Voilà: Reasonable Hotels in Paris

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When thinking of Paris, “inexpensive vacation” is not usually the first thing that comes to mind; after all Paris is one of the most glamorous cities in the world. Glamour and inexpensive don’t normally go hand and hand. Well, I’m here to tell you that you can come to Paris and it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune! Paris is probably one of the best cities in the world to find an inexpensive hotel; it’s full of them. If you’re willing to give up some of the comforts you’re used to (like elevators, a minibar and big fluffy towels—and in some cases your own private bath) you can easily find an inexpensive hotel in Paris. How inexpensive you ask? Well, I decided to limit my search to hotels that cost fewer than 70 € for either a single or a double and here are the best that I found: THE LEFT BANK THE LATIN QUARTER The Latin Quarter, so named because Latin was once the language of the intellectuals who congregated here during the middle ages, is a great place to stay. Although the fast food chains have moved in along Boulevard Saint Michel and throngs of tourists fill the quartier, it has managed to hold onto its charm. The small, winding streets lined with cobblestone by the Seine evoke for many the image of Paris. This, combined with the fact that it’s a short walk to many of the top tourist attractions, make it the perfect place to stay. Hôtel des 3 Colleges: This hotel is sparkling clean and très modern. Minimalist décor give it a sleek look. It’s located on a quiet street just off of Boulevard St. Michel near the Sorbonne and the Pantheon. The least expensive rooms might be tiny, but they have all of the necessities: desk and chair, double-glazed windows, direct-dial phones, TV, hairdryer, and fully equipped bathrooms. Prices for a single room start at 69 €, doubles start at 89 €. (16 rue Cujas, 5th. Métro: St-Michel, Odeon. RER: Luxembourg, Cluny. Telephone: 01-43-54-67-30. Fax: 01-46-34-02-99. E-mail: [email protected]). Familia Hôtel: This hotel is in just about every guidebook and for good reason. It’s in a great location and has clean, well-appointed rooms for an affordable price. The rooms may be small, but have nice touches such antique furnishings and pretty quilts. The owners live on site and make a special effort to make guests feel welcome. All rooms are equipped with either a shower or bath, WC, cable TV, hair dryer, minibar, and a direct-dial telephone. The prices are a bit more than the others listed but you can still find a single for 68 €, while a double will cost you 79 €. (11 rue des Ecoles, 5th. Métro: Jussieu, Cardinal-Lemoine, Maubert-Mutualité).Website. Hôtel de Bresil: If you’re looking for an inexpensive, clean place to stay in a great location then this 30-room hotel located steps from Boulevard St. Michel might be for you. The rooms were recently re-done and have simple but adequate furnishings. All of the rooms are equipped with either a shower or bath, WC, cable TV, hairdryer, and a direct-dial telephone. The prices can’t be beat: Single with shower: 62 €; double with shower: 66 €; double with bath: 76 €; Twin beds with bath: 81 €. (10, rue Le Goff, 5th, Métro: St-Michel, Odeon. RER: Luxembourg, Cluny. Telephone: 01-43-54-76-11. Fax: 01-46-33-45-78. E-mail: [email protected]). Hôtel Esmeralda: Located just around the corner from Shakespeare and Company along a tiny tree-lined street by the Seine, this hotel is legendary for it’s inexpensive rooms and its astounding views of Notre Dame. The least expensive of 19 rooms is an unbelievable 30 € a night (just a sink mind you—no shower or toilet)! However, be warned, this hotel is not for everyone and while some consider its shabby chic décor romantic, others will deem it simply shabby and not so chic (myself included). The rooms come in all shapes and sizes with quaint country décor and squeaky floorboards. Prices: Singles run from 30-70 €, doubles from 75-80 €, triple and quads from 90 €. Of course there are no TV’s and don’t even think about air-conditioning here. (4, rue St-Julien-le-Pauvre, 5th. Telephone: 01-43-54-19-20. Fax: 01-40-51-00-68). SAINT GERMAIN In my eyes, Saint Germain is one of the best places to stay in Paris. Long ago the city’s intellectuals gathered in its cafés; Sartre, Camus, and Simon de Beauvoir all held court at Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore. Later, it was the center of the Paris jazz boom during the 1930’s. Today, it is still one of the most happening areas of Paris. Shops, cafés, and restaurants abound. Walk the charming streets that lurk beyond Saint Germain, like rue de Seine and rue Jacob, and I dare you not to fall in love with Paris. Hôtel Saint Pierre: Just a short block from the center of Saint Germain sits the Hotel Saint Pierre. This hotel, which is situated on a quiet street over looking the L’école de médecine, has small, well-maintained rooms for a low price. Bathrooms are tiny, but modern with all the fixtures. All of the rooms have telephones, cable TV, a shower and a sink. Most have a WC as well, but for the least expensive you’ll have to share one of the sparkling clean toilets, which can be found on each of the seven floors. There’s even an elevator, which is unusual for a hotel of this price. Singles: 60 €. Doubles: 70 €. (4 rue de l’Ecole de Médecine, 6th. Metro: Odeon. Telephone: 01-46-34-78-80. Fax: 01-40-51-05-17). Delhy’s Hôtel: This hotel is a budget seekers dream. The location is superb, the rooms are immaculate, nicely furnished, and you can’t find much lower prices in Paris. Of course, for the lowest priced rooms you’ll have to use…
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