Where to Stay in Paris for the First Time (+ Where Not to Stay)

Choosing where to stay in Paris for the first time can feel overwhelming. Paris is a BIG city, made up of many different neighborhoods (also called arrondissements) with its attractions scattered throughout the sprawling city center.

Every neighborhood comes with is pros and cons, which we will get to in just a little bit, and the perfect place to stay really comes down to your budget and travel style.

So far, we have been to Paris four times. We’ve traveled here on a budget, toured the city with kids, and showed family around as well. On our most recent visit, Tim and I spent a week in Paris. We have learned a LOT about Paris and one thing is for certain, where you stay really does have a big impact on your overall experience.

Deciding where to stay in Paris starts with choosing the perfect neighborhood. This dictates how much time you will spend on the metro, what you can walk to, and how much you will spend (some neighborhoods are easy on the wallet, others are incredibly expensive).

Once you pick out your location, the next step is choosing your hotel. In this guide, we hope to simplify your decision-making process. Rather than listing every arrondissement in Paris, we’ve picked just a few. These are notable for their prime locations, easy access to public transportation, and undeniable charm.

Where to Stay in Paris for the First Time

Our Top 5 Recommendations

If you want to skip the geography lesson and the breakdown of each neighborhood and get right to the recommendations, here are five hotels we recommend. We have either stayed here or these hotels get an excellent review score.

Hotel Brighton: Amazing Views of Paris

This is where we stayed our first time in Paris. Hotel Brighton is located on Rue de Rivoli right across from the Tuileries Garden, just two blocks from the Louvre.

We booked a room on a high floor with a balcony. Stepping out onto this tiny balcony was our introduction to Paris and it was absolutely thrilling. The Louvre, the rooftop of Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, Musée d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower were all in view.

For three days, we would start and end the day with this amazing view. At night, we could watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle right from our room.

Over the years, we have recommended this hotel to other family, friends, and readers of this website, and they have all had very similar, memorable experiences.

From Hotel Brighton, you are just steps away from the Louvre. Right outside your door is the Tuileries metro station, handy for getting around the city.

The view from Hotel Brighton

Le Relais Saint Honoré: Mid-range Hotel with an Excellent Location

This is another hotel that we stayed in and had a great experience.

Le Relais Saint Honoré is a mid-range hotel in the 1^st arrondissement, also within walking distance of the Tuileries Garden and just a few blocks from the Louvre. It is a boutique hotel with beautifully decorated rooms. We had a great experience here and could either walk or ride the metro to Paris’ main attractions.

Le Relais Saint Honoré

Hôtel Le Presbytère: Mid-Range Hotel in Le Marais

This 3-star hotel ticks all the boxes: beautifully decorated rooms, prime location, excellent review score, plus it even offers a Junior Suite that can accommodate up to 5 people, perfect for families.

It is located in the southwest corner of Le Marais, just steps away from Notre Dame, the Louvre, and Châtelet, one of the best metro hubs in the city.

If you are a family traveling on a budget and want to stay in the heart of Paris near the top attractions, this is a great hotel to consider.

Apartments Du Louvre – Le Marais: Apartments in the City Center

If you are family, small group, or simply prefer an apartment over a hotel room, Apartments Du Louvre has several great options. This small property offers one, two, and three-bedroom apartments that come with a kitchen, air conditioning, and most rooms have city views.

This property is located in the 2^nd arrondissement, just steps away from Le Marais, within walking distance of the Louvre, and a short walk to several of Paris’ handiest metro stations.

Take a look at these beautiful apartments on Booking.com.

Hôtel Elysia: Luxury Hotel without Breaking the Bank

On our most recent visit, we wanted to splurge and stay in a 5-star hotel. Most 5-star hotels in Paris come with exorbitant prices, way outside of our budget. But with some searching, Tim discovered this beautiful, boutique hotel.

Hôtel Elysia is a small hotel located in the 8^th arrondissement, near the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. We had a wonderful stay here, with a lovely room on the top floor and a quick walk out to see the Arc de Triomphe (my favorite landmark in Paris).

It doesn’t have the most convenient location, as it is a bit of walk to get to a metro station, but if you want a 5-star stay with a relatively affordable price, this hotel is worth considering.

Hôtel Elysia

Paris Geography 101

Before we jump into the best hotels in Paris, here is a quick geography lesson. This is very important if it is your first visit to Paris.

The city center of Paris is bisected by the Seine River. The main sites in Paris are clustered on either side of this river.

The Right Bank (Rive Droite) refers to the area of Paris that is north of the Seine River. This is where you will find the Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre, the Marais, and Palais Garnier, just to name a few.

The Left Bank (Rive Gauche) refers to the area of Paris that is south of the Seine River. This is where you will find the Eiffel Tower, Musee d’Orsay, the Rodin Museum, and the Latin Quarter.

Just to keep things interesting, there are also two islands that sit within the Seine River, Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis. This is where you will find Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle.

Spiraling out from the Seine River are the 20 arrondissements of Paris. An arrondissement is a district. They are numbered 1 to 20, starting with 1 at the tip of Île de la Cité and spiraling out clockwise from here. The lower numbered arrondissements are located near the Seine River and the higher numbered arrondissements are located farther from the city center.

Finally, there are many different neighborhoods in Paris. Some of these neighborhoods are located in more than one arrondissement. For example, the Marais is located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. Other famous neighborhoods are St.-Germain-de-Pres (6th arrondissement), Montmartre (18th arrondisement), and the Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement).

Here is a map of where to stay in Paris. Each color corresponds to a different neighborhood in Paris. The black markers indicate the top attractions in Paris. 

Best Paris Hotels by Location

In this guide, we list six neighborhoods in Paris. For each, we let you know what makes them special, why they make a great home base, and then list recommended hotels for all budgets.

At the end of this guide, we list hotels based on travel style (by budget, if you are a family, etc.), plus hotels for all budgets with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Here is a very quick summary of each neighborhood (click the link if you want to skip ahead to the one that interests you the most):

The Heart of Paris (1^st & 2^nd Arrondissements): This is our #1 recommendation if it’s your first time in Paris. We’ve stayed here twice and loved it. It’s centrally located, some rooms have spectacular views of the city, and the Louvre and Champs-Élysées are right on your doorstep. The downside is the price; this is one of the most expensive areas in Paris.

Le Marais: Pick the Marais if you want a historic neighborhood in the city center that is still within walking distance of many of the main attractions. It’s a little less convenient of a location for getting around the city, compared to the 1^st arrondissement.

Latin Quarter: Sitting on the Left Bank, this is another historic neighborhood in Paris. Prices will be a little cheaper if you stay here, but you will also spend more time on the metro to get around.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Also on the Left Bank, not far from Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre, this is a more upscale neighborhood than the Latin Quarter and more centrally located. It can be more expensive to stay here but there are some very interesting boutique hotels.

Montmartre: This hilltop neighborhood is also the most photogenic, with picturesque streets and panoramic views of the city. It’s a beautiful place to call home for a few nights but you will spend more time on the metro.

Canal Saint Martin: For those looking for a local vibe and cheaper prices, Canal Saint Martin is worth considering. You’ll spend more time on the metro, since it sits east of the main Parisian sights.

How we chose these hotels: The hotels we list in this article are very highly rated. All but a few get 8.5 stars or higher on Booking.com, and most of them get at least 9 stars. They are also conveniently located near metro stations, an important factor in picking out where to stay in Paris.

Rue de Rivoli, 1st arrondissement

The Heart of Paris: 1st & 2nd Arrondissements

Prime Location in the Heart of Paris

If it’s your first time Paris, this is one of the best locations to stay in Paris.

This is the heart of Paris and from here it’s either a quick walk or a quick ride on the metro to most of the big city sights. We’ve stayed in this area twice and had great experiences both times.

This area includes the tip of Île de la Cité as well as a portion of the Right Bank. Rue de Rivoli is one of the main streets that runs through this area of Paris. It runs alongside the Louvre and Tuileries Garden to Place de la Concorde.

Tuileries Garden, view from Hotel Brighton

The Louvre, view from Hotel Brighton

LUXURY: Le Meurice – Dorcester Collection. This hotel has an excellent location on Rue de Rivioli. From the rooftop terrace and some hotel rooms, you can gaze out across Tuileries Garden and see the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe. In addition to having a wonderful view of Paris, you can also dine at the onsite 2-star Michelin Restaurant and go to the spa.

UPSCALE: Hotel Brighton. Mentioned earlier, this is where we stayed our first time in Paris. Some hotel rooms have a view of Paris, with views of the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. Request a high floor, preferably one with a balcony, for the best experience.

UPSCALE: Apartments Du Louvre – Le Marais. For a stay in a gorgeous apartment with an unbeatable location, look no farther. This property offers several apartment types, with some accommodating up to six guests in three bedrooms. It is located very close to Le Marais, which means you are not only within walking distance of the Louvre, but Le Marais is right on your doorstep.

MIDRANGE: Le Relais Saint Honoré. Our favorite thing about this small, boutique hotel is its excellent location. The Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Place de la Concorde, and Palais-Garnier are all within a 10-minute walk. The Tuileries and Pyramides metro stations are less than 5 minutes away. The rooms are small but tastefully decorated and the staff is friendly and speaks English. You don’t get an awesome view from this hotel but we loved the friendly staff and the location.

Le Relais Saint Honoré

MID-RANGE: La Dêpendance. This boutique hotel is located in the 1^st arrondissement, near Jardin du Palais Royal. It is less than a 5-minute walk to the Louvre. Rooms are small but beautifully decorated. This hotel gets a very high review score and prior guests love the cozy atmosphere, cleanliness, and the location.

MID-RANGE: Hotel Choiseul Opera. This hotel is located on the far western end of the 2^nd arrondissement, putting it close to the Paris Opera, the handy Opera metro station, and Place Vendôme. There are triple and quadruple rooms, a good option for small families.

BUDGET: Hotel Opera Maintenon. This small hotel is located near Palais Garnier and rooms can accommodate one to four people. This is listed as a budget option, but since the 1st arrondissement is an expensive place to stay, prices can still be relatively high.

Le Marais: 3rd & 4th Arrondissements

A Historic Neighborhood Brimming with Charm

The Marais is one of the oldest quarters in Paris. For many visitors, this area tops the list as one of the best places to stay.

This neighborhood sits to the east of the 1^st and 2^nd arrondissements, so if you are looking for a relatively central location without a huge expense, the Marais is an area to consider. Le Marais tends to be cheaper than the 1^st and 2^nd arrondissements.

When Paris was “rebuilt” by Haussmann, this area remained untouched. It’s a maze of narrow, cobblestoned streets, lined with shops and small cafes. Le Marais is the perfect neighborhood to go for a stroll. It also is home to a vibrant Jewish community and LGBTQ community.

Le Marais

UPSCALE: Roi de Sicile. This hotel has an excellent location in the heart of the Marais. Take your pick from a studio or from apartments with 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms. This is a great pick for families or for those who just want a little more space. From this hotel, it is a 10-minute walk to the Pompidou Center and the Seine River.

UPSCALE: Edgar Suites Marais – Temple. Edgar Suites has locations throughout Paris. They offer upscale apartments with one, two, and three bedrooms and they are a good choice throughout Paris. Their property in Le Marais has a prime location in the heart of this neighborhood, giving you a short walk to the Pompidou Centre and Le Marais’ top bars and restaurants.

MID-RANGE: Hotel Saint-Louis Marais. With its exposed wood-beamed ceilings, these hotel rooms are full of charm. It gets excellent reviews for its location, comfort, and staff. This hotel is located on the east end of Le Marais, a few blocks from Places des Vosges and Place de la Bastille.

MID-RANGE: Hôtel Le Presbytère. This hotel was mentioned earlier, since it has a great location and review score. For mid-range travelers and families, this is one of the best picks in the city. This hotel gets rave reviews. It is located near the Châtelet metro station, making it easy to connect to other places throughout Paris. It’s a quick walk to Notre Dame and the Louvre and some rooms can accommodate up to five people, making a great pick for families.

MIDRANGE: Les Tournelles. This boutique hotel also boasts an excellent location within the Marais. Rooms are elegantly decorated and offer air-conditioning.

BUDGET: The People – Paris Marais. This hostel is located in the 4^th arrondissement, just outside of Le Marais. It sits very close to the Seine, just a short walk from Île Saint-Louis.

The Latin Quarter: 5th Arrondissement

A Historic Neighborhood on the Left Bank

Sitting on the Left Bank, just a stone’s throw away from Île de la Cité, is the Latin Quarter. Similar to the Marais, this is another neighborhood that is crisscrossed with narrow, maze-like streets and small cafes.

This area feels very touristy but it’s fun to explore, with its streets being very picturesque, especially the closer you get to the Seine.

The Latin Quarter

View from the Pantheon

The Latin Quarter is relatively large. These hotel recommendations are located in the western region of the Latin Quarter, near the Seine River and the Saint-Michel Notre Dame metro station.

UPSCALE: Hotel Parc Saint Severin – Esprit de France. This 4-star hotel has a handy location. It sits just a few blocks away from the Seine River and the Saint-Michel Notre-Dame metro station. Rooms are elegantly decorated and this hotel gets rave reviews.

MIDRANGE: Hotel Albe Saint Michel. If you are looking for an affordable hotel with a central location, this is one to consider. This hotel is located one block from the Seine River. In just a few minutes, you can walk to Notre Dame. If you are traveling as a family or a group, rooms can be grouped together to accommodate up to five people.

MID-RANGE: French Theory. This hotel, which features modern décor and artwork by local artists, offers a variety of room types. It sits between the Pantheon and Luxembourg Gardens.

MID-RANGE: Hôtel des Grands Hommes. This is one of the highest reviewed mid-range hotels in the Latin Quarter. It sits next to the Pantheon and has rooms that can accommodate two and three people. Check out the Romantic Junior Suite with Terrace…the views of the Pantheon are amazing!

BUDGET: Hotel College de France. This budget hotel also has an excellent location in the Latin Quarter. Some rooms have balconies with views of the city streets. Just be aware that they do not offer air conditioning, so if you are traveling during the summer months, you might want to choose a different hotel.

Saint-Germain-des-Pres: 6th Arrondissement

Upscale Neighborhood with a Central Location

Saint-Germain-des-Prés sits west of the Latin Quarter. It is filled with cafes, boutique shops, museums, and art galleries. This was once the literary and artistic heart of Paris, where people like Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre met in cafes. Les Deux Magots is one of the most famous of these cafes.

This neighborhood is more centrally located than the Latin Quarter, and from here it is a shorter walk to the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay.

We like this neighborhood for its unique, boutique hotels.

Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain-des-Pres

LUXURY: Hotel D’Aubusson. This 5-star hotel is a historic, 17th century townhouse that is now a hotel. It is home to Café Laurent, a famous literary bar. In the late 1940’s, this bar went by the name Café Tabou, and it was the meeting place of famous intellectuals such as Camus, Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir. This hotel offers 50 boutique style rooms and suites.

UPSCALE: Hotel Baume. This hotel is located in a quiet area in Saint-Germain-de-Pres. Rooms are elegantly decorated. It’s a short walk to the Odeon metro station.

MIDRANGE: Grand Hôtel de L’Univers Saint-Germain. This boutique hotel is located in the historic heart of Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Rooms can accommodate between one and three people and prior guests rave about the location. 

BUDGET: Hotel Clement. This 2-star hotel does offer air conditioning. It has a central location in Saint-Germain-des-Pres near the metro lines 4 and 10. From here, it is a short walk to Notre Dame and the Seine River.

Montmartre: 18th Arrondissement

Panoramic Vistas & Picturesque Streets

Romantic, historic, photogenic…this is one of our favorite areas in Paris.

Located on a hill in northern Paris, Montmartre is a historic neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, artistic roots, and panoramic views of the city.

The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur is the centerpiece, offering a stunning view of Paris. The neighborhood is also home to plenty of cafés and bistros, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

This neighborhood is a bit removed from the historic heart of Paris, so you will spend more time getting to the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Champs-Élysées, but this is a beautiful place to call home for a few nights.

UPSCALE: Terrass Hotel Montmartre. This hotel offers rooms with views across the rooftops of Montmartre and of the Eiffel Tower. Rooms are modernly decorated. There is a rooftop bar and guests rave about the view.

LUXURY: Maison Souquet. This is not another boring hotel recommendation. Maison Souquet is a hotel full of character. This lavish, eclectic hotel is a mix of Arabian and French décor. It was once a pleasure house during the Belle Epoque period and has been transformed into this hotel. Twenty rooms are decorated with rich colors, luxurious fabrics, and sumptuous furniture.

MIDRANGE: Timhotel Montmartre. I’m not recommending this hotel because of the name (although Tim and I keep joking that we should stay here). I am recommending this hotel because of its stunning views from several of the rooms. This hotel is located very close to the Sacre Coeur and the view from select hotel rooms is hard to beat.

BUDGET: Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels. This hostel is located just down the hill from the Sacre Coeur. Stay in a bed in a dormitory style room, or, if you are part of a larger group, rooms can accommodate up to four people.

Canal St. Martin: 10th & 11th Arrondissements

Quieter, Less Touristy Neighborhood in Paris

If you want to stay in a neighborhood with a local vibe, look no farther.

Canal Saint Martin is a small neighborhood located northeast of Le Marais. This charming neighborhood, with its tree-lined canal, boutique shops, and ethnic restaurants, is a great place to consider if you are looking for a quieter, less touristy experience than some of the other neighborhoods on this list.

UPSCALE: Hotel Fabric. This is a beautiful boutique hotel in the 11th arrondissement. Hotel Fabric was a former textile factory that was transformed into this hotel. Rooms are modern and trendy with an industrial flair. Rooms can accommodate up to five people, so this is a great pick if you are traveling as a family and want to stay in a trendy hotel.

MIDRANGE: Hotel La Nouvelle République. This hotel is located in the 11th arrondissement. Rooms feature modern decor, air conditioning, and soundproofing. Some rooms can accommodate up to three people.

BUDGET: Hotel District Republique. This highly rated budget hotel is located between Canal St. Martin and the Marais. The Republique metro station is just a short walk from this hotel, and from here, you can easily travel by metro throughout Paris.

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Where Not to Stay in Paris: 7^th Arrondissement

If this is your first visit to Paris, then most likely a visit to the Eiffel Tower is on your list. It sounds like a great idea to stay in this neighborhood, right?

For visitors, the 7th arrondissement is good, but not great. Yes, you can walk right to the Eiffel Tower, but to get anywhere else in Paris (even other attractions in the 7th arrondissement), most likely you will be on the metro.

We stayed in this neighborhood on our second visit to Paris, thinking it would be perfect to stay within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. It was, for that one time we visited the Eiffel Tower. And then we spent loads of time on the metro.

Plus, this part of Paris really feels touristy, so I say skip it, and stay at one of the other neighborhoods already listed.

But if you are still curious, we stayed at Hotel la Bourdonnais. This hotel had a big makeover since our visit and it gets great reviews. It’s just a few blocks from the Eiffel Tower. Hotel Muguet is a mid-range hotel that also gets excellent reviews.

However, I think it is better to stay in a different neighborhood, where you can get views of the Eiffel Tower, rather than staying right next to the Eiffel Tower.

7th arrondissement

Our Recommendations by Travel Style

Hotels With a View of the Eiffel Tower

If you want to stay in a hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower, Hotel Brighton (in the 1^st arrondissement and mentioned earlier) is a great option.

In the 15th arrondissement, there are a few hotels that offer a view of the Eiffel Tower. It is not the most convenient location in the city (you’ll spend a bit longer on the metro), but it could be a nice trade off, if you like the idea of starting and ending each day with a view of Paris’ most famous landmark. The Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel (a 4-star hotel next to Champ de Mars) and Hotel Le Relais Saint Charles (a 3-star hotel) make great options.

In Montmartre, Terrass Hotel has rooms with panoramic views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower.

The views from the Shangri-La Hotel look phenomenal, but this comes with a big price tag.

Hotels for Mid-Range Travelers

• Le Relais Saint Honore – (1^st arr.)
• Hotel Brighton – (1^st arr.)
• Hôtel Le Presbytère – Le Marais
• Hotel Albe Saint Michel – Latin Quarter
• Timhotel Montmartre – Montmartre

Hotels for Budget Travelers

• The People – Paris Bercy – (12^th arr.)
• The People – Paris Marais – Le Marais
• Hotel Clement – (6^th arr.)
• Le Village Montmartre – (Montmartre)

Hotels for Luxury Travelers

• Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris – (8^th arr.)
• The Peninsula Paris – (16^th arr.)
• Le Meurice – Dorcester Collection – (1^st arr.)

Hotels For Families

• Apartments Du Louvre – Le Marais – (2^nd arr.)
• Hotel Choiseul Opera – (2^nd arr.)
• Hôtel Le Presbytère – Le Marais
• Roi de Sicile – Le Marais

La Maison Rose in Montmartre

How Much Does it Cost to Stay in Paris?

If you are traveling on a budget, it’s possible to spend as little as €30 per night in a hostel.

If you are traveling as a group of two, a double room in a 2-star hotel will cost between €50 and €175. For the mid-range traveler, on average you will pay between €150 and €300 per night for a double room. 4-star hotels typically range from €300 to €600 per night, and the 5-star hotels usually start around €500 and go up from here.

These are the prices for a standard room at each level. 3-star hotels can offer deluxe rooms or rooms with a view for two or three times the price of one of their standard double rooms. The same goes for all classes of hotel.

These average costs can go up based on the time of year and during times of high demand for hotel rooms. Prices may also be cheaper during the off-season.

If you have any questions about where to stay in Paris, let us know in the comment section below.

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