Deciding where to stay in Paris boils down to choosing the right arrondissement for you. Do you want to wake up to views of the Eiffel Tower, or would you rather stay in the city’s oldest district? Do you prefer to be close to the best museums and art galleries, or are you more interested in shops and classic Parisian bistros?
No matter what you answered yes to, I’ve got several personalized suggestions on the best place to stay in Paris. From affordable hostels in the city’s quiet parts to the best luxury hotels overlooking The Louvre, there’s a perfect Parisian hotel for anyone.
Listen to us because Dave and Deb walked Paris’ captivating streets and have first-hand experience in avoiding tourist traps and finding hotels that offer good value for money as well as top-notch service. They prefer hotels that are just outside the busiest tourist hotspots, but still close enough that you can walk to most of the city’s interesting sights. In other words, you can be across the river from the Eiffel Tower, but still see it from your hotel room!
Where To Stay In Paris
Paris is a big city with many landmarks and interesting sights scattered all around. No matter where you stay, there will be a fun tourist attraction or a historic landmark within walking distance of your hotel.
But if you want to see as many of the top sights in Paris as possible, it will be especially important to stay close to the public transport. That way you can get around the city quickly without getting too tired, as it’s not realistic to walk everywhere in the French capital.
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Where We Stayed
Dave and Deb stayed at the Passy Eiffel Hotel in the 16th arrondissement and had a great time. They loved the colorful rooms and the comfy beds, as well as the general vibe of the hotel. The location was excellent for sightseeing around Paris, especially since the Eiffel Tower is within walking distance of this mid-range hotel.
16th Arrondissement: Our Recommendation
Situated on the right bank of the Seine, the 16th Arrondissement is a great area for travelers who want to be close to the popular landmarks in Paris, but avoid the crowds of the inner city center. In the 16th arrondissement, you can be five minutes from the Arc de Triomphe or the Eiffel Tower, depending on the exact location of your hotel.
You can also enjoy strolling down cobblestone streets, popping into authentic French bistros, and relaxing at the city’s largest park. It’s a fantastic location for discovering the best of what Paris has to offer while avoiding the busiest parts of the city.
Pros and Cons of Staying in the 16th Arrondissement
Pros
- Beautiful architecture
- Elegant hotels
- Museums and green spaces
Cons
- Fewer historic landmarks
- No hostels
- Not the liveliest arrondissement
Highlights of Staying in the 16th Arrondissement
Every arrondissement in Paris has something unique to offer, and the 16th is no exception.
- ??Bois de Boulogne is a massive public park, set on former royal hunting grounds. Featuring lakes, walking trails, and botanical gardens, it’s the perfect place to come to escape the noise and crowds of Parisian streets.
- Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks, and possibly the most hectic roundabout in Europe. Don’t miss out on this fantastic monument situated on the edge of the 16th arrondissement, just watch out for the traffic.
- Trocadéro Gardens is a small park with a fountain, statues, and an uninterrupted view of the Eiffel Tower. Come here for a different perspective on Gustave Eiffel’s masterpiece, far from the crowds of Champ de Mars.
- Every part of Paris features some amazing museums, including the 16th arrondissement. Check out impressionist works at the Musée Marmottan Monet, learn about Balzac’s life at Maison de Balzac, or discover all sorts of modern art at the Palais de Tokyo.
Best Places to Stay in The 16th Arrondissement
Because the 16th arrondissement is quite big, you should look for hotels that are close to the metro stations or within walking distance of the bridges to take you across the Seine. That way, you’ll never be more than 15-20 minutes away from the best things to do in Paris.
Hotel The Peninsula Paris
The Peninsula Paris is a five-star hotel with a great location near Arc de Triomphe. The Kléber metro station is just a few minutes from the hotel, for easy access to the rest of the city. This luxury hotel offers extra-spacious rooms with elegant furnishings and stunning marble bathrooms.
Every room includes a dressing table, vanity mirror, touchscreen wall panels, bedside tablets, and a tea/coffee maker. There’s even a seating area in the shower, which immediately sold me on the hotel. As if that’s not lavish enough, Oscar de la Renta amenities are included in every bathroom.
Other hotel facilities include a spa and wellness center, a gym, and an indoor pool. There’s also a bar and three great restaurants, one of which is situated on the top floor and offers sweeping views of the city’s skyline.
Passy Eiffel Hotel
Dave and Deb stayed at the Passy Eiffel Hotel on their last trip to Paris and feel confident in recommending this hotel to other travelers. The three-star hotel offers cozy rooms with a lot of character, comfortable beds, and gorgeous decorations on the walls.
Every room has an ensuite bathroom, a desk, a TV, and an electric kettle. All guests staying at the hotel get access to free WiFi and can choose to add breakfast to their nightly rate for an extra $18 per person. Continental breakfast is served either in the charming breakfast room or in the guest room. There’s no restaurant at the Passy Eiffel Hotel, but the building is very close to several excellent restaurants in the 16th.
This hotel is just two minutes from the Passy metro station, which services the metro line 6. This is THE metro line that offers a phenomenal Eiffel Tower view as it crosses the bridge from Passy to Bir-Hakeim station.
Le Hameau de Passy
Le Hameau de Passy is the best option for budget travelers in the 16th arrondissement. It’s not exactly a cheap hotel, but it has some of the lowest nightly rates in this part of Paris, while still offering comfortable rooms and good facilities.
The guest rooms are kind of small but packed with useful features. Every room offers an ensuite bathroom, a desk, a TV, and free WiFi. All the rooms on the ground floor offer views of the hotel garden, and are convenient for people who would prefer not to climb stairs as there’s no lift in the accommodation.
There’s also a loft room, which is bigger than others, but which offers no views of the garden. As far as budget hotels go in the 16th arrondissement, this is as good as it gets for an average rate of $215 per night.
1st Arrondissement: Best For Luxury Hotel Stays
The 1st Arrondissement is the most central area of Paris. It’s home to the Louvre, Palais Royal, and Tuileries Garden, which are some of the city’s best-known landmarks. The arrondissement also borders the Seine, meaning you’re always within walking distance of popular attractions on either bank.
Stay here for easy access to famous tourist attractions, but also if you’re looking for the best luxury hotels in Paris. It’s home to more than a dozen five-star hotels, despite being one of the smallest arrondissements in the city.
Just keep in mind that being so centrally located in Paris won’t come cheap. Even though the area offers some budget hotels, their nightly rates are equivalent to those of mid-range hotels in other arrondissements, so you might want to consider a different place to stay in Paris if you’re trying to experience the city on a budget.
Pros and Cons of Staying in the 1st Arrondissement
Pros
- Excellent historic landmarks
- Lots of luxury hotels
- Central location
Cons
- Fewer budget hotels
- Many restaurants are tourist traps
- Busy and often noisy
Highlights of Staying in the 1st Arrondissement
The 1st Arrondissement is arguably the best one for sightseeing and historic landmarks. It’s small and walkable, but also home to so many interesting sights that you’ll need more than a day to visit every noteworthy location.
- The Louvre hardly needs an introduction seeing as how it is the most visited museum in the entire world. Snap photos of the iconic glass pyramid, and go inside for a unique opportunity to see the Mona Lisa in real life.
- Tuileries Garden is a beautifully landscaped space that connects Place de la Concorde with the Louvre. The formal garden dates back to the 17th century, and it is famous for its impressive statues and spectacular views.
- Île de la Cité is a tiny island on the Seine, parts of which belong to the 1st Arrondissement. I’m disregarding the technicality because this is where you’ll find both the Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, two of the most famous religious buildings in Paris.
- Jardin du Palais Royal and Domaine National du Palais-Royal are both fantastic sights you need to include in your Paris itinerary. The palace and its landscaped gardens are both a sight for sore eyes, offering beautiful walking paths and many gorgeous statues.
Best Places To Stay in The 1st Arrondissement
The 1st arrondissement is great for sightseeing, green spaces, and scenic river views. It’s the heart of the city with some of its most iconic landmarks, and the best place to stay in Paris if you want to be within walking distance of the Louvre. Or if you’re specifically looking to stay in a five-star hotel because this arrondissement boasts so many!
Nolinski Paris – Evok Collection
Nolinski Paris is a fabulous five-star hotel just a few steps from the Louvre. The hotel building is right next to the metro station, making this hotel ideal for effortless travel throughout the city. This is an Evok Collection hotel, and it’s even got a sister hotel in the 16th arrondissement.
The guest rooms are spacious, with modern furnishings and luxurious decorations. Every room has an ensuite bathroom, as well as a desk, a dedicated seating area, and a spacious wardrobe. A bathrobe and slippers are provided to every guest, and they’re as plush and comfortable as the lavish carpet.
As for the other amenities, the hotel offers a spa center with an indoor pool, sauna, massage rooms, and hammam. A bar and a restaurant are also available on the site, and both are exquisite.
Hôtel Crayon Rouge
Hôtel Crayon Rouge is my favorite of all the mid-range hotels in the 1st Arrondissement. The guest rooms are quite small, but they’re so beautifully decorated that I just don’t care about the size. Every room offers a pop of color and unique decorations, and it kind of feels like you’re staying inside a candy wrapper.
The beds are also very comfortable and the rooms are surprisingly quiet for such a busy location. And it’s an excellent location, as the hotel is just around the block from Jardin du Palais Royal, as well as within walking distance of the Louvre.
The amenities are a bit scarce, as the boutique hotel lacks a gym, spa center, and restaurant. But it does offer free WiFi, luggage storage, a bar, and continental breakfast for an optional charge.
Hôtel Flor Rivoli
Hotel Flor Rivoli is one of a few budget options in the 1st arrondissement. The average nightly rate is just under $200, which is incredibly affordable for such a central location. It’s within walking distance of the Notre Dame, the Louvre, and just across the river from the Latin Quarter on the left bank.
The two-star hotel offers small rooms with basic furniture. But every room has an ensuite bathroom and there’s a lift in the hotel, so you won’t have to carry your luggage up the stairs. Even a tiny desk is crammed into the room, which is pretty impressive considering there’s only 10m² of space.
Guests will also have access to a TV and can choose to add on a breakfast for just $9. It might not be the best-decorated or the comfiest hotel in Paris, but the location is unbeatable.
7th Arrondissement: Best For Sightseeing
The 7th arrondissement is a favorite among many tourists in Paris, and one of the best areas for first-time visitors. It’s home to the city’s most iconic landmark (yes I’m talking about the Eiffel Tower), as well as excellent museums, great bistros, and lots of shops.
I’m sure many people would say that this is by far the best destination for any first-time in Paris, but I’m not convinced. The 7th arrondissement is very crowded, it’s one of the most expensive areas in the city, and the least pedestrian-friendly of all the arrondissements.
That being said, it’s still an excellent place to stay if you’re primarily interested in a central location and walking distance of popular landmarks; it’s just not my first choice. But I hate crowds so much I’d rather stay 20 minutes outside the city center than be in a sea of people the second I step outside the hotel lobby.
Pros and Cons of Staying in the 7th Arrondissement
Pros
- Home of the Eiffel Tower
- Great for mid-range and luxury hotels
- Lots of bistros and cafes
- Good for shopping
Cons
- One of the busiest areas of Paris
- It’s more car-friendly than pedestrian-friendly
- The hotels are pricey
Highlights of Staying in the 7th Arrondissement
The 7th arrondissement is one of the best for sightseeing and museum tours. If you want to discover the most famous landmarks in Paris, staying here will mean that the majority are within walking distance.
- For many people, the Eiffel Tower is the first thing they want to see when they come to Paris. It’s the most recognizable landmark in the city, and staying in a hotel in the 7th Arrondissement often means you’ll be able to see it from your hotel room.
- Musée d’Orsay is the second-most visited museum in Paris. It’s situated in a former railway station and offers an extensive collection of 19th and 20th-century European art.
- Hôtel des Invalides is a series of army museums, and a must for any war or history buffs in Paris. Come here to see a former military hospital, an avid collection of war-time weapons, and the tomb of Napoleon.
- Auguste Rodin is a famous Parisian sculptor and you can discover some of his best works at Musée Rodin. Visit the museum for an in-depth overview of his opus, and a glimpse at The Thinker, his most iconic sculpture.
Best Places To Stay in The 7th Arrondissement
The 7th arrondissement is ideal for luxury and mid-range travelers. I’m afraid budget travelers don’t have many options in this part of the city, and should look elsewhere for affordable accommodation in Paris.
Hotel Lutetia
If you’re looking for the best luxury hotel in Paris, this is the one. Set in a historic building, Hotel Lutetia is an iconic Parisian landmark known for gorgeous architecture and the role it played during the German occupation of France in WWII. Until June of 1940, the hotel provided shelter for anti-Nazi German exiles and refugees. But it was eventually captured by the Germans and used to house German officers until Paris was liberated.
Few hotels in Paris can boast such a rich history, making this my top choice for anyone looking for a unique stay. And it just gets better if you like spacious rooms and luxury furnishings because Hotel Lutetia offers extra large guest rooms with spectacular marble bathrooms.
Guests can also make use of the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Center, the fitness center, the indoor pool, the sauna, the steam room, and the hot tub. There’s also a restaurant on the site, as well as a fantastic rooftop bar with uninterrupted views of the Paris skyline.
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
The Pullman Hotel is a nice four-star hotel that boasts rooms with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Not all the guest rooms overlook the famous landmark, so be careful when making your booking if that’s one of your priorities.
The guest rooms are quite spacious and packed with useful amenities. Every room has an ensuite bathroom, coffee machine, desk, TV, and an extra seating area. The beds are very comfortable and promise a good night’s sleep, while the big windows let in a lot of natural light, even when they’re looking out into the garden.
This hotel offers a fitness center, bar, and a restaurant with views of the Eiffel Tower. Also, it’s just a few minutes from Champ de Mars on one side and the Bir-Hakeim metro station on the other, so the location is excellent for tourists who want to see the best of Paris.
Amélie Hotel
Amélie Hotel is a rare affordable option in the most popular arrondissement of Paris. The two-star hotel features a total of 16 colorful double rooms, each with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and free WiFi. The average nightly rate is around $200, which is as cheap as it gets when you’re this close to the Eiffel Tower.
The hotel doesn’t offer much in terms of other amenities. Breakfast can be included in the stay for an extra $13, and they’ve got a 24-hour front desk so you can check in whenever. But that’s it.
Hotel Amélie is just a short walk from Les Invalides and Champs de Mars, allowing you to discover some of the city’s most famous landmarks on foot. If you’re all about the location and don’t care as much about the amenities or the size of the room, this is certainly an option to consider.
Montmartre (18th Arrondissement): Best For Budget Travelers
Montmartre is my favorite part of Paris. I’ve expanded this section to include the entire 18th arrondissement because I recognize that not everyone would be thrilled to stay in the hilliest area of the capital, but if you can score a hotel or apartment at the top of the hill, it will be entirely worth it. Especially if you like the idea of staying on a quiet street.
First of all, Montmartre is home to some of the most iconic Parisian landmarks – Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, Moulin Rouge, Place du Tertre, and the gorgeous Rue Lepic. While these places can get quite busy during the day, Montmartre isn’t known for fantastic nightlife and most of those crowds disperse by nightfall.
Second of all, the hilltop was formerly known as the Artist’s Village because many famous artists called it home at one point in life. Picasso, Degas, Monet, and many others once lived here, and you can walk in their footsteps every day if you stay at Montmartre. And if you stay elsewhere in the 18th arrondissement, you’ll get a good deal on the hotel and be close to affordable eateries and shops in Paris.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Montmartre
Pros
- Good for budget travelers
- Lots of apartments
- Metro connection to the inner city center
Cons
- Lots of uphill walking
- Not within walking distance of the city center
- Fewer hotels
Highlights of Staying in Montmartre
The Bohemian vibe and artistic legacy are the best things about staying in Montmartre. Go for a casual stroll down the famous Rue Lepic and you’ll notice plaques indicating that the buildings were once occupied by certain famous artists, as well as gorgeous sculptures. Not to mention the winding cobblestone alleys, and one of Paris’ most iconic restaurants, La Maison Rose.
- Moulin Rouge, the 19th-century cabaret, is an iconic Parisian sight. Stroll along Boulevard de Clichy to see the famous rotating windmills, but go inside to admire the Belle Epoque decor and experience a classic evening out in Paris.
- The hilltop Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre is one of Paris’ most impressive churches. Known for its white domes and gorgeous stained glass windows, the basilica offers one of the best panoramic views of the city of lights from its observation deck.
- The 18th arrondissement is one of the best Parisian districts for performance arts. Boasting many theaters, comedy clubs, and cabarets, it’s the place to be if you want to explore the local arts scene.
Best Places to Stay In Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)
Stay in Montmartre for easy access to famous landmarks in a different area of Paris, far from the crowds of the 1st and 7th arrondissements. Here you’ll find boutique hotels, affordable stays, and charming cobblestone streets dotted with sculptures of famous artists.
Manolita Paris
Manolita Paris is a five-star hotel just down the road from Moulin Rogue. Featuring large rooms with opulent decorations, the hotel is perfect for travelers who want to experience the vibe and serenity of Montmartre, but prefer to be at the foot of the hill.
All the guest rooms offer a private bathroom, desk, and seating area. Everyone staying here also has access to a coffee machine and free WiFi. The rooms have a flat-screen TV that supports streaming services, so you can relax in bed with Netflix after a long day of walking around Paris.
Manolita Paris is a boutique hotel with a very fancy bar, but unfortunately no restaurant on the premises. And like other boutique hotels, it lacks a gym and a spa center but makes up for it with unique rooms and excellent service.
Odalys City Paris Montmartre
Odalyis City Paris Montmartre offers private apartments. It’s one of the best options for travelers who want more privacy than a classic hotel offers, or for those who just appreciate having access to a kitchen. Every apartment has a private bathroom, kitchenette, desk, and a dedicated seating/dining area.
The nightly rate is usually around $200 (sometimes as low as $150), which is a great deal for Paris. The studio is somewhat small, but it’s very nicely decorated. The apartments remind me of rooms in boutique hotels, thanks to the colorful furniture and modern accents.
Also, this is a hotel with a reception and shared facilities, so it’s not like you’re staying in someone else’s home. There’s a spa center with a hot tub, and a coffee house on-site, plus you can add breakfast to your stay if you want.
Plug inn Montmartre by Hiphophostels
There are several hostels in the 18th arrondissement, but the Plug Inn Montmartre has the best location. It’s at the foot of the hill, within walking distance of the metro and also all the staple Montmartre sights.
The hostel offers beds in dormitories as well as private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The nightly rate starts at around $40 for solo travelers, which is one of the best deals you can get in Paris. Especially because a continental breakfast is also included in that rate.
All the guests get access to free WiFi, but there’s not much else to speak of in terms of hostel amenities. Plug Inn does have a resident cat that greets the guests, and personally, that’s a huge bonus.
Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissements): Best For Architecture and Nightlife
Le Marais is the former aristocratic district of Paris, known for exquisite architecture and a buzzing nightlife. Whether you want to explore historic buildings or attend some of the best parties in Paris, this fabulous area is ideal for your stay.
It encompasses the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, stretching from Canal Saint Martin in the west to Les Halles in the east. Le Marais is home to some of Paris’ best art galleries, cafes, and trendy shops, making it an all-around excellent neighborhood even for first-timers in the city of love.
Book a hotel in Le Marais to experience Paris’ cultural diversity and historic charm. No matter where exactly you stay, you’ll never be too far from the closest metro or tram station, so you can easily travel to any other part of the city you want.
Pros and Cons of Staying in the Le Marais
Pros
- Centrally located
- Metro access to other parts of the city
- The oldest part of Paris
- Excellent for nightlife
- Great museums and art galleries
Cons
- Fewer budget hotel options
- Bars and cafes can be very crowded
- A noisy area
Highlights of Staying in Le Marais
The best thing about staying in Le Marais is that there will be a ton of interesting sights just a few minutes from your hotel. Whether you’re interested in high-tech museums or really old buildings, this historic district won’t disappoint.
- The fantastic architecture is one of the best things about Le Marais. It is virtually the only part of Paris that managed to escape the demolitions led by Haussmann in the 19th century. Most of the buildings in Le Marais date back to the 17th century, and Maison de Nicolas Flamel is assumed to be the oldest building in the entire city.
- Le Marais extends to Place de la Bastille in the east, and the historic square is doubtless one of the area’s highlights. Come see where the famous prison once stood, and admire the massive column that stands tall commemorating the French Revolution.
- Place des Vosges is small and nowhere near as grandiose as some of Paris’ other green spaces. But it is the oldest planned square in the city, lined with 17th-century red brick houses that were erected by Henri IV.
- Pablo Picasso is one of the artists I admire the most, so of course I have to mention that Musée National Picasso-Paris is in Le Marais. It’s set in a gorgeous 17th-century building that is alone a work of art and houses Picasso’s own art collection. An archive of his works is also available at the museum, and it includes both sculptures and paintings.
Best Places To Stay In Le Marais
Le Marais is a small and walkable district of Paris, so the location of the hotel doesn’t matter as much. Boasting beautiful architecture, lively bars and cafes, and hotels in every price range, it’s one of the best places to stay in Paris.
Le Pavillon de la Reine & Sp
Le Pavillon de la Reine & Spa is a top hotel for guests who enjoy being pampered during their trips. The luxury hotel offers large rooms with lavish decorations and private bathrooms. Every guest room has a desk, seating area, and a flat-screen TV, plus everyone staying at the hotel has access to free WiFi.
Possibly the best thing about this five-star hotel is that all the guests are welcome to use the spa and fitness facilities, which include a hot tub, hammam, and state-of-the-art gym. The hotel also offers a restaurant and a bar on the premises.
Le Pavillon de la Reine is situated within walking distance of Place de la Bastille and Canal Saint Martin. A metro station is also available just a short distance from the hotel, which offers direct access to the 7th arrondissement.
Hôtel Duo
Hôtel Duo is 10 minutes from Notre Dame and 15 minutes from the Louvre, so the location is fantastic for discovering Paris on foot. Featuring medium-sized rooms with colorful decorations, this four-star hotel is a top option for a mid-range stay in Paris’ Le Marais.
Every hotel room offers a private bathroom, TV, desk, and a tea/coffee maker, while only select rooms have a seating area. Also, this hotel has single rooms, making it one of the better options for solo travelers.
The hotel facilities include a fitness center, sauna, bar, and a coffee house. There’s no restaurant on-site, but the hotel does offer optional breakfast and room service. Additionally, the building has a lift, which can come in handy if you’re traveling to Paris with quite a bit of luggage.
Mije Marais
A hostel is the most affordable option in this central Parisian neighborhood, so consider Mije Marais if you’re on a tight budget but still want to be situated in the center of all action. The rates for the hostel start at around $60 for a dormitory bed with breakfast.
The hostel actually has three buildings in Le Marais. They’re all close to one another and offer similar facilities, so it’s not too important which building you stay in exactly. The location is excellent in any case; all three buildings are close to the Seine and just a few minutes from the metro station.
Mije Marais also offers a bar, restaurant, and lounge. There’s a terrace in the courtyard, which is ideal for summer night hangouts. All guests have access to a shared bathroom with showers, and the toilets are situated close to the dormitories. The bathroom facilities and the dorms are all clean and well-maintained.