will be going in the fall and thought, who better to ask info than worldwide hornfans. browsing trip advisor, peiple say to stay in district 5,6, or 7. what is your recomendations on hotels to stay in. would like to stay close to the metro if possible. also anybody know what "double glazing" means. anyway, thanks for the info. this is probably going to be the first of many questions about paris. also going to london, going to be a big trip. 1st time across the big water.
"Double glazed" just means double paned windows. Helps keep out the city noise and the insulation is better too (rooms stay cooler in summer, warmer in winter). Any of the arrondissements that you've mentioned will be lovely (5th, 6th, or 7th). The 7th is beautiful, but is more like an upscale residential neighborhood. You'll still find some shops and restaurants, but they won't be as easily accessible as in the 6th (you may have to walk a few blocks in the morning to find a cup of coffee or a market). I would personally aim for the 6th as your base - especially being your first time in Paris. It's just a little more central - easier to walk in either direction and see plenty. Not sure what your budget is for hotels - that will ultimately lead you to your deciding factor. We've stayed a few times at a lovely small hotel called the Hotel Delavigne in the 6th. It's only a few blocks from Boulevard St Germaine and a Metro stop...near the Odeon Theatre and the Luxemborg Gardens. For Paris standards, the rooms were a nice size, clean & quaint...and affordable. The staff was gracious and kind - and greeted us by name everytime we passed through the lobby. There are MANY small beautiful hotels in the area. Trust your internet research... tripadvisor.. hotels.com... etc. Good luck on your first trip. Paris is beautiful. Don't pack your day with just site after site...give yourself time to wander the streets and explore. Sit on a cafe patio and enjoy the people watching. There is so much to see and do in Paris that is not in the guidebooks and too many tourists limit themselves to just seeing the main tourist attractions. Give yourself time to really enjoy the city.
