Best area to stay in Paris?

HangTime · 2 Nov 2011 at 23:34

Might be taking the Mrs away to Paris for her birthday in February so looking into hotels at the moment. Normally I never have any trouble choosing something I'm happy with (at least until I arrive!) but I find Paris a bit baffling in terms of deciding whereabout to stay. Reading on TripAdvisor and the like there seems to be conflicting opinions. Rough priorities:

-Ideally walking distance to at least a few key tourist attractions
-Reasonable proximity to Metro (will be arriving by Eurostar in Gare du Nord)
-Safe-ish to walk around at night, not red light district etc
-Proximity to moderately priced restaurants
-Not fussed about nightlife i.e. we won't be going clubbing or anything like that, more likely evening meals then quiet drink in a bar/cafe

Currently I've got my eye on a hotel in the 7th Arr, fairly close to the Eiffel tower. My only concern is whether I should be looking for something more central

Atrox Moris · 2 Nov 2011 at 23:34

Anywhere away from the ghettos.

Dr House · 2 Nov 2011 at 23:45

I statyed here for a few nights
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...lbert_Boutique_Hotel-Paris_Ile_de_France.html

It was the cheapest semi decent hotel I could find, the location was very good and the hotel it self was not bad at all.

qqg3 · 3 Nov 2011 at 00:28

I've stayed in the 11th arrondissement before and there was a great atmosphere at day and night. Not too close to attractions but easy enough on transport. Couldn't afford anything closer to the main tourist spots.

Xon · 3 Nov 2011 at 05:57

This is where I stayed last and it was great: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...WESTERN_Au_Trocadero-Paris_Ile_de_France.html

As for areas, I'd prefer to stay in the Trocadero/Arc de Triomphe part; alternatively you might find it decently cheap around La Defense and line 1 is pretty well connected to all major sites from La Defense.