Paris is divided into Arrondissements (districts), each with their own distinctive characteristics that may help you choose your Paris hotel.
The older, smaller hotels tend to be concentrated in the most picturesque areas. In Montmartre and Marais, north of the city centre, the hotels are particularly charming. Marais, one of the city's oldest districts, contains numerous little private hotels. This is also Paris' gay quarter.
In the centre of Paris, some of the most luxurious hotels are close to the famous Champs Elysees, Eiffel Tower and the elegant Avenue Montaigne. Should you have the means to stay in one of these grandiose palaces, you may well find yourself rubbing shoulders with celebrities. The Rue St-Honore, one of Paris' most regal thoroughfares, is close by. This area is also popular with business travellers.
Also close to the city centre, on the left bank of the river Seine, the intellectual Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Près entice visitors with the names of art and literary greats who have stayed there in years gone by.
In the city centre, only a few establishments are affordable, but most of them can be found near Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est. These hotels attract a young and international crowd. The trendy Bastille area in east Paris also offers some reasonable options.
Finally, there are numerous hotel chains available in La Defense Business District, in north west Paris. These hotels fill up quickly ahead of trade shows, so make sure you book your room well in advance.
Read more in our Paris Guide.