Paris - Spiran Sky

Congratulations, you’ve just booked your airfare for your trip to Paris! The City of Lights will be a favourite of yours.

But where should a first-time visitor to France stay in Paris? There are many choices available! There are a few important things to know before we discuss the top hotels and arrondissements in Paris for first-time visitors.

The System Of Arrondissement

If you’re not very familiar with the Parisian arrondissement system, an arrondissement is basically a neighborhood or area in the city. In the city, there are 20 of them.

The first arrondissement begins in the centre of the city, while the remaining arrondissements spiral outward around it, with the 12th through 20th arrondissements forming its outer edge.

Every arrondissement has a distinctive look and atmosphere. Some of the arrondissements, including Saint-Germain, Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, or Le Marais, even have their own names.

There are significant benefits to settling in various areas, even though All 20 arrondissements are not horrible choices.

Due to the fact that you are nearer to various metro lines or attractions, the neighborhood is a little more affordable, or it is in the most convenient place.

Also Read: Traditional Swedish Clothing: The National & Regional Folk Costumes Of Sweden

Why I Suggest The Locations That I Suggest:

Whenever you go to Paris for the first time (or even afterward!), I would generally advise against travelling with the outlying arrondissements and instead keeping in the inner circle.

Although there is nothing fundamentally wrong with staying in these Parisian neighborhoods, I simply believe that it is worthwhile to stay closer to the majority of attractions and areas of interest.

Also, I appreciate being situated on a practical metro line that will quickly transport me to various locations throughout Paris and being close to at least a few attractions to see in the city.

Staying further away from everything puts you out of convenient walking distance, and taking the metro takes a lot longer. While choosing a place to stay, it’s important to think about your travel plans and the sights you want to see while in Paris. (For instance.

Staying in Montmartre makes a lot of sense if you plan to spend a lot of time in the community, etc.).

The Best Neighborhoods In Paris For First-Time Visitors

Let’s move on to some hotel suggestions and arrondissements!

These are all my top favourites from my six trips to Paris, which included staying in many of these arrondissements and exploring them all.

Here is a helpful map of the several Paris arrondissements that we’ll examine below to get things started, along with the locations of my suggested hotels:

1. The First District

Place Vendome, the Palais Royale, the Jardin de Tuileries, and the Louvre are all located in Paris’ first arrondissement.

You simply can’t get any more central than this arrondissement, which is close to a number of Paris’ most popular sites. It’s a truly lovely location with some of Paris’ most exquisite hotels and structures.

In terms of accessibility to the metro, this is also one of the best locations to be. Straight through from the Arc de Triomphe is Metro line 1.

This arrondissement and beyond (basically following the course of the river) hit several of the city’s top tourist destinations and offer a number of incredibly simple and practical transfer points to other parts of the city.

Of course, being in a prominent and convenient position has a price; hotels tend to be a little In this arrondissement, prices are higher and there is a lot of tourism in this neighborhood.

The Best Hotels In Paris’s First Arrondissement Are:

Hotel Du Lion D’Or At The Louvre ($)

Plenty of charm, including stone and exposed beams
A few blocks from the Tuileries and Louvre
In close proximity to a useful metro stop
Near to the excitement yet hidden on a side street
Read the full 8.2/10 review here.

Le Relais Des Halles Hotel

Gorgeous, uniquely furnished rooms with great attention to detail
Near one of the city’s busiest metro stations and the RER that travels to the airport, but situated on a pedestrian side street.
The proximity of several sites to walk
Rating: 9.2/10; see all reviews here.

($$$) Hotel Du Louvre

Just across from the Louvre and close to Rue de Rivoli, this property is situated in one of Paris’s most handy and premium neighborhoods.
Delivers in terms of setting, breathtaking views, service, and comfort
The spacious, light-filled apartments and opulent bathrooms are a dream.
Rating: 8.7/10; see all reviews here.

2. Le Marais (The 3rd+4th Arrondissement)

The 4th arrondissement, the Isle de la Cité, the Isle Saint Louis, and a portion of the 3rd arrondissement are all included in the Le Marais neighborhood of Paris.

L’ Hôtel de Ville (city hall), le Centre Pompidou, Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle, le Marché aux Fleurs, Place de la Bastille, et Place des Vosges sont des sites in the Marais.

The Marais is well-known for being the homosexual neighbourhood in Paris as well as a young, fashionable, and stylish part of the city with modern art galleries, up-and-coming shops, cobblestoned streets, and a bohemian atmosphere. The Marais is home to a sizable number of thrift shops.

The 4th arrondissement is an ideal access point to numerous major attractions since, like the 1st arrondissement, metro line 1 runs through its centre.

The 3rd and 4th arrondissements in Paris are the finest places to stay if you want to be in a very LGBTQ+-friendly region or if you want to be very central and trendy without being directly in the midst of the most popular tourist destinations.

Where To Stay In The 4th Arrondissement Of Paris

Check out these hotels in the Marais if you think this sounds like the place for you:

Hotel Paris Bastille Rogalski Residences ($)

The hotel rooms are quite luxurious and cosy.
It is convenient to get around Paris because it is near numerous metro lines and right beside Bastille.
The Marché d’Aligre, one of my favourite markets in Paris, and the Place des Vosges are both easily accessible on foot.
Both the Place des Vosges and the Marché d’Aligre, two of my favourite marketplaces in Paris, are reachable on foot.

($) Hôtel Saint-Louis En L’Ile

The smaller of Paris’s two islands, Isle Saint-Louis, is where this hotel is located.
This island is located right in the middle of Paris, making it a very modest and attractive neighbourhood.
The motel is only a few steps from the river, and the wooden beams give it character.
Rating: 9.3/10; see all reviews here.

Hotel Paris Bastille Goralska Residences ($)

This hotel provides large suites, a fitness facility, and a small kitchen and living space.
The modern, spotless rooms feature stunning views of the River.
There is a Bastille metro station nearby, where you may travel throughout Paris with ease.
Rating: 9.5/10; see all reviews here.

3. The Latin Quarter (Aka The 5th Arrondissement)

The Latin Quarter, also known as the 5th arrondissement, is one of Paris’s most popular and well-known neighbourhoods. The oldest neighborhood in Paris even includes some remains from the Roman era!

The area’s dense concentration of universities and research facilities gave rise to the term Latin Quarter. (Before then, Latin was a common language used by university students.)

The Pantheon, the Jardin des Plantes, the Sorbonne University, the University of Paris, and the illustrious Boulevard Saint Michel and Boulevard Saint Germain are all located in this region.

The finest arrondissement in Paris to stay in if you want to explore the curvy, old streets and be close to the hip left bank neighborhood is this one.

Best Hotels To Stay In The 5th Arrondissement:

Hôtel Du Collège De France ($)

Located just off Boulevard Saint-Germain, a major thoroughfare in the Latin Quarter, is this beautiful hotel.
The River, Notre Dame, or the Jardin du Luxembourg are all within a 10-minute walk.
The ideal location for seeing the Latin Quarter
Rated nine out of ten; see all reviews here

Henri IV Hotel Rive Gauche ($)

This boutique hotel is located in the 5th arrondissement, close to the main boulevards in the Latin Quarter and the river.
Several of the rooms have views of the chapel or the Eiffel Tower’s summit.
The staff is really helpful, and the rooms are tidy, modern, and equipped with a minibar.
Rating: 8.5/10; see all reviews here.

The Henri IV Residence

This hotel is situated in a historic structure with a tonne of ancient characteristics and artistic room layouts, just around the corner from the Pantheon.
I especially adore the ceiling decorations, the frame moulding on the walls, and the four poster beds!
Rating: 8.9/10; see all reviews here.

4. Saint Germain (The 6th Arrondissement)

It is particularly well known for being a hub for intellectuals in the 6th arrondissement, often known as Saint Germain.

It is the location of the renowned Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots cafes, where thinkers, authors, and painters including Simone de Beauvoir, Picasso, Hemingway, and Ernest Hemingway congregated and exchanged ideas.

Together with the Jardin de Luxembourg, the 6th arrondissement is home to a plethora of churches, including Saint-Germain-des-Pres and Saint-Sulpice. This is one of the most well-known arrondissements in Paris and a fantastic left bank neighbourhood.

Best Places To Stay In The 6th Arrondissement Of Paris:

Inn At Clément

This hotel offers breakfast in-room service and features spotless, cosy rooms with distinctive wallpaper and furnishings.
The Jardin de Luxembourg or the River are both a 10-minute walk away.
Overall, a fantastic hotel deal in Paris
Rating: 8.9/10; see all reviews here.

Saint Paul Hotel Rive Gauche ($)

This motel has modern, spotless rooms with mini-fridges and a welcoming staff.
The RER B stop is very close to the hotel (which takes you directly to the CDG airport).
The Jardin de Luxembourg is only around the street from you!
Rating: 8.7/10; see all reviews here.

($) Hotel Vinci Duo & Spa

The hotel’s furnishings and artwork all pay homage to Leonardo da Vinci.
It is just a short distance from one of the Seine’s most picturesque stretches, across from the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens, and near to the Musee d’Orsay.
This hotel is exceptional in Paris because it contains a spa on the premises.
Rated 8.8 out of 10; reviews can be found here.

(Expensive) Hotel Odeon Saint-Germain

The thick fabrics, stone walls, exposed beams, marble bathrooms, minibars, and tastefully appointed rooms in this hotel give the rooms a very opulent atmosphere.
Appreciate being close to Notre Dame, the Boulevard Saint-Germain with its cafes and restaurants, the metro station, and the Jardin de Luxembourg.
Rating: 7.9/10; see all reviews here.

5. The 7th Arrondissement (Plus A Tiny Part Of The 16th)

The Eiffel Tower, a diminutive structure, is located in Paris’s 7th arrondissement and is a well-kept secret. Now, enough with the jokes. This neighborhood is a lovely one in Paris, but it can also be a tourist hotspot.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t remain here. It’s a pretty lovely region, and you’re close to a lot of other fantastic places.

The Musée d’Orsay, the Hôtel des Invalides, the Pont Alexandre III, the Musée Rodin, and the Champs de Mars are further noteworthy locations nearby.

The 16th arrondissement is located on the opposite bank of the Seine, which flows right next to the Eiffel Tower. Although it offers many of the same benefits as the 7th, the portion of the 16th that is closest to the Eiffel Tower is also a good place to stay.

If you want to be close to the most renowned monument in the world, this is the greatest neighbourhood to stay in when visiting Paris (you can walk over to see the lights at night if you’re just next door!)

Best Hotels To Stay In The 7th Arrondissement Of Paris:

($) Elysées Union

The Trocadero platform and the Arc de Triomphe are both within a 10- to 15-minute walk of this hotel, which is located directly between them.
The views of the Eiffel Tower that you enjoy from some of the rooms of the Elysees Union, however, are its best feature.
They do provide a 2-bedroom apartment room option if you are travelling with family, and the inside courtyard is a lovely extra bonus.
Rating: 8.2/10; see all reviews here

The Hotel De La Bourbonnais

This hotel is situated on a nice and picturesque street at a short distance from the Champs de Mars and Eiffel Tower.
The design of the apartments is warm and inviting, and some of them have windows with views of the Eiffel Tower!
This hotel has a cocktail bar on the premises.
Rating: 8.7/10; see all reviews here.

($$$) Hotel Le Walt

You are a short distance away from the Champ de Mars, the green space that surrounds the Eiffel Tower, if you are on Avenue de la Motte-Picquet.
This is the ideal accommodation for you if you want easy access to the Iron Lady.
Also, some of the apartments have views of the Eiffel Tower, and the decor is exquisite.
Rated nine out of ten; see all reviews here

6. The 8th Arrondissement

In all honesty, this is one of my top choices for lodging or sightseeing in Paris. Beautiful, affluent neighbourhoods with exquisite Haussmann Ian buildings and attractive parks are the 8th and 17th.

The 8ème arrondissement inclut the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysées, the Place de la Concorde, and Parc Monceau.

The Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées, and Saint Lazare train stations are all located in the 8th arrondissement and offer quick access to various locations in Paris and beyond through Metro line 1.

If you want to stay in areas of Paris with stunning architecture and a lot of locations that are a little bit more residential, this is a terrific arrondissement to stay in (once you get off of the Champs Elysees line).

Best Hotels To Stay In The 8th Arrondissement:

Hôtel L’Ouest ($)

This hotel definitely outperforms in terms of location!
It is located just outside the Saint Lazare station. This station serves a number of metro lines as well as a train route.
Montmartre, the Opera Garnier, the Champs Elysees, Parc Monceau, and the Arc de Triomphe can all be reached on foot in just 10–20 minutes.
The rooms are tastefully decorated, up to date, spotless, and have hardwood floors.
Rating: 8.1/10; see all reviews here.

Hotel Elysées Ceramic ($)

The Arc de Triomphe may be seen from some of the hotel’s windows as it is situated just to the north of it.
The rooms contain a minibar and are attractively furnished.
For breakfast, there is a charming little garden patio.
The building’s street-facing front is designed in a stylish art nouveau manner.
Rating: 8.3/10; see all reviews here.

(Expensive) Hôtel Lancaster Paris Champs-Elysées

The hotel features numerous fireplaces, hardwood flooring, and ceiling medallions, as well as other traditional French architectural features.
It is situated within a short distance from the posh Champs Elysees, a popular street for shopping and people-watching that is also a wonderfully accessible place to travel around.
Rating: 8.8/10; see all reviews here.

7. Montmartre (The 18th Arrondissement)

This arrondissement comprises the well-known neighborhood of Montmartre, which is home to the Sacre Coeur, the Moulin Rouge, the Wall of I Love You, and other attractions (e.g. Place du Tertres, the stairs of Montmartre, etc).

Since the area has a distinct vibe and a rich history as a bohemian community, Montmartre has a sizable fan base. At Montmartre, there are lots of interesting places to see as well as adorable and delectable cafes and restaurants.

The boulevard is effectively one big sex shop, so even while it’s not a very dangerous neighbourhood, if that’s not your thing, just head north or south right away.

If you want a small-town atmosphere in a large city and want to stay in a neighbourhood with dozens of adorable cafés and restaurants, Montmartre is the nicest arrondissement in Paris.

Best Hotels In The 18th Arrondissement:

($) Hôtel du Beaumont

I adore this hotel’s exposed stone walls, as well as the decor and furniture found throughout the entire establishment; it looks much more costly than it is.
The Moulin Rouge is almost right around the corner from the hotel, and it is only a minute’s walk (if that!) to a metro station.
Rating: 8.8/10; see all reviews here.

($) Hotel Monsieur Aristide

The Aristide is a more recent boutique hotel, and the furnishings throughout the establishment really reflect their attention to detail.
The terrace in the garden is stunning.
It’s a terrific area to hang out because the streets close to the hotel are lined with cafes, bakeries, and chocolate shops.
Rating: 9.2/10; see all reviews here.

($$$) Terrass Hotel

The views of Paris from the guest rooms and rooftop patio of the Terrass Hotel are simply breathtaking, making the most of its location on the Montmartre hill. Even some accommodations have views of the Eiffel Tower!
The hotel lobby is decorated in a chic, contemporary style, and the location is excellent — it’s right off Rue Lepic, one of my favourite Montmartre streets, and it’s about a 10-minute walk to Sacré Coeur.
Rating: 8.8/10; see all reviews here.

A Breakdown Of Hotels By Category

I created this list to assist you sort all the suggested hotels in accordance with your priorities and to help me categorise them in another way. A few remarks on the list:

Although not all of the hotels mentioned above are included on our list, I still believe that every hotel suggestion is excellent. Simply put, not all of them easily fit into one of the categories listed here.

The finest lodgings for runners are those that are close to a park or a river. Now, you can actually jog on any Parisian street; you’ll see people doing so frequently.

But I bet you’ll enjoy it as much as Parisians do running in the parks! The motels with extra beds in the rooms are the finest for families.

Most Cost-Effective Lodging:

L’Ouest Hotel
Hotel du Beaumont

Most Beautiful Hotels:

Hôtel Lancaster Paris Champs-Elysées
Hôtel du Louvre
Hotel Monsieur Aristide

Hotels Right Along The Seine:

Goralska Résidences Hôtel Paris Bastille,
Hotel da Vinci Due & Spa,
Hotel Saint-Louis en L’Isle

Hotel On The Island:

Hotel Saint-Louis en L’Isle

Hotels With An Eiffel Tower View:

Elysées Union
Hôtel de la Bourdonnais
Hôtel Le Walt
Terrass Hotel

Ideal lodging For Families:

Hôtel Monsieur Aristide
Hotel Lancaster
Elysees Ceramic
Elysees Union
Hotel Clement
Hôtel Vinci Due & Spa
Hôtel Le Relais des Halles
Hôtel du Lion d’Or Louvre

Ideal lodging For Runners:

Hotel Le Walt
Hotel Da Vinc
Hotel Saint Paul Rive Gauche
Hôtel Odéon Saint Germain
Hotel le Clement
Hôtel Saint-Louis en l’Isle
Goralska Résidences Hôtel Paris Bastille
Hotel du Louvre
Hotel Lion d’Or Louvre

Best Accommodations Near The Gay Quarter:

Hotel Bastille Speria,
Rogalski Residences
Hôtel Paris Bastille

Hotels Offering On-Site Fitness Facilities:

Rogalski Residences Hôtel Paris Bastille

Inns With A Spa On-Site:

Hôtel Vinci Due & Spa
Hotel Residence Henri IV

Hotels Closest To The:

Louvre: Hotel du Louvre, Hotel Lion d’Or
Arc de Triumphed: Elysees Ceramic
Champs Ely sees: Hotel Lancaster
Sacré Coeur: Hotel Monsieur Aristide
Eiffel Tower: Hôtel La Bourbonnais, Hotel Le Walt

Additional Considerations When Choose Where To Stay In Paris

When To Reserve A Hotel In Paris

Since Paris is a well-liked travel location, I urge you to reserve your lodging as soon as you can.

Hotels do tend to fill up far in advance, especially if you are travelling in the months of April through October or December.

Make your reservations early to ensure that you obtain the Paris accommodations of your choice!

A Few Important Pointers Regarding Parisian Hotels

Usually speaking, French hotel rooms are substantially smaller (let’s just call them cosier) than American hotel rooms.

They are old buildings, so there is clearly less floor space and the rooms are a little bit smaller. Just something to be mindful of!

Anticipate elevators to be relatively small as well; also, not all locations have elevators. The little elevators in France are my absolute favourite because they are so unique.

In the same vein, very few hotels provide a complimentary breakfast. Almost all hotels include breakfast, but there is an extra charge.

We hardly ever pay for the hotel breakfast; instead, we choose to start the day with some pastries from the neighbourhood bakery.

River Seine

Paris is roughly divided in half by the Seine, which runs through the city. Depending on which side of the river you are on, certain parts of Paris may occasionally be referred to as the right bank or the left bank of Paris. Right bank is north of the river, while the left bank is south of the river.

Paris Metro System

No matter where you stay in Paris, a metro stop is only a few minutes away and you can use it to move around the city thanks to its incredibly well-designed metro system.

A carnet of 10 metro tickets costs 18.60 euros, compared to a single ticket’s 1.90 euro price. We typically use 3-5 metro tickets per person every day, so purchasing a carnet is worthwhile if you want to stay longer than a day.

Keep Travel Insurance In Mind

You never know when anything can happen, and your regular insurance usually won’t cover you abroad, so obtaining travel insurance is a crucial aspect of preparing for any international trip.

It’s simply better to be cautious than sorry because the costs for a medical emergency while on vacation can build up very quickly. (Covid has taught me that there are always potential outcomes.)

I prefer to get insurance via Insure My Trip since they provide a selection of policies with various coverage options, allowing you to pick the best fit.

Also, if you need any assistance before, during, or after your trip, they provide excellent customer service.

Last Words On The Greatest Parisian Arrondissements For Staying

That concludes my list of the top Parisian neighborhoods to stay in. If it’s your first time visiting Paris, you’re in for a wonderful treat, and staying in one of these suggested hotels in one of these suggested arrondissements will only make it better. Happy travels!