Hotels in Paris - Where to Stay

It's really confusing for most of us that don't know Paris that well, to choose an area of the city to stay in. So here's a list of Arrondissements (districts of Paris), a description of what's in them, with some recommended hotels. You may want to stay at a luxury hotel, or at the other extreme we recommend some low cost hotels.

1st Arr. - Near the Louvre

The 1st Arr. is close to the Louvre, Tuileries, Palais Royale and Rue Rivoli. Hotels tend to be more expensive here, often with small rooms, but very convenient.

2nd. Louvre - Bourse

Primarily a business district with many corporate offices, the Paris Bourse, and the Bibliothèque Nationale nearby. Still convenient for the Louvre and Notre Dame, as well as the shopping districts to the north.

3rd. Marais / Temple / Republique

This zone makes up a good part of the Marais area, as well as that of Place de la Republique and Temple. The Marais is one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Paris where the large houses of noblemen can still be seen.

4th. Centre Pompidou / Marais

The centre of the Marais district with its trendy bars and restaurants, and bohemian lifestyle. Rue des Rosiers has a strong Jewish heritage.

5th. The Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter takes its name from the students at the Sorbonne who used Latin to study in the middle ages. This district has a village atmosphere which many tourists find attractive.

6th. Saint Germain - Luxembourg

A one-time hangout for bohemians and intellectuals, St. Germain has now gone upmarket, with its chic boutiques, restaurants and bars.

7th. Eiffel Tower / Invalides

The Eiffel Tower / Invalides area is relatively quiet and less intense than over the river and hotels tend to be a little better value too.

8th. Champs Champs Elysées 

The 8th arrondissement is one of the best districts in Paris for sightseeing opportunities. You're close to the river, the Eiffel Tower, the Madeleine, the Opera and the Louvre.

9th. Opera / Pigalle

The Opera and Pigalle district is the most convenient for the Eurostar terminal at Gare du Nord. If you're arriving on a late train, getting a hotel in this area is a good bet, as many are within walking distance of the station

10th. Gare du Nord

Hotels in this area tend to be convenient for late arrivals on the Eurostar, but its also a handy area for Montmartre and to get back on the train to access Disneyland Resort Paris or the Stade de France.