When selecting a hotel in Paris, I use several criteria. First of all, I want to stay in a central location near major attractions, restaurants, and transportation. I also want a room that is clean, comfortable and quiet. I prefer privately owned boutique hotels and try to avoid corporate-owned ones.
When the dollar was stronger, 4-star hotels in Paris were affordable. Nowadays, I stay in 3-star or sometimes even a good 2-star hotel.
My favorite area to stay in Paris is the Latin Quarter/Saint Germain des-Près area. The zone near the Louvre near the Tuileries gardens and along rue de Rivoli and rue de Castiglione is fine if you have the money. Regardless of class, almost all Paris hotel rooms are smaller than what is found in the U.S. Not every hotel, even the better ones, have A/C.
Paris hotels are government graded as:
- No stars – you don’t want to stay here.
- 1 Star – probably no private bath. No A/C. You probably don’t want to stay here either.
- 2 Star – the better ones have private baths and are clean and comfortable. An interior decorator has probably never seen the inside of these hotels. Good ones have hair dryers, elevators, but maybe not A/C. Don’t book a 2-star unless it comes recommended to you. 80-125 euros.
- 3 Star – small, charming hotels. Private bath. 125-200 euros. Usually a safe bet.
- 4 Star – good hotels. “Business class”. 185-275 euros.
- 4 Star luxe and 5 Star – The Ritz, Meurice, Costes, Lotti, Intercontinental, etc. Some of the best luxury hotels in the world. 275-500 euros for a standard room.
My picks, listed by star ranking:
Hôtel du College de France – Basic, but a clean, comfortable and quiet 2-star hotel in the Latin Quarter: I have stayed here before and on my next trip, I am staying here again. Website: http://www.hotel-collegedefrance.com
Hôtel Saint Pierre – In the Latin Quarter. 2-star. A superb location compensates for its lack of charm. The hotel is basic, but it is clean, comfortable and quiet. Some rooms have A/C. Website: http://www.saintpierre-hotel.com/uk
Hôtel Chopin - This is a delightful, old-fashioned and basic 2-star hotel located in a pedestrian arcade at 46, passage Jouffroy in the 9th arrondissement. It is like taking a step back in time. The hotel is located amongst antique shops and quaint boutiques in a lovely part of Paris. Very reasonable rates. Website: http://www.hotelchopin.fr
Hôtel St. Jacques – A hotel with a bit of charm located in the Latin Quarter close to the Panthéon. It was recently renovated and upgraded to a 3-star rating. The movie “Charade” with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn was shot here. Website: http://www.hotel-saintjacques.com/en/confort_en.htm
Hôtel de Fleurie - A charming, romantic, and friendly well situated 3-star hotel off boulevard Saint Germain in the St. Germain des-Près area. I like this hotel very much. I have met people who stay here every time they come to Paris. Website: http://www.fleurie-hotel-paris.com
Hôtel Résidence Foch – Located on a quiet, residential street in the 16th arrondissement away from the center of town, this is the place to stay for those looking for a relaxing sleep. The rooms are small but decorated with sophistication and taste. I have never stayed in a hotel where the personal attention and service has been better. It is a top value for a 3-star hotel. Website: http://www.foch-paris-hotel.com
Hôtel Hospitel Dieu –It is uniquely located on the top floor of a hospital. It is situated in the heart of Paris on the Île de la Cité in the shadow of the Notre-Dame cathedral. Quasimodo’s bells will awaken you each morning. It is rated as a 3-star hotel although I thought it was more of a 2-star. The staff is attentive. Since it is in a hospital, it is extremely quiet and clean. The price is right, too. Website: http://www.hotel-hospitel.com/ang/accueil.htm
Hôtel Lutetia - A quality 4-star left bank hotel in a top location with views of the Eiffel Tower. It is a good choice for a honeymoon, anniversary, or special occasion. Website: http://www.lutetia-paris.com
Hôtel Mayfair – 4 stars. I have visited friends while they stayed at this hotel. It is in a good location near the Place Vendôme. It is clean, comfortable and it is priced right for a hotel of its class. It is often featured in packages offered by tour companies, but still, I recommend this hotel. It is situated between the Place de la Concorde and the Place Vendôme. Website: http://www.paris-hotel-mayfair.com
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Travel Archives
My Favorite Hotels in Paris
Professor Stephen Solosky,
author of “The Traveling Professor’s Guide to Paris”
find out about his small group tours to Paris and Italy,
Professor Stephen Solosky is the author of “The Traveling Professor’s Guide to Paris”. He runs the website, http://www.travelingprofessor.com and organizes small group tours to Paris and Italy.
