travel book. Not against the notion of exploration and discovery, but contrary to prescripted itineraries, tired clichés and sightseeing schedules. A celebration of getting lost in Paris; of finding one’s own trajectory through a city that has been much-written about, but that can still stun you with its surprising beauty.
How to say this: you don’t find these hotels anymore and Hotel Esmeralda will undoubtedly sooner or later fall into the hands of savvy promoters who will turn this most authentic and simple 12 bedroom hotel, all with views over Notre Dame into a boutique hotel with stratospheric prices. However, for the time being, just enjoy it: rush to this gem of a hotel with its cats and wallpapers coming out of a bygone era. Share this secret address with everyone you love. As with all great passions, it won’t last, so savour every moment of your stay.
www.hotel-esmeralda.fr/
4 rue Saint Julien Le Pauvre 75005 Paris
+331 43 54 19 20
Google map: bit.ly/p5i8v6
* Agnes is our Been there local for Paris. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/paris-local-agnes-poirier.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/AgnesPoirier
If you’re familiar with Paris, no need to tell you about how pharmacies are so different here, compared, say, to London. French pharmacies are like beauty parlours where you can get your subscription of antibiotics of course but also the best beauty, baby, diet, vitamin, and herb products. We call it para-pharmacy. Of course, this can prove pricey. So think no more and head straight to rue du four in the St Germain-des-Près area. Pharmacy Fouhety is the cheapest in Paris and it stocks every brand and product you may dream of. Be prepared, the whole world meets here and queues are long but it’s all worth it.
26, Rue du Four (Corner of rue Bonaparte and rue du Four), Paris 6th.
Google map: bit.ly/pCcgXe
* Agnes is our Been there local for Paris. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/paris-local-agnes-poirier.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/AgnesPoirier
Situated on the famous “rue Mouffetard” in the heart of Paris, right next to the Panthéon, this fabulous boutique is typically French, and prides itself on selling products that are original, yet quintessentially French and, above all, of the very highest quality. The delicatessen boasts an array of products, such as Fauchon, Hédiart, in addition to delicious products sourced from small French manufacturers. A wide range of designer kitchen tableware is also available on sale. A very pretty boutique, perfect for indulging yourself, or indeed, others. A beautiful selection of luxurious products at prices which won't break the bank.
4, rue Mouffetard, 75005, Paris, France
Google map: bit.ly/pxyyLZ
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