Where to Stay in Paris: A Complete Guide for First Timers

Wondering where to remain in Paris? You’re in the ideal place! We have visited Paris twice in the recent few years, with another weeklong trip planned for later this year. Clearly, we – specifically Matt, the resident French-speaker – appreciate Paris.

But if we’re being truthful, Paris is somewhat of a perplexing city to figure out. It’s a massive city, and each arrondissement – which you can consider as “district” – looks and feels a bit different.

We’re here to assist you in sorting through all of the varied information to determine the best area of Paris for you to stay based on your travel style and budget.

Paris was one of my first international travel experiences after graduating from college and leaving the US for the first time in my life. I took French for seven years in school, and I was incredibly excited to use it in Paris.

I vividly recall the initial time I spoke French to a Parisian (she was the cashier at a gluten free bakery) and she replied to me in French instead of English (which was typical at that stage). I was elated – I`d finally made it!

That elation continued for me throughout that initial trip to Paris, which was full of walks along the Seine and museum-hopping, and immediately returned when I visited again two years later.

That second trip was much less focused on visiting every museum, and much more about immerging myself in the winding streets of Paris’ neighborhoods (my friends who I traveled with still comment about the frequency with which we became lost in Paris, to which I would respond that becoming lost in Paris isn`t necessarily a bad thing).

Fast forwarding almost ten years later, and the ultra-romantic, cosmopolitan city filled with incredible cuisine, art, and architecture had summoned me back a few more times, including for a weeklong Parisian adventure that provided us ample time to immerse ourselves in the city.

Your decision about where to lodge is going to have a notably big impact on your trip. More so than a smaller city where most things are walkable, which is certainly not the case here.

In this guide covering the most suitable lodging options in Paris, we will examine five excellent districts to stay that would make a suitable home base for your excursion.

For each neighborhood, we’ll provide our experience living there, a list of advantages and disadvantages of staying in the area, our favorite discoveries like coffee shops, bars, and parks, and some nice places to lodge.

Our intention is for you, by the end, to have the needed information to choose the perfect Paris place based on style, budget, and preferences.

Sound good to you? Let’s get into it. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay in Paris: A Complete Guide to the Best Places to Stay

When choosing a place to stay, our philosophy is to first select the neighborhood, then look for an excellent hotel, hostel, or apartment in that area.

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own character. What neighborhood is best depends on an individual`s priorities for their visit.

The disadvantage of that actuality is that it can be TRULY perplexing when it comes time to choose where to remain.

With so many great neighborhood options, each with unique quirks and character, which area should you opt for?

It seems impossible, but we`ve condensed the list of the best places to lodge in Paris to just five neighborhoods.

truthfully, depending on what you`re searching for, there are other neighborhoods that likely meet your needs. But in our assessment, these five are the best options for 99% of travelers, and we`ve demonstrated our reasoning, making our best effort to explain why we think that`s the case.

One quick note here: We would really suggest that you avoid staying in either the 8th Arrondissement (home to the Champs-Élysées) or the 1st Arrondissement (where you`ll find the Louvre – we loved this tour at closing time that we participated in last trip). Neither are worth the premium price you’ll pay to stay there, though you will undoubtedly visit both during your time in Paris.

Now, we’re well aware that a few of you are currently eager to toss your left shoe at the screen, saying “I don’t have time to read all of that, JUST TELL ME THE BEST PLACE TO STAY!”

Here is a brief summary of the key points covered in this guide in case you have limited time, though exploring the section relevant to your chosen lodging will offer location-specific recommendations and activities.

• Should you be making your first visit to Paris, our recommendation is that you remain either in the 7th Arrondissement at the feet of the Eiffel Tower, or in Le Marais, the heart of medieval Paris. In the 7th Arrondissement, either splurge on a bedroom with a perspective of the Eiffel Tower or stay in the more inexpensive standard bedrooms at Hôtel Duquesne Eiffel. In Le Marais, stay at the (relatively) inexpensive Hôtel National Des Arts et Métiers.
• If you’re searching for an enjoyable locale with numerous food and refreshments, live in the 2nd Arrondissement, our new private recommended location after our last trip. It’s likewise extremely focal, which assists. Live at the Hoxton, a splendid exotic lodging in a fantastic area with a selection of room sizes to decide upon, or at these homes, which is where we remained for part of our last journey.
• If you have a limited budget and are searching for an affordable area, remain in the ninth district, which is centrally located and reasonable priced with great nightlife. For what it’s worth, we stayed in the ninth on our last two trips (initially at the extremely affordable Hotel Joyce, then at the excellent Maison Mère), and it was a wonderful home base for exploring the city. Additionally, many of our favorite wine bars / coffee shops / restaurants in Paris ended up being in the ninth (or on the border), which is a major positive for staying here.
• If exploring romantic scenery is what you seek, staying in Montmartre (the 18th Arr.) is a fine choice, as the area features cobblestone paths and a former village perched upon a hilltop overlooking Paris that time has drawn within the ever-widening bounds of the city. Though resembling a medieval hamlet straight from a fairytale, the location higher up may not suit all, especially for shorter excursions. Lodging options include Terass and its incredible rooftop bar, or the bohemian Hôtel Monsieur Aristide.

Here’s a map to help you visualize what we’re discussing in this guide.

We’ve given you the five areas we’re recommending below, along with the main landmarks in Paris (e.g. the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Gare du Nord, etc etc) with yellow pins so that you can see what we’re talking about when we mention things about location.

Pro-tip: If you want to open the map in a larger window, activate the “expand” button in the upper right corner.

Where We’ve Stayed in Paris

Sharing aspects of our own travel experiences could serve as a good starting point for crafting this guide.

For what it`s worth, we spent about a week in Paris during our 2021 trip and divided our time between two different locales to experience both.

Then, Matt independently returned to Paris in 2022, where he spent part of his time revisiting a favorite lodging from the initial trip.

We spent the first half of our week in Paris residing in the 9th Arrondissement, which is a budget-friendly, centralized area.

We found the lodging to be perfectly suited as our home base for exploring Paris, and Matt realized upon his return visit approximately one year later that some of our favorite dishes and beverages were available nearby, leading to his decision to stay there again.”

We enjoyed staying at Hotel Joyce, which provides free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages and offers great value given the location.

But the genuine standout is Maison Mère, which could be the finest hotel in Paris that is still relatively affordable.

Matt resided there for a couple nights on his latest trip, and really enjoyed it – the staff are extremely welcoming, the beds are comfortable (though the rooms are relatively compact, which is typical for most contemporary hotels), and there’s a co-working space and bar and restaurant on the ground level.

The second place we stayed was the 2nd District,which we fell head-over-heels in love with.

Specifically, the areas designated “Sentier” and “Montorgueil” at the northern end of the neighborhood.

We stayed in an apartment-hotel called My Maison in Paris, and it was excellent. Perfect location, had a kitchen, and the apartment included everything we needed to use it as a home base for exploring the city.

Now I will provide an in-depth analysis of different districts in Paris to help you identify the perfect area based on your preferred lifestyle and budget.

Le Marais (the 3rd & 4th Arrondissements): The Best Overall Place to Stay in Paris

We don’t think it’s especially controversial to say that Le Marais is the best area to stay in Paris.

It’s inside strolling separation of each significant traveler fascination in Paris (with the special case of the Eiffel Tower, I figure), there’s a fabulous determination of spots to eat and drink, and its area close to Les Halles makes getting around (and getting to and from the air terminal or Versailles) a solace.

It is also home to the best covered food marketplace in Paris (Les Enfants Rouges), a couple of excellent public parks (we like Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris), and some of Paris’ most renowned museums (Picasso, for example).

Le Marais includes two arrondissements – the 3rd and the 4th – and the layout here is a little confusing to us because the 4th is the part that’s closer to the river, while the third is further north (and thus further away from the river).

We would have rearranged them if we were designing Paris, but we didn`t, so this is what we have to work with.

Between the two, we strongly prefer the 3rd Arrondissement, which is slightly further from the river but has a much more authentic vibe and better selection of places to eat and drink.

The 4th has a slightly more commercial vibe, with large chains and an endless sea of people.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Le Marais

Pros of Staying in Le Marais: 

• It’s very handy.You’ll be roughly an equal distance to the Louvre and Notre Dame, and you’ll be well connected to several different metro lines that can transport you to other parts of the city promptly and efficiently.
• Excellent culinary scene and nightlife. The narrow lanes of Le Marais are packed with all sorts of bars and restaurants. Some of the finest coffee in Paris – Kawa,Fragments, and I/O Cafe – can be found here, along with great bars ( La Candelaria) and eateries of all sizes and cuisines. Additionally, the top market in Paris – Le Marché des Enfants Rouges – is in the heart of the neighborhood. You could easily spend an entire trip ONLY in Le Marais.
• It seems like what Paris appears like in your mind’s eye. Or at least mine, anyway. Narrow roads lined with shops, bars, and restaurants. It’s extremely romantic and charming.

Cons of Staying in Le Marais:

• It can be pricey. It’s conveniently situated and in high demand, which means you’ll pay a bit extra to stay here.
• There can be loud noises. Relying on exactly where you remain, there may be loud music and individuals out and about until the early hours of the morning, but honestly, it’s Paris. That’s going to be accurate in numerous places, so bring some earplugs and embrace the vitality.

The Best Places to Stay in Le Marais

Here are a few locations to lodge in Le Marais that caught our eye.

Hôtel National Des Arts et Métiers: Our #1 Pick in Le Marais

Bam Bar. We stopped here for frozen beverages twice in the same day! The elegant cafe-bar is renowned for its frozen beverages, with rotating flavors posted on the board outside each day. They also serve coffee, pastries, and aperitifs, and there’s a lovely terrace outside for a spot of people observing.

Here’s why. 

The area couldn`t be better. It’s in Le Marais, however it’s on the outskirts of the 2nd Arrondissement, which SPOILER ALERT is the accompanying region we’d prescribe, and has quickly become our most loved piece of Paris because of the sheer number of incredible spots to eat and drink pressed into the territory around Rue de Montorgueil.

The panoramic view from the rooftop is amazing. Imagine a sunset cocktail with that perspective of Sacré-Cœur elevated on the hill.

The hotel is arranged around an interior courtyard, which reminds us very much of Paris.

The rooms are designed beautifully. 

The price should probably be higher than it is (remember, we’re talking relative price here – this is the center of Paris after all).

The rooms are contemporary and stylish, with Nespresso machines and a mini bar available in each room. Even the smallest room is relatively spacious at over 200 square feet, and the layout is thoughtfully designed and visually appealing. Some rooms also have balconies.

Overall, if you want a stylish place to stay in Paris that is walking distance to great places to eat and drink, but you don’t want to break the bank to get it, this would be a great choice.

Hôtel de Roubaix: The Best Value in Le Marais

Valle Degli Dei AgriResort – a traditional farm stay in the peaceful Val di Noto countryside, including spacious private apartments with their own living quarters, kitchen, and outdoor dining area.

Indeed, it’s not the most luxurious accommodation available in Paris. But it’s difficult to think of a better price and location combination available in Paris. You’ll be a few blocks from a key metro station, Chatelet les Halles (the train station that connects with Paris’ main airport, Charles de Gaulle), and a brief walk to the heart of le Marais.

All at a relatively affordable rate. 

So what’s the catch?

Well, the living quarters are straightforward, and while the expression “no embellishments” is frequently utilized, we accept they totally apply here. The rooms are little and colorful, and nearly bring to mind hostels we`ve remained at over a lodging. In any case, every space does have a secret restroom. The furniture in every room isn`t particularly inventive, yet it`s utilitarian.

The point remains, it’s difficult to find better value in Paris. If you’re willing to go somewhat light on the additional luxurious amenities that come with many hotels in Paris, this place would make an excellent home base.

Les Tournelles: Another Great Value in Le Marais 

The core concept at this mid-range hotel in Le Marais is combining the services provided by a hotel with the atmosphere of a home, so guests can feel comfortable even when far from their real home.

The location is excellent. It’s a block from Place des Vosges (an outstanding park), and a 10 minute walk from both the river, and our favorite part of Le Marais and the Marché des Enfants Rouges.

Accommodation options are kept simple – one room has a double bed while others have either two twin beds or one twin bed – removing the stress of deciding between tiered room categories.

Being a small hotel with only 24 rooms means you`ll receive individualized service. Accommodations are straightforward and compact, but the affordable price reflects that. For those willing to do without extras like slippers and robes, this makes a great base for exploring the area.

Sentier & Montorgueil (the 2nd Arrondissement): Our Favorite Part of Paris (Great Food & Drinks)

While the 1^st Arrondissement (also called “Louvre”) is a little too pristine and touristy for our preferences, we invested the better part of a week in the 2^nd Arrondissement on our last trip to Paris in 2021 (at My Maison Sentier, which we earnestly recommend), and became fond of it for a couple different bases.

First and foremost, you could easily spend a couple days exploring the neighborhood, which has a few great stretches like Rue de Montorgueil, a street that comes alive at night with a youthful, infectious energy.

Perhaps more importantly, we essentially traveled on foot everywhere when utilizing the area as our base of operations. Rue Canal Saint-Martin? We walked. Le Marais and the Marche des Enfants Rouges? We walked. The Louvre? Walked. The list continues.

While not adjacent to any single major site, this area`s central location provides easy access to most attractions one would want to experience in Paris during their time there.

And what you can’t walk to, you’ll be able to hop on the subway (there are two key lines that serve this part of the city and connect you elsewhere – 8 and 11) and be there in less than 20-25 minutes flat.

We specifically would recommend the area called “Sentier,” which is a little corner of the 2nd that we stayed in and loved

Within a few blocks of Sentier or Rue Montergueil at the northeastern edge of the neighborhood (furthest from the Seine but with a surprisingly central feel thanks to proximity to Le Marais and Canal St. Martin), lodging will likely suffice.

Pros and Cons of Staying in the 2nd Arrondissement

Advantages of Residing in the 2nd Arrondissement:

• It has a central, walkable layout and good transit options thanks to two metro lines providing access to more distant parts of Paris like the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe, saving visitors energy for exploring on foot.
• It’s home to numerous bars, eateries, and coffee shops, like the establishment that tops our catalog of best coffee shops in Paris.

Disadvantages of Residing in the 2nd Arrondissement:

• It’s somewhat expensive, but really no more so than other parts of central Paris.
• It’s loud and lively, which can be a downside if you value restful sleep, as on summer evenings the celebrations spill out into the streets and squares.

Frankly, very few drawbacks come to mind that we can think of. It’s not immediately adjacent to any single tourist attraction, but that’s barely a negative aspect in our assessment.

The Best Places to Stay in Sentier & Montorgueil

A few lodging options in the 2nd Arrondissement that caught our attention are listed below.

The Hoxton Paris: An Ultra Charming Boutique Hotel

First of all, it’s worth noting that we’re basically in love with Hoxton hotels. They’re always warm and welcoming and unbelievably stylish. And the hotel bar is always a good time.

It won’t be the most affordable selection on this list, but it`s likely the nicest – as well as coolest – hotel in the 2nd district.

This charming boutique lodgingsits at the boundary of the 9th Arrondissement and the 2nd, placing you even closer to all the sights while enjoying a quieter setting. This is an 18th Century residence that has been artistically reformed into one of the coolest hotels in Paris.

It is situated just a short distance from the northern end of Rue de Montorgueil, and a few blocks from the Strasbourg Saint Denis metro station, which connects to several lines providing transit across Paris.

The hotel design has a sort of vintage-modern aesthetic with contemporary features and a welcoming atmosphere.

They have multiple on-site bars and restaurants, ranging from the brasserie on the ground floor to the natural wine bar in the courtyard to the cocktail lounge accessed by an old spiral staircase (could the atmosphere be any more charming??).

Hotel rooms are compactly designed spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, utilizing available area to neatly provide a place for rest without excess space.

Instead of large, spacious rooms, they (along with other contemporary hotel chains) have opted to invest in inviting common spaces, where work can be done or reading engaged in.

Choose from a range of accommodations, from remarkably compact (“shoebox-sized”) to more spacious (“generously proportioned”). The quarters utilize space efficiently, so you won`t feel cramped. Plus, you`ll likely spend most of your time out exploring Paris anyway.

If it’s a special occasion, book a top-floor room for a spectacular view of Paris – there’s even one with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Le 123 Sébastopol: A Great Mid-Range Option in the 2nd

This charming hotel is owned by the same group as the accommodation we resided in on the ninth (more details on that place below), but it possesses a completely different atmosphere. Whereas the place we lodged was lively and exciting, Le 123 Sébastopol has a more sophisticated and modern vibe.

However, many of the reasons we chose to stay at another one of their hotels also apply here. They provide free non alcoholic drinks in the rooms, and free snacks and drinks in the lobby for happy hour in the afternoon.

Their breakfast buffet is available for 15 Euros per person, or at a lower cost if booked ahead of time, and the spacious glass-roofed dining area is beautifully designed.

Rooms are small, simple and decorated consistent with the cinema theme found throughout the hotel. Higher room tiers have balconies and you can also find rooms with two twin beds or family rooms (which are two adjoining rooms).

Overall, a sound option in a pleasant location. Which is pretty consistent with Astohotel.

My Maison in Paris – Sentier: Great Apartments in the Heart of the 2nd (Where We Stayed)

Tucked away on a small plaza between Rue de Montergueil and Rue St. Denis, this lodging is a find. We generally require a kitchen when traveling thanks to Matt having Celiac Disease, so we search for places that feature a full kitchen (stovetop included) as an amenity.

Additionally, the extra living space that an apartment provides compared to a hotel room is beneficial when we spend a couple hours resting after mornings exploring sites.

In any case, the purpose is that My Maison in Paris Sentier has every little thing you’ll need for a agreeable stay in Paris. They have studio rooms, which is what we remained in, alongside bigger homes with additional space, and every unit has a kitchen, washing machine, and a relaxing bed.

They established contactless check-in procedures with us ahead of time, and everything went smoothly. Inquiries from our end received prompt attention as well.

The apartment was stocked with all the dishes we might need (mugs, espresso cups, plates, cutlery), a Nespresso machine and some pods (if you want a quick cup of coffee in the morning before heading out), and even a dishwasher, which was a big surprise.

Additionally, there is a printing device so you can generate boarding passes and other vital documents for your ongoing journey, which is unprecedented in an apartment unit.

Hotel Lucien: A Budget-Friendly Stay in a Great Location

Hotel Lucien has a few noteworthy qualities.

Accommodations are relatively budget-friendly (in a city where affordable options are scarce).

Simple, with minimal extras (think no robes and slippers) that you’ll find at other hotels.

And charming, with just 22 rooms in a small, 17th Century building.

The location is good (for reference, it’s a block away from the apartment we stayed at in the area), a block or two from an important metro station (Strasbourg Saint Denis) on the border between the 2nd and 10th Arrondissements.

From here, you can easily walk to Rue Montorgeuil, or over to Canal St. Martin, which is another one of our favorite areas in Paris.

The rooms themselves are small and focused on essentials. There is no television in the room (which is acceptable because you’ll be experiencing Paris anyway!), and the furniture leans practical rather than ornamental. They have a few different layouts, including a double bed or two singles.

This is a small hotel, so there’s no on-site restaurant or bar, or rooftop terrace. It’s a simple, affordable place to stay within walking distance of numerous great places to eat, drink, and shop.

Opéra / South Pigalle (the 9th Arrondissement): The Best Value in Central Paris

Paris’ Opéra district extends from the Opéra Garnier in the south to the foot of Montmartre in the north, offering a fantastic location that’s well-connected to the rest of the city, particularly ideal for those who plan to catch a show at the Opéra.

We spent the initial half of our week in Paris in the 9th Arrondissement in 2021, which is an affordable and centrally located option.

We found the lodging to be perfectly suited as our home base for exploring Paris, and Matt realized upon his return visit approximately one year later that some of our favorite dishes and beverages were available nearby, leading to his decision to stay there again.”

We believe this is potentially the best combination of location and cost in Paris, which is why we have chosen to lodge here during our past two trips.

However, while once believed it was all about the value, as more time has been spent here, an appreciation has developed that it’s also packed full of cool places to eat and drink, especially in SoPi, which is the area immediately south of the Pigalle Metro Station (“SoPi” is an acronym for “South of Pigalle”, roughly).

To summarize it briefly, it offers good value with many excellent places to eat and drink – what is there not to like?

Pros and Cons of Staying in Opéra / South Pigalle

Advantages of Staying in Opéra / South Pigalle:

• It’s reasonably affordable.It’s still Paris – you’re still going to be spending more than 100 Euros per night, but it’s more affordable than more central neighborhoods like the 7th, Le Marais, and Saint Germain. We’d say that it’s the most cost-effective of Paris’ central neighborhoods (roughly the first 9 arrondissements).
• Hospitality Havens AND Accessible Accommodations. Hotels from major chains to niche independents, luxury to value, populate the area. A diversity of options and some personal picks follow below.

Drawbacks of Lodging in Opéra / South Pigalle:

• The main attraction in the area is the Opera.If you use this location as your base, you`ll spend much of your time elsewhere exploring other places, and just sleeping here. That`s not inherently bad since you`ll save money, but it`s worth acknowledging. There are however some excellent dining and drinking establishments nearby, which is a nice bonus.
• It`s not as sparklingly clean as other areas of Paris.This district is “up-and-coming” (like all trendy regions), meaning it`s a bit more gritty than more pricey parts of Paris. However, it`s entirely safe, and the rest of Paris isn`t exactly spotless either.

The Best Places to Stay in Opéra / South Pigalle

Here are a few places to stay in the 9th Arrondissement that caught our attention, including two spots we`ve personally resided.

Hotel Maison Mère: Our Favorite Hotel in Paris (Where We Stayed)

Undoubtedly there are exceptional boutique hotels across Paris, but we believe the true standout is Maison Mère, potentially the finest moderate-priced lodging in all of Paris.

Matt resided there for a couple nights on his latest trip, and really enjoyed it – the staff are extremely welcoming, the beds are comfortable (though the rooms are relatively compact, which is typical for most contemporary hotels), and there’s a co-working space and bar and restaurant on the ground level.

It’s a fantastic location, within walking distance of Gare du Nord and Montmartre, and a couple of blocks from multiple metro stations which will connect you to the broader city.

I, Matt, genuinely appreciated this hotel, and would put it at the top of your list if you’re searching for a mid-range accommodation in a convenient location. In fact, I’d argue this should be near the top of the list for the best mid-range hotel in Paris.

Hotel Joyce: Great Location + Incredible Value (Where We Stayed)

Another low-cost option for those watching their budget – which is not surprising considering they`re part of the same hotel group – Hotel Joyce provides good value with upscale conveniences including rooms furnished with iPhone docks and minibars stocked with complimentary soft drinks.

The hotel offers rooms in an assortment of sizes to suit couples and groups alike, including compact but serviceable standard rooms and family rooms with adjoining spaces and separate bathing facilities.

For what it’s worth, we stayed here on our latest trip to Paris, and we enjoyed the central location, spacious room, and complimentary drinks and snacks (duh).

In the morning, you’ll enjoy an assortment of pastries, like croissants and pain au chocolat. They also cater to people avoiding gluten with advance notice.

In the afternoon and evening, the hotel also offers complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks at no charge.

Hotel Joke: The Same Combo of Value and Style as Hotel Joyce

Hotel Joke is owned by the same hotel group as Hotel Joyce, and is literally a few blocks farther away. The location is the main difference between this hotel and the one above – here, you’re a few extra blocks west, which is a marginally (and it really is marginal) worse location.

However, we think it would still make an excellent home base for exploring Paris, since you’ll be within walking distance of Montmartre and a short stroll from a subway station.

You’ll gain exceptional value and plenty of bright colors that generate a cheery mood even on the dreariest of days at Hotel Joke.

The rooms themselves are cozy, clean and contemporary with minifridges stocked with free beverages.

Accommodation options will be available to suit your group`s needs. Standard rooms are offered – either with a double bed or two twin beds – for couples and pairs travelling together.

Then, for groups and families, they offer several accommodation choices, such as family rooms that comprise two interconnected rooms around a shared space, each with private bathrooms.

They provide a generous breakfast buffet, and free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for guests available at any hour (including sparkling water!).

Le Mattissia: Stylish Apartments in a Good Location for Longer Stays

Sometimes, hotels don’t really make as much sense, whether it’s because you have a large enough group where multiple rooms would be needed, or it’s a longer trip and you’d prefer a bit more space (living out of a hotel room can become somewhat tiring after a few nights).

Perfectly suited for familial units or groups of companions journeying jointly, Le Matissiaprovides studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom apartments which can house up to 6 individuals.

Each of the apartments here, which are in the same vicinity as Hotel Maison Mère above, have fully stocked kitchens including Nespresso machines, daily cleaning, and a secure location. Instead of key cards, rooms are accessed via a unique code enabling you to check in at any time.

Amenities like rainfall showers and bath products from Rituals make it a comfortable stay. Le Mattisia has a prime central spot with Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est only a brief walk away.

It is a brief metro ride into the center of Paris to visit all the attractions, or if you prefer to explore on foot it is a pleasant long stroll.

The 7th Arrondissement: Staying at the Foot of the Eiffel Tower

The 7th Arrondissement epitomizes Paris, at minimum based on our experience. Firstly, it sits at the base of the Eiffel Tower, meaning as one explores the 7th, whether heading to the marketplace or public transit, glimpses of the Eiffel Tower peeking out to say hello are likely.

But the Eiffel Tower isn’t the only thing that we appreciate about the 7th Arrondissement. Rue Cler, a charming, narrow street lined with shops selling all sorts of delicious food and drinks, is one of our favorite places to visit in Paris.

The wafting scents of freshly baked croissants and croque madames will greet you several blocks before you reach the street itself, and you could spend hours stopping in to sample everything the vendors available there have to offer.

If that’s not enough, the 7th is also right along the River Seine. There’s something magical about walking along the Seine at twilight. Or at dawn. Or anytime in between, really.

We think being near the Eiffel Tower gives a special experience, especially for a first trip to Paris (we`d choose somewhere else if you`ve visited before, see below!).

Pros and Cons of Staying in the 7th Arrondissement

Benefits of Staying in the 7th Arrondissement:

• Proximity to major Parisian landmarks, though further from others. It’s near the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, and the Seine. While places like Notre Dame and Canal St. Martin are more distant, Paris’ excellent metro system makes reaching those spots practical.
• Rue Cler is nearby. We enjoy wandering Rue Cler, and think you will too. Even without dining, it`s one of our favorite streets in Paris.

Disadvantages of Staying in the 7th Arrondissement:

• It can demand a high price. Remaining near any major tourist attraction involves an increased monetary cost, and the Eiffel Tower is no exception. Still, we believe it’s worth the additional 10-15% expense to be able to enjoy an early morning sunrise coffee overlooking the Eiffel Tower from the Jardins du Trocadéro (or an evening bottle of wine at dusk, you choose!).
• There will be a substantial number of tourists. It’s near the most visited tourist attraction in the entire country of France, after all. This isn’t inherently unfavorable – you are a tourist, after all – but it’s something to bear in mind. If you like surroundings with more local presence (to be honest, we do), then you’re going to be missing that atmosphere if you stay here.

The Best Places to Stay in the 7th Arrondissement

The 7th Arrondissement has a wide range of hotel options, which isn’t particularly astonishing given its place near the Eiffel Tower. From budget-friendly to lavish, here are four possibilities that might be right for you.

Hôtel Duquesne Eiffel: A Great Value Near the Eiffel Tower

This charming moderately priced hotel is one block southeast of the Eiffel Tower. It’ll take you under five minutes to go from your room to the Champs de Mars, where you’ll have a direct view of Paris’ most iconic landmark.

The hotel dates back to 1797, when it was rebuilt following destruction of the area. It became a hotel in the 20th Century, undergoing renovations twice in recent decades.

There are still remnants of the original construction – like exposed wooden beams in the lounge – but it has been updated nicely for present day.

This hotel feels like it merits a higher price than charged. A nice lounge and bar area with a cozy fireplace are available, and rooms are clean and comfortable, with some adjoining rooms that would be perfect for families or groups traveling together.

Choose from: 

• Standard rooms, which have a single double bed and a courtyard view.
• Rooms with added space and either a single large bed or two smaller beds overlooking an interior courtyard.
• Superior rooms, some of which have Eiffel Tower views, which you should absolutely request if you’re interested!
• Premium rooms, which ALL have views of the Eiffel Tower, and sell out FAST (book these well in advance, if possible).

Again, rooms are surprisingly affordable. At least until you get to the Eiffel Tower views, and even then they’re good value for what you’re receiving.

Rayz Eiffel: A Great Mid-Range Option (w/ Kitchenette)

This modern hotel is just one block from both Champs de Mars and Rue Cler, which could potentially be an ideal location to lodge in the 7th Arrondissement. It’s a 3-star hotel with moderately priced rooms decorated using dark monotone color palettes.

Since sightseeing the Eiffel Tower is a primary motivation, some rooms offer balcony views of the tower, though you`ll pay a bit extra for the privilege.

Having a place to store food in the room is important for me when traveling, especially since I have Celiac Disease. I often cook some meals myself when on trips, so not having a mini-fridge can make that challenging.

All the rooms here are equipped with small kitchen areas, including a fridge, coffee machine, and stovetop, so you can prepare your own meals if desired (and save a little money while you’re at it!).

The terrace above offers views of the noteworthy tower and would be a perfect place to grab a drink in the daytime or evening, or coffee before exploring the city.

Hôtel Le Walt: A Beautiful Hotel with Eiffel Tower Views 

Hôtel Le Walt is conveniently situated nearby the Eiffel Tower, ideally located for exploring the best that the 7th has to offer.

It’s at the southeast corner of the Champs de Mars, which puts you in walking distance of the Tower and the River Seine (where you’ll find the ideal perspectives of the Eiffel Tower), Rue Cler, and the excellent museums in the 7th – the Musée de l’Armée and the Rodin Museum (two of our favorite museums in Paris).

In terms of the hotel itself, you have room selections here. All of their rooms generally provide modern comforts, with extra amenities like robes and slippers for you to use during your stay.

Room types include standard and executive rooms – with the main difference being additional space, essentially – and adjoining rooms for families or groups traveling together.

However, the undisputed winner features the rooms with a view of the Eiffel Tower, booking fast as you learn of traveling to Paris.

The rooms here are a little smaller than standard sizes (likely to accommodate more of them, we surmise), but you`ve come to the 7th arrondissement for the Eiffel Tower view, yes?

Hotel Relais Bosquet by Malone: A Solid Affordable Hotel Option near the Eiffel Tower

Bright, floral wallpaper was the first thing that caught my attention as I viewed the pictures of the rooms available here at Hotel Relais Bosquet.

Not every room has that specific wallpaper, but they all have some added flair to them, whether it’s fun wallpaper or eclectic artwork.

This moderately priced hotel is a block north of Hôtel Le Walt (the one directly above this), so the location is similarly excellent. I would say that this lodging is less luxurious, which means fewer gold furnishings in the room and, crucially, a lower cost.

Rooms here are compact, with comfy beds and minimal seating, so if you plan on spending time in your room (for example, I like to do some writing while traveling), then this may not be the place for you. They have a few room styles, and all have really little extra seating aside from the bed.

Hôtel de Lille: A Touch of Luxury

This hotel sits on the eastern edge of the 7th Arr., bordering St. Germain (the 5th Arr.). It enjoys an auspicious setting, actually positioned closer to the Louvre and Notre Dame, but somewhat further from the Eiffel Tower.

This accommodation offers a substantial upgrade from the previous options mentioned,with regards to both style and extra comforts as well as cost.

It’s a comparatively small hotel, with merely 15 rooms and suites. The rooms will be more expansive and come furnished with added amenities like breakfast in the historic cellar beneath vaulted ceilings as well as an honesty bar in the lounge area, plus in-room safes, mini-fridges, air conditioning, bathrobes, and further within each room.

Montmartre (the 18th Arrondissement): The Most Romantic Place to Stay in Paris

Despite being in the center of an enormous city, Montmartre has a secluded atmosphere with its cobblestone roads that seem strangely isolated and separate from the rest of Paris. And we mean this in the most positive way.

It feels more akin to an enchanting town from a fairytale than a neighborhood in France’s largest city.

For those seeking a romantic place to stay in Paris, we’d recommend Montmartre.

While it’s a bit further removed than other recommended areas to stay in Paris, it has good public transit connections via the Metro and is near Sacré Coeur, a must-see attraction.

High atop a hill, the neo-Byzantine basilica rivals Notre-Dame as the most magnificent church in the city, although wise visitors will take their time to reach it, lingering in the narrow streets that have served as the artistic heart of Paris for centuries.

The prominent avenue here is Rue des Abbesses, which runs east/west on the southern end of the hill, although the winding network of smaller streets surrounding the cathedral are equally worth exploring, particularly Rue de l’Abreuvoir on the backside of the cathedral, which epitomizes fairytale atmosphere.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Montmartre

Pros of Staying in Montmartre: 

• All the appeal.Seriously. Every bit of it. Cobblestone paths. A great cafe atmosphere, with Parisians and visitors alike seated on the patios lining the streets. Leafy greenery. The full appeal.
• Sacré-Cœur.Our selection for the finest church in Paris (though when accessible, Notre Dame Cathedral is rather spectacular too), Sacré-Cœur is positioned on a hill, which means stunning perspectives over the city, like the Eiffel Tower. Sunset here is a must-see!

Cons of Staying in Montmartre:

• It has very limited walkability..If selecting this location, plan on using public transit to go nearly anywhere, adding around 15-20 minutes each way.

The Best Places to Stay in Montmartre

Here are a few places to stay in Montmartre that caught our attention.

Hôtel des Arts Montmartre: A Charming Family-Owned Hotel in a Great Location

First of all, I appreciate that this hotel has been family-operatedin a city full of chain hotels. The hotel first opened in 1901 but was taken over by the current family in the 1960s who have been running it since.

The location here is excellent, just a block from Rue des Abbesses, a few blocks from the metro station, and a few blocks from the hill that will take you to the cathedral.

Accommodations here are practical and well planned, with USB charging and fun Marshall speakers (I’m uncertain if they can actually play music or not, though). Choose from a double bed or two twins, and various room configurations ranging from relatively compact to more spacious, with additional seating.

At the higher end, you’ll find lodgings with a balcony or terrace that has a view overlooking Paris’ rooftops, including the Eiffel Tower in some cases.

A breakfast buffet is offered as well, but our usual preference is eating breakfast elsewhere (even if just a quick coffee and pastry), especially since it`s 19 Euros.

Hôtel Monsieur Aristide: A Bohemian Oasis in Montmartre

This charming hotelis one of the more unique hotels in Montmartre, conveying what “boho-chic” represents in hotel form through its photographs. The photos of the rooms adopt a filter commonly seen on social media images from locations like Joshua Tree.

The location, tucked away on a less busy alleyway just off of Rue des Abbesses, is excellent, and is walkable to wonderful bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and the rest of Montmartre.

It’s a small hotel with only 25 rooms, which generally implies more personal service and, critically, a quieter stay. True to Parisian fashion, it’s a building constructed around an interior garden, where you can have breakfast in the morning or a drink in the afternoon sun.

Accommodation types range from standard hotel-style rooms, which are on the smaller side, all the way up to fairly spacious suites with terraces on the second floor. They even have a duplex suite accommodating up to 4 people with one bedroom and a pull-out couch.

Guests will discover vintage design elements in the rooms – like a wooden bench substituting for a couch – and warm color palettes. Overall, the hotel`s atmosphere evokes a small coastal Italian town, with carefully considered interior design impressing visitors.

Terrass Hotel

This hotelis on the list because we passed by it as we were exploring down Rue des Abbesses in Montmartre, and I said “I believe that place is nice.”

It`s located directly on a busy intersection at the western end of the best street in Montmartre, and while the location necessitates quite a walk from the top of the hill (and Sacré-Cœur), it`s within walking distance of many excellent bars and restaurants.

A highlight for guests is likely the rooftop bar on the seventh level, with panoramas of Paris including the iconic Eiffel Tower. On-site amenities also include a restaurant, fitness classes, and a spa.

The hotel had been a staple of the neighborhood since 1911 when it first opened. Rooms gained inspiration from the artists who had called the neighborhood home for centuries, with nice touches like sitting chairs designed for directors and storage spots for travel trunks.

Some rooms also come with scenic vistas of the Eiffel Tower, but you should be prepared to pay a slight upcharge. Additionally, certain rooms include walk-in showers and/or bathtubs for those seeking such amenities.

---