Where to stay in Paris? The guide to choosing based on your trip
Where to stay in Paris? The guide to choosing based on your trip
Paris has twenty arrondissements, hundreds of hotels and almost as many opinions on “the best area to stay”. When you wonder where to stay in Paris, the truth is that there is no single right answer. The ideal area for a couple on a weekend break is not the one that will suit a family with two children, or an exhibitor who needs to be on their stand at 8am at Porte de Versailles.
Rather than giving you a ranking, our guide helps you choose based on your stay: what you are coming for, who with, and where you arrive. You will also see when the 15th arrondissement, where our hotel is located, is a good choice, and when another area will suit you better.
Before choosing an area: a few rules that change everything
Even before comparing arrondissements, a few simple habits will spare you most unpleasant surprises.
First, in Paris, the metro line matters more than the distance. A hotel three kilometres from the Louvre but on a direct line will often be more convenient than a closer address that forces you to change twice every time you go out. When you look at a hotel, also check which lines stop at the door, and where they go.
Next, peace and quiet are worth a lot. The most touristy areas stay lively late into the night, and old buildings are not always well insulated. If you are coming to work, with children or simply to rest, a residential area well connected to the centre will often give you better nights.
Also think about where you arrive. High-speed trains from Rennes or Bordeaux arrive at Montparnasse, the Eurostar at Gare du Nord, and international flights at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle or Orly. Staying near your arrival station makes your first and last days much easier, especially with luggage.
Finally, check the room size. Parisian hotels are often housed in 19th- or early 20th-century buildings, and rooms are more compact than elsewhere. A double room of 12 to 14 m² is common; anything larger is already comfortable.
Where to stay in Paris on a budget?
Let’s be honest: Paris is not a cheap city, and the historic centre is the most expensive area. To stay in Paris without breaking the bank, the most effective approach is to move a little away from the very centre, without moving away from the metro.
The outer arrondissements, such as the 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th or 15th, often offer lower rates for the same quality, while remaining a few stops from the major sights. Be wary, however, of very cheap hotels far out in the suburbs: the time and cost of transport can quickly cancel out the savings. Always weigh the price of the night against the daily journey it involves.
Timing matters a lot too. Prices rise during major trade fairs, school holidays and the festive season. If your dates are flexible, avoid these periods and book early. And remember to book directly on the hotel’s website: many independent hotels offer a better rate there than on booking platforms.
At the Nouvel Hôtel Eiffel, booking direct gives you a 15% discount and free cancellation. On top of that, there are offers for stays of three nights or more, bookings made more than 21 days in advance and last-minute bookings.
First time in Paris: where to stay to see it all?
On a first visit, you want to spend your time in museums, gardens and streets, not on the metro. Naturally, many travellers turn to the very centre: the Louvre area, Châtelet, the Marais. You can do almost everything on foot, and the atmosphere is unrivalled. On the other hand, it is expensive, often noisy, and rooms are small for the price.
The historic Left Bank, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, offers the classic image of Paris with its cafés and bookshops, and the Luxembourg Gardens nearby. It is a very pleasant choice, with prices that are also high.
There is a third, often underestimated option: well-connected residential areas, such as the 7th, 9th or 15th arrondissement. You experience a more everyday Paris, with its bakeries and markets, while staying a few stops from the major sights. The 15th has a particular advantage for a first visit: the Eiffel Tower and the Champ-de-Mars are close by, and metro line 12 crosses Paris to Montparnasse, Concorde, Madeleine, Saint-Lazare and on to Montmartre, without a single change. One line to see a large part of the city is invaluable when you don’t know the network yet.
Our tip: for a three- or four-day stay, a quiet hotel on a line that crosses Paris is often better than a central address that is more expensive and more hectic.
Do you really need to stay at the foot of the Eiffel Tower?
It is many travellers’ first instinct, and not necessarily the right one. The 7th, right at the foot of the Tower, is elegant, but it empties out in the evening, everyday shops are rare and prices are high. Its immediate surroundings are also among the busiest in Paris, with their share of queues and street sellers.
You visit the Eiffel Tower once, in a few hours. What you really want is to see it sparkle one evening, then go back to a pleasant neighbourhood. The neighbouring 15th offers that balance: the banks of the Seine and the Bir-Hakeim bridge are within walking distance or a few metro stops, and the rest of the time you live in a real neighbourhood, with its bakeries, bistros and late-opening convenience stores.
A word of advice: on hotel websites, “near the Eiffel Tower” can mean five minutes or half an hour on foot. Always check on a map. From our hotel, for example, allow about thirty minutes’ walk, or a short metro ride.
Where to stay in Paris with your family?
With a family, the priorities change. You want a room where everyone fits without tripping over each other, a quiet area so the children sleep well, parks to take a break between visits, and a convenience store nearby for snacks.
Residential arrondissements are made for this. In the east, the 12th has the Coulée Verte promenade and the Bois de Vincennes. On the Left Bank, the 5th, 14th and 15th are very popular with families. The 15th, in particular, is one of the most family-friendly arrondissements in Paris. It is home to the Parc André-Citroën and its tethered balloon, which offers views over the whole city, the Parc Georges-Brassens with its merry-go-rounds and its antique book market at weekends, and lively shopping streets such as Rue du Commerce. The Eiffel Tower remains within reach for the outing every child is waiting for, but in the evening you come back to a quiet neighbourhood, away from the bustle around it.
When booking, check whether the hotel offers family or connecting rooms: they are often more comfortable than a single large room, and everyone keeps a little privacy. Breakfast served on site is also a real plus in the morning, as is a luggage room for departure day and a metro station very close by, to spare little legs.
As a couple: where to stay for a romantic getaway in Paris?
For a getaway for two, the atmosphere of the neighbourhood matters as much as the room. If romance is your priority, the Île Saint-Louis is hard to beat: you stroll along the quays, a little away from the crowds, with Notre-Dame just steps away. Saint-Germain-des-Prés has the charm of its cafés and bookshops, with the Luxembourg Gardens for a morning walk. The Marais charms with its hidden courtyards and small addresses, Montmartre with its sloping streets and views over the city. These areas are in high demand: for a weekend, it is best to book early.
The 15th can also suit a getaway for two, if you like alternating the major sights with quiet evenings. The banks of the Seine and the Bir-Hakeim bridge, where you can watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle after dark, are within strolling distance. Then you dine in a neighbourhood bistro before heading back to a peaceful street.
Wherever you stay, choose a room with a proper double bed and a little space, in a human-sized hotel where the staff recognise you from one day to the next.
Business trip: where to stay in Paris for work?
For a business trip, the rule is simple: stay close to your meetings. If they take place at La Défense, stay at La Défense or along metro line 1 and the RER A. If you work in the central business district, around Étoile or Saint-Lazare, the 8th and 17th make sense. And if your meetings are in Montparnasse, in the 15th or in south-west Paris, towards Issy-les-Moulineaux or Boulogne, the 15th arrondissement is particularly well placed.
Beyond location, it is the details that make a good business stay: a reception open day and night for late arrivals, fast Wi-Fi that doesn’t drop in the middle of a video call, a proper desk in the room, a luggage room for the last day and, if you come often, negotiated rates for your company. Don’t hesitate to ask these questions before booking.
Arriving at Gare Montparnasse: where to stay nearby?
Gare Montparnasse welcomes high-speed trains from Brittany, the Loire Valley and south-west France. If you arrive late in the evening or leave early in the morning, staying in the 14th or 15th arrondissement saves you from crossing Paris with your luggage at rush hour.
The immediate surroundings of the station are very busy, with major roads and shopping centres. Just a few stops away, however, the residential streets of the 15th are much more peaceful. From Volontaires station, for example, line 12 reaches Montparnasse-Bienvenüe in three stops: you are at the station in a few minutes, without giving up the calm.
Trade fair at Porte de Versailles: where to stay to be close by?
The Paris Expo Porte de Versailles exhibition centre is the largest trade fair venue within Paris. Every year it hosts very popular events, such as the International Agricultural Show, the Foire de Paris, VivaTech and, in even-numbered years, the Paris Motor Show.
During these periods, the hotels right opposite fill up very quickly and their rates soar. Two tips if you are an exhibitor or visitor: book as early as possible, and look a little further along line 12, which serves Porte de Versailles station directly. A hotel two or three stops away will often save you money, and give you a quieter neighbourhood to recover in the evening, without really lengthening your journey.
One trap to avoid: some major trade fairs are not held at Porte de Versailles but at the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition centre, near Charles de Gaulle airport. Check the exact venue carefully before booking. For Villepinte, it is better to stay in the north of Paris or near the airport.
Supporting a loved one at Necker hospital: where to stay?
Necker-Enfants Malades hospital, in the 15th arrondissement, treats patients from all over France, often accompanied by their parents or loved ones for several days, sometimes several weeks. At times like these, accommodation is no longer a question of tourism. What you need above all is a simple, nearby and quiet place to rest between visits.
A few criteria matter in particular: a short journey to the hospital, a reception you can reach at any time if you come back late or leave very early, a luggage room for admission and discharge days, and rates suited to stays of several nights. Also ask the hospital’s social services, who can direct families towards dedicated accommodation.
From the Nouvel Hôtel Eiffel, Necker hospital is about a 20-minute walk away, or a short ride on metro line 12. Our team, on hand day and night, is there to make things easier where possible: a late arrival, luggage to keep, a useful address in the neighbourhood. And if your stay is a long one, our offer for three nights or more can lighten the bill a little. For any questions before booking, you can contact us directly.
The questions you don’t dare ask before booking
These are the questions we all ask ourselves when looking at a hotel’s photos, without always daring to ask at reception. Here are our answers, without beating about the bush.
How much does a hotel night in Paris really cost?
As a guide, a well-located three-star hotel often costs between €120 and €200 a night, depending on the season and the area. Expect to pay significantly more in the very centre, during major trade fairs or over the festive season.
On top of this comes the tourist tax, paid in addition to the room, per adult and per night. For a three-star hotel, it is around €5 to €6 per person. For a couple staying four nights, that already comes to more than €40. It is not a hidden hotel surcharge: it is a mandatory tax paid to the local authority, but it is best to factor it into your budget.
Why are the rooms so small?
Because most Parisian hotels are housed in old buildings, and every square metre is expensive. A double room of 12 to 14 m² is perfectly normal in Paris. Always check the stated size rather than the name of the category, and if you are travelling with large suitcases, ask whether there is space to store them.
How do you avoid a noisy room?
Simply ask. A room facing the courtyard, on an upper floor, away from the lift, often makes all the difference. It is not a difficult-guest request: receptionists hear it every day. The easiest way is to mention it in the comments field when booking.
Will there be air conditioning and a lift?
Not always, and it is one of the most common unpleasant surprises. In old buildings, some hotels have no air conditioning, and lifts are sometimes tiny, just big enough for two people and a suitcase. If you are coming in midsummer, with a pushchair or with someone with reduced mobility, check these two points before booking.
Hotel or Airbnb-style rental?
An apartment can be worthwhile for a long family stay, with a kitchen. But think about what is not in the listing: cleaning fees, key handover at a fixed time, no one to talk to at midnight if something goes wrong, and nowhere to leave your bags on the last day. The City of Paris also strictly regulates short-term rentals: check that the listing shows a registration number.
Can you drop off your luggage before check-in time?
In most hotels, yes, even if the room is not ready yet. It is very handy when you arrive on a morning train or leave in the evening: you drop off your things and enjoy your day hands-free. Ask beforehand, especially in small hotels.
Is it safe to come back alone late at night?
Paris is a generally safe city, and thousands of travellers return alone every evening without any problem. A few habits help: choose a hotel close to a metro station, on a residential street, with a reception open all night, so you know someone is there. Also bear in mind that the metro stops at around 1am on weekdays, a little later on Fridays and Saturdays.
Should you come by car?
No, if you can avoid it. Traffic is heavy, parking is rare and expensive, and some areas restrict access for older vehicles. In Paris, the metro and walking are more than enough. If you have no choice, find a car park near your hotel and book it in advance.
Photos and reviews: how not to be fooled?
Check when the hotel was last renovated, and read recent reviews rather than the overall score. Negative reviews are often the most informative: they tell you what annoys guests, and you can judge whether it would really bother you. Also check whether the hotel replies to reviews, and how.
Is booking direct really cheaper?
Often, yes. Booking platforms take a commission on every night, and many independent hotels prefer to pass the savings on to their direct guests. Booking direct also makes special requests easier, such as a quiet room, a baby cot or a late arrival. Still, compare: it is your right.
The 15th arrondissement: who is it the right choice for?
The 15th is the most populated of the Parisian arrondissements, and one of the most residential. Let’s be honest: it is not the place for late-night bars, nor one where you come across a historic monument on every street corner. It is an everyday Paris, with its markets, bakeries, neighbourhood bistros and large parks, with the Eiffel Tower and the Seine nearby.
It is a sensible choice if you are coming for a trade fair at Porte de Versailles or meetings in Montparnasse, if you arrive at Gare Montparnasse, if you are travelling with your family, or if you want to be near the Eiffel Tower without paying 7th-arrondissement prices. It is also a good choice quite simply if you like coming back to a quiet neighbourhood in the evening.
On the other hand, if your plan is to go out late and do everything on foot between drinks, the Marais, the Latin Quarter or Canal Saint-Martin will suit you better. It is best to know that before booking.
The Nouvel Hôtel Eiffel, our address in the 15th
The Nouvel Hôtel Eiffel is an independent, family-run three-star hotel at 5 rue des Volontaires, on a quiet street in the 15th arrondissement, right above Volontaires metro station (line 12). It was originally a 1930s workers’ hotel. It was completely redesigned in 2017 by interior architect Laurent Maugoust, then refreshed in 2025. Each of its 36 rooms has its own small signature: on the ceiling, a stretched canvas depicting a Paris sky, different in every room, which you can discover in our photo gallery.
If you are travelling for work, the Business Room has been designed for you, with a workspace and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Reception is open 24 hours a day, a luggage room is available and we offer corporate rates. The Paris Expo Porte de Versailles exhibition centre and Gare Montparnasse are each three stops away, on the same line.
For couples, the Classic and Deluxe rooms, with their double bed, offer a soothing setting after a day of exploring. For friends or colleagues, the Club Room has two single beds. And for families, the Connecting Rooms sleep up to four people in 24 m², with two double beds.
In practical terms, the rooms are equipped with reversible air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a safe. The luggage room is free and accessible at any time, before and after your stay. A baby cot can be provided on request, and our partner taxis make airport transfers easy. From Orly, metro line 14 takes you to Madeleine, from where line 12 takes you directly to Volontaires. The hotel is also committed to an environmental approach, with the aim of obtaining the Green Key (Clef Verte) label.
And to be completely transparent: we are neither a palace nor an address at the heart of the nightlife. Our rooms have Parisian dimensions, and the Business Room, at 9 m², is designed for one person travelling light. The Eiffel Tower is about half an hour’s walk away, not at the end of the street. We also do not yet have a room adapted for guests with reduced mobility. On the other hand, you stay on a quiet street in a lively neighbourhood, welcomed by a loyal team who know the area inside out and are on hand day and night.
Every morning, a buffet breakfast is served on site, and our multilingual team is there to help you plan your days. By booking directly on our website, you enjoy a 15% discount, free cancellation and our offers for long stays, early bookings and last-minute bookings.
Book direct for the best rate and a personal welcome.
Your questions about where to stay in Paris
What is the best area to stay in Paris?
It all depends on your stay. To be at the heart of the monuments, the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Louvre area are the most central, but also the most expensive and the busiest. For a quieter stay and better value for money, well-connected residential areas such as the 7th, 9th or 15th, near the Eiffel Tower, are excellent choices.
Where is the best place to stay in Paris?
The best place is the one that saves you unnecessary journeys: near your arrival station, your workplace or your trade fair, and on a direct metro line to what you want to visit. For families or business travellers, a quiet residential area like the 15th often offers more comfort than an address in the middle of the tourist centre.
Where to stay for 2 days in Paris?
On a short stay, every minute counts. Choose a central hotel, or one on a direct metro line to the major sights. The 15th is also a good choice for 2 days if you arrive at Gare Montparnasse or if the Eiffel Tower is on your list: you don’t waste time crossing Paris with your luggage.
Where to stay in Paris on a budget?
In the outer arrondissements well served by the metro, such as the 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th or 15th, rather than in the very centre. Book early, avoid major trade fairs and school holidays, and book directly on the hotel’s website for the best rate.
Where to stay in Paris with a family?
In a quiet area with parks and shops, such as the 15th, 14th or 12th arrondissement, ideally in a hotel that offers family or connecting rooms.
Where to stay for a trade fair at Porte de Versailles?
The 15th arrondissement is the most convenient. Hotels along line 12 let you reach the exhibition centre in a few minutes, often at a better rate than those right opposite.
Where to stay near Necker hospital?
In the 15th arrondissement, near the hospital or along metro line 12. Choose a hotel with a 24-hour reception and rates suited to stays of several nights, and ask the hospital’s social services about accommodation dedicated to families.
Is the 15th arrondissement a good area to stay in Paris?
Yes, especially for families, business travellers and trade fair visitors. It is a residential, quiet and well-connected arrondissement, close to the Eiffel Tower. It is less suited if you are looking for lively nightlife within walking distance.
Which areas of Paris should you avoid?
Paris is a generally safe city, but some areas call for more vigilance, especially in the evening: around Gare du Nord and Barbès, around Stalingrad and Porte de la Chapelle, or Châtelet-Les Halles late at night. In very touristy places, such as the metro, Trocadéro or around the Eiffel Tower, the main risk is pickpocketing: keep an eye on your belongings. If peace and quiet is your priority, choose a residential area such as the 7th, 15th or 16th.
When should you book your hotel in Paris?
As early as possible during major trade fairs, school holidays, spring and the festive season. Booking several weeks ahead also lets you take advantage of early booking offers.
Any other questions about the hotel? Read our FAQ or contact our team directly.
