Paris hotels--why doesn't Rick have 1e hotels listed?

An omission from Rick's books does not necessarily imply lower standards. I have noticed that rather than write completely comprehensive guide books, he concentrates on a select group of places of interest he knows well. Although this strategy works well for most purposes, don't necessarily rule out a destination, restaurant or hotel if Rick hasn't reviewed it.

Check the Rough Guide Paris or Let's Go Paris. One of those books has listings for the 1st.

I think Rick tries (as much as he can) suggesting travel tips that are economical. Most hotels in the 1st and 2nd arrondissements, I think you're talking mega bucks. While being close to the Seine is good, being at a hotel or hostel that is close to a subway ("metro") stop is equally (or more so, perhaps) to your advantage.

Personally, I think Rick's fixated on Rue Cler :). Paris is really a big city full of separate neighbourhoods, so there are many areas to get the Paris "feel." We usually stay in one of two spots...in the Vaugirard area in the 15ieme near the border with the 7ieme....and a 15 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower....or in the Place Cambronne area, again in 15ieme, and about the same walk from la Tour. Very French (no tourists around here) and lots of little corner cafes, shops, and markets. Both are close to the subway lines, which will take you anywhere.

check www.vrbo.com; it's a website with rental listings for apartments & houses listing all over the world - you rent directly from the owner. Emilie

I agree with the poster who recommended the VRBO site for renting apartments. I found a great inexpensive place on rue Tiquetonne in the 2nd arr. last year, and discovered a "new" area of Paris that I now love. From this site I also found a fantastic Tuscany apartment I'm going to in September. Many, many apartments of all price ranges to choose from good pictures and descriptions also. Just know your arondissments, and generally where you want to be. consult other books that have more pictures of Paris.
the first arr. is definitely where you want to be but is very pricey, though I have seen some good deals on apartments. Being near the Seine, in the heart of Paris is way, way good.

Be there if you can.

If it's not too late, go to the Internet and search for a small hotel directly across the Seine from Notre Dame called "Hotel Esmeralda". This is a very interesting establishment ... and the rates are relatively low so you will definitely need to reserve rooms well in advance.
Have a "bon voyage" !

When we visit Paris, our main concern is that the hotel be close to the action, not scary, and not expensive. We have had good luck at Hotel Marignan (http://www.hotel-marignan.com/). No elevator, not fancy, simple rooms. Breakfast included. It is a very good option if you have kids and need a room for four without paying for two rooms. In fact, the only room on the ground floor is a four person room...ask for it. Let's face it, you don't go to Paris to sit around in your room watching The Simpsons with dubbed-in French voices on a little TV. (No TV at the Marignan anyway.) It's a place to dump your stuff and stumble back to at the end of the day. Guests can also use the kitchen and dining room to prepare their own meals. Just a few blocks to Notre Dame and a great open air market three days a week at Place Maubert.

I strongly suggest NOT to stay in Hotel Marignan. My wife and I stayed there for 5 nights and we had a horrible experience.

1. Paul (the owner) and his daughter (manager) have a cold attitude and we did not like that at all.
2. Rooms are not well maintained and smells.
3. Bathrooms have a horrible smell too.
4. They have a free common kitchen in the ground floor and the complete hotel fill up with stench after around 5:30PM when people start cooking their favorite food in the kitchen. This was unbearable and a daily ordeal. I hate even recalling those evenings!
5. Breakfast is very minimal in quantity and items. And you get the exact same stuff every morning.
6. 'Weird' guests. Mostly poor families. One example: Every night we kept hearing this lady hitting her son and banging him to the walls until their husband arrives. And this was for all 5 nights we stayed.

I say pay another $20 and checkin to the neighboring WesternInn.

My wife and I swear never to go there again.

I have used vrbo and had great luck. I used vacations in paris also but had some problems (cancelled our reservations this year and last year the owner changed the payment terms when we met up with him - would not recommend). Apartment is cheaper and much more fun and there was quite a bit in 1e. Does not matter where you stay in Paris - the Metro is great. I like being in a quieter neighborhood and you can get a real feel for the city.

Please! This question was posted in April. I'm sure the original poster has long since returned from his or her trip. There's no purpose served by adding more posts! The thread lay dormant for six months until someone dug it up for the sole purpose of trashing a hotel they didn't like.

(Cue John Cleese:)

This thread is deceased! It has ceased to be! It is an ex-thread!

Well everyone is entitled to post their own experiences aren't they?
If the hotel was awful , it was awful.

I also cross check many reviews before I make up my mind, one bad review may just be a vengeful competitors plant, or a difficult guest venting, but if I see a pattern of bad reviews then I listen.

Jennifer,

Rick does not list every great hotel or restaurant in Europe.

I've also used Tripadvisor & Virtual tourist to come up with some Excellent choices we've used both in France & Italy.

You may want to try them too.

Some of the best in my opinion Chateau des Ormeaux in Amboise & Leo le Lion in Paris as well as Il Chianti in Rome & Hotel Adler Cavarellri in Florence are all missing.

Jim