Best hotels in Paris: where to stay by area

In Paris the area where you sleep matters more than the hotel's stars: the neighbourhood decides which city you live, the romantic one of Saint-Germain, the bohemian one of Montmartre or the fashionable one of the Marais. The metro is dense, so even a slightly out-of-the-way base stays handy, but staying in a good arrondissement lets you walk and live Paris in the evening. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Paris, area by area

The Marais

Between the 3rd and 4th, Le Marais is the chicest, liveliest quarter: historic mansions, boutiques, galleries and nightlife, with the beautiful Place des Vosges. It is the right call for a first-timer and for anyone who loves style, very central and all on foot. High prices and lanes crowded at weekends.

• The Place des Vosges and the lanes of the Marais
• The Centre Pompidou and the art galleries
• Boutiques, bistros and the evening life
• On foot from Notre-Dame and the Ile de la Cite

For style and a central base, look for hotels in the Marais.

Saint-Germain and the Latin Quarter

On the Left Bank, between the 5th and 6th, Saint-Germain-des-Pres and the Latin Quarter are literary Paris of historic cafes, bookshops and the Luxembourg Gardens. It is the romantic, elegant choice, perfect for a couples' escape, with the Musee d'Orsay a step away.

• The Luxembourg Gardens and their avenues
• The Musee d'Orsay and the Saint-Germain cafes
• The bookshops and bistros of the Latin Quarter
• Notre-Dame cathedral across the river

For atmosphere and elegance, see hotels in Saint-Germain.

Louvre, Opera and the Tuileries

In the heart, between the 1st and 2nd, the area of the Louvre, the Opera Garnier and the Tuileries is grand Paris of museums and department stores. It is the choice for anyone who puts the monuments and shopping first, very central but more touristy and pricey.

• The Louvre and the Tuileries garden
• The Opera Garnier and the department stores
• The Place Vendome and the luxury streets
• Metro and RER for the whole city

For monuments and shopping, look for hotels near the Louvre.

Montmartre

On top of the 18th, Montmartre is the bohemian quarter of the Sacre-Coeur basilica, with uphill lanes, artists and a village air. It is the choice for anyone who loves atmosphere and views over the roofs, often at friendlier prices, reckoning with the climbs and some very touristy spots.

• The Sacre-Coeur basilica and the view over Paris
• The Place du Tertre and the artists
• The lanes, windmills and small bistros
• A village air a step from the centre

For atmosphere and better prices, see hotels in Montmartre.

Bastille and Canal Saint-Martin

Between the 11th and 10th, the area of the Bastille and the Canal Saint-Martin is young, fashionable Paris, full of bars, bistros and nightlife, often at lower prices. It is the choice for anyone after the local side, evenings out and good value.

• The banks of the Canal Saint-Martin for a drink
• The bars and bistros around the Bastille
• The market and the neighbourhood life
• Handy metro and friendlier prices

For a young vibe and good value, look for hotels towards Bastille.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Paris is expensive, with high prices in the centre and in high season.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 150-300 euros a night, more in the centre and during events.
• A dinner for two in a bistro with wine: about 70-110 euros; a coffee at the counter 2-3 euros, more at a table.
• Transport: a single metro ticket around 2 to 2.50 euros; a carnet or a day pass is worth it.
• Tourist tax: the Paris taxe de sejour is among the highest in Europe, roughly from about 2.60 euros for a 1-star up to over 15 euros for palaces per person per night, with a regional surcharge added. It is worth checking the exact amount when you book.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Paris.

Getting there and around

The main airport is Charles de Gaulle (CDG), about 25 km away, linked to the centre by the RER B line in about half an hour. Orly (ORY), about 15 km away, is now also reached by metro line 14. Beauvais serves some low-cost flights but is much further.

In town you do not need a car: the metro is dense, fast and cheap, and most central neighbourhoods are walkable. With a good location, the main sights are a few stops or a stroll away.

When to go

• January-March: cold and quieter, lower prices, museums without queues.
• April-June: a splendid spring and mild weather, maybe the best window; it can be busy.
• July-August: warm, some restaurants closed in August, but the city empties of Parisians.
• September-October: excellent, pleasant weather; the fashion weeks push prices up.
• November-December: cool, Christmas lights and atmosphere, lower prices outside the holidays.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? The Marais or Saint-Germain: central, on foot from many monuments and full of atmosphere.

Do I need a car in Paris? No, the metro does everything and is faster. A car is only a problem.

How much is the tourist tax? It is among Europe's highest, roughly 2.60 to over 15 euros per person per night depending on the category, plus a regional surcharge.

How do I get from the airport? From CDG the RER B in half an hour; from Orly metro line 14 or the Orlyval.

How many days do I need? At least three or four nights for the centre, a museum or two and a neighbourhood further out.

The best hotels in Paris

Below is a selection of real hotels in Paris among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.