Where to stay in Paris first time – Best arrondissement to stay in Paris
Heading to Paris for an unforgettable trip? Paris is all about the experience and a wish for perfection. Make your stay in Paris unforgettable by choosing the right arrondissement/district for your stay followed by that PERFECT Hotel! This list of best places to stay in Paris is handpicked by guests, who have actually stayed in these hotels. Get tips and first-hand recommendations in this post – Where to stay in Paris first time? Best arrondissement to stay in Paris France.
Where to stay in Paris first time? Guide to best arrondissement to stay in Paris
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A complete Paris arrondissement information is included in this article. However, we like to highlight the top recommendations on the best arrondissement to stay in Paris based on experience.
- Marais (4th arr.) and Montmartre (18th arr.) – Both are vintage Parisian neighborhoods, with good metro access and sightseeing spots. You can find accommodation here for higher-end to mid-range hotels. Both two arrondissements are trending for popular hotels in recent years for tourists, including first-time visitors to Paris. Check out hotels in Marais here. Browse hotels in Montmartre here.
- 1st and 8th arrondissement – Heart of the city. Great locations, with quick access to all tourist spots (can be accessible by walking). Metro stations close by. Hotels are luxurious, vintage, and very welcoming, making Parisian vacations memorable. Browse hotels near the 8th arrondissement.
- 15th arrondissement – Trendy neighborhood, quite modern looking buildings – in the 15th arrondissement, especially around Issy Les Moulineaux, you will find quite a few mid to budget hotels that are clean and good. Metro stations are accessible, however, the commute can be long (to get to some of the prime tourist places). Check out this mid range hotel in Paris, where we stayed.
The Paris hotels recommended below are either located in central areas or are situated very close to Paris metro. To make the most of your stay and explore all the city’s iconic landmarks, ensure you grab a Paris Pass. Paris Pass is valid for 2- 6 days and you can access over 60 attractions for free. Top attractions include the Lourve, Seine river cruise, Tours of Notre Dame cathedral, Arc de Triomphe and SO much more. Check out the full list and prices here.
Where to stay in Paris hotels first time? Best Hotels and best places to stay in Paris
| Paris Hotels | Why Book this Hotel? | Book Here | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofitel Baltimore Tour Effiel | Luxurious stay 5 Star Hotel Close to metro +Sightseeing | Book here | 16th Arrondissement |
| San Regis Hotel | Boutique Hotel One of the finest Great Eiffel Tower Views | Book here | 'Golden Triangle' in Paris's (8th Arrondissement) |
| Hotel De Seze | For luxury 4 star hotel Great service Close to metro +sightseeing spots | Book here | Rue de Sèze (8th + 9th Arrondissement) |
| Hotel Adele Jules | For shoppers 4 star hotel Near Opera + Metro | Book here | 2 Cité Rougemont (9th Arrondissement) |
| OFF Paris Seine Hotel | For couples Unique experience Floating hotel Less touristy | Book here | 13th Arrondissement |
| Hyatt Paris Vendome | For luxury 4 star hotel Close to the Lourve | Book here | 5 Rue de la Paix (2nd Arrondissement) |
| Hôtel Jeanne d'Arc | For comfort lovers Mid range Near metro station + Notre Dame | Book here | Le Marais (4th Arrondissement) |
| Hotel iBIS Montmarte | For Budget Travelers Free Breakfast Near metro + Sightseeing | Book here | Montmartre (18th Arrondissement) |
| Hotel Unic Renoir Saint-Germain | For Families Free Breakfast for kids Near metro station/s | Book here | Montparnasse (14th Arrondissement) |
| Hotel Eiffel Capitol | For comfort lovers Free Breakfast Great location | Book here | 15th arrondissement |
We recommend using Booking.com to find accommodation. It is our favorite hotel website for quickly comparing the prices of multiple hotel booking sites at once.
Detailed hotel reviews – Where to stay in Paris first time?
Hotel Sofitel Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel – 16th arrondissement
By Carolyn – Holidays to Europe
Sofitel Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel is a 5-star hotel located in the 16th arrondissement. It is housed in a gorgeous typically-Parisian building and is perfectly located between the Arc de Triomphe and the Trocadero on Avenue Kleber. It is within easy walking distance of the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower but with the convenience of having Metro stations close by.
Unless you book the suite, you won’t have a view of the Eiffel Tower from your room but just 100 steps from the main entrance you can take plenty of Eiffel Tower photos. Rooms at the Baltimore aren’t large but they are well-appointed and the service is second to none. I stayed in a Classic double room (15 square metres) which featured a flat-screen TV, iPhone dock, free WiFi, minibar, and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel also has a small fitness but, if you’re like me and walk everywhere in Paris, you won’t need to visit it!
Breakfast at the Sofitel Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel is a real treat. The huge buffet offers a wide selection of hot and cold foods so you start your day right with a healthy and delicious breakfast. The hotel has a restaurant that’s open for lunch and dinner but the concierge can recommend other restaurants in the area if you prefer to dine elsewhere.
I loved the Sofitel Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel for its friendly and helpful staff and fantastic location. It’s a 5-star hotel but it felt very welcoming.
This part of Paris is home to leafy streets and beautiful architecture and plenty of bistros and brasseries so if you fancy some people watching after your day of sightseeing, the 16th arrondissement has plenty to offer. Nearest Metro: Kleber and Boisierre
Book your stay at the Hotel Baltimore Sofitel here
San Régis Hotel – 8th arrondissement
By Zori – This Life of Travel
San Régis is a boutique hotel part of The Small Luxury Hotels Of The World collection. This delightful gem, once frequented by Gene Kelly and Lauren Bacall, is located in a quiet area of the renowned Triangle d’Or. The Arc De Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Seine River, and the high-end boutiques of the Champs-Elysées are all within easy walking distance.
The star of the property is without a doubt the top floor units. Their unforgettable and unique view of the Eiffel Tower makes San Régis a perfect destination for romantic getaways, proposals, and anniversaries. Every year, the San Régis is referenced among the finest hotels in the world (Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler Gold List, Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report)
Book your stay at the San Regis Hotel here
Hotel de Seze – 8th – 9th arrondissement
By Melissa – Suitcase and Heels
If there’s one city where you should splurge and pamper yourself, it’s Paris. The City of Lights just brought out the most glam version of my choice of hotel played right along. Hotel de Seze is a 4-star boutique hotel bordering the 8th and 9th arrondissements that manage to mix nature and glamour to stunning results.
During my stay, staff discovered my love of shoes and had even taken the time to put together a customized list of the best shoe stores in the neighborhood that I might want to check out. If that doesn’t fit for a movie star, I don’t know what is
Each room is decorated to have a high visual impact from the silk wall coverings and large graphic headboards, yet be a calm retreat. The plush carpet in my room was a welcomed change from the utilitarian flooring in most hotels. It made me feel positively pampered to pad around the room in my robe and bare feet in the morning, sipping my Nespresso coffee by the dormer window overlooking the streets of Paris.
My absolute favorite part of the room though was the jet tub with a flat-screen TV embedded into the wall on one end. Soaking in a jet tub is pure indulgence for me since I can’t do it at home.
If you want a quiet, glam retreat, close to the Paris Metro stations and other attractions, then treat yourself to a room at Hotel de Seze.
Book your stay at the Hotel de Seze here
Hôtel Adèle et Julesl – 9th arrondissement
By Katy – UnTold Morsels
In the heart of the 9th Arrondissement, Hôtel Adèle et Jules is a boutique hotel with tons of charm. The hotel is housed in matching Haussmann era buildings down a quiet cobbled street in true Parisian style. From the friendly welcome at reception to the cozy lounge, guests are made to feel comfortable and relaxed at this quietly chic hotel.
Rooms are decorated in a contemporary style and have luxury touches such as standalone baths and designer toiletries. Many of the suites have Juliet balconies and views over the rooftops of Paris.
Breakfast is served in the lounge or in your room and there is complimentary afternoon tea from 4 to 6 pm. If hunger strikes throughout the day or night the hotel’s honesty bar has a variety of snacks and drinks to choose from. The hotel is close to restaurants and cafes and the friendly staff are only happy to help you make a reservation.
Hôtel Adèle et Jules is close to the bustling Grands Boulevards and passages shopping arcades so it is a perfect place to stay if you are visiting Paris to do a little shopping.
Hotel OFF Seine Paris – 13th arrondissement
By Elisa – World in Paris
Off Paris Seine is a relatively new hotel in Paris, which opened only a couple of years ago. This converted catamaran moored in the left bank of the River Seine is the only floating hotel in the city which makes Hotel Off Paris Seine a very unique hotel! Hotel Off Seine is located in one of the less touristy arrondissements of Paris, in Paris 13th.
This has the advantage of seeing fewer crowds while having the chance to explore lesser areas of the city with a more local atmosphere. Apart from the River Seine, visitors can explore the best street art of the city and the quintessential Parisian neighborhood of Butte aux Cailles, all located not far from the hotel.
The OFF Paris Seine is split into two main buildings with common spaces in between. Among the private facilities, there is a lounge bar with a panoramic view of the River Seine, an interior path, a plunge pool, and a marina. Being floating on the Seine and surrounded only by the pedestrian river banks, guests can be sure the hotel is a quiet and relaxing place to rest after their explorations in Paris.
Hotel Off Paris Seine is perfect for couples, perhaps on a romantic getaway in Paris. The hotel proposes its guests spacious and bright rooms, and 4 suites, each one uniquely decorated with beautiful colors.
Hotel Off Paris Seine is only a few meters from Austerlitz train station and the Parisian metro, lines 5 and 10.
Book your stay at the Hotel OFF Seine here
Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme – 2nd arrondissement
https://www.instagram.com/p/BskbKj4BXsJ/
By Leah – An Adventure is Calling
The Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme is located in Paris’ 2nd arrondissement (at 5 Rue de la Paix), just a short walk away from the Place Vendôme square (where you cannot miss the iconic statue of Napoléon I). This hotel is located in a historic palace and is known for being one of the most luxurious hotels in Paris.
Its location is within convenient walking distance to both the Palais Garnier Opera House and the Louvre. The hotel staff makes catching a taxi a breeze, but the hotel is also within walking distance to numerous metro stations.
My husband and I stayed at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme for our babymoon, and we were very impressed with the hospitality of the hotel staff members. They walked us to our room and ensured that we were comfortable, and then left us a gift of local juices and chocolates (along with a handwritten note of congratulations) to celebrate the upcoming birth of our baby. These little touches won us over, and we knew we had selected the perfect location for our relaxing trip to Paris.
The rooms are gorgeously decorated and incredibly comfortable, making it the perfect location for a relaxing stay in the city of lights (the spa-like bathrooms are particularly amazing). They offer multiple dining options, and we enjoyed breakfast at the Sens on multiple days before heading out to explore for the day (their room service was also delicious).
I highly recommend the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme for travelers who would like to experience a bit of luxury in Paris, delicious breakfast options, and a beautiful, convenient location.
Book your stay at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme here
Hôtel Jeanne d’Arc – 4th arrondissement
By Manouk – Groetjes uit Verweggistan
Hôtel Jeanne d’Arc lies close to metro stop Saint-Paul, in the popular Marais neighborhood. It is only a 15-minute walk to Notre-Dame, the famous cathedral. It is one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever been to.
The outside is cute and nice. It is a perfect place for a nice Instagram photo without disturbing any of the locals in the more famous streets. But the inside is even better. Our room was not the biggest, but very cozy. And I am still dreaming of the bed: it really felt like we were sleeping on a very soft cloud.
Even though it was not the biggest room I have ever been in and we did not really have a view (but we were also not looking at a wall!), I loved the room. It was cozy, clean, and everything we needed. A lot of the sights are close or easy to reach by metro.
And Marais is a wonderful neighborhood. It is trendy, which means it has a lot of nice restaurants to choose from. It also feels safe at night. And you can take a look at the Notre-Dame light up at night or have an evening stroll along the Seine without traveling a long time back to your hotel.
It is possible to have breakfast in the hotel for 8 euros a day, but if you want you can also have breakfast outside. Close to the hotel, you can find a Paul bakery, where you can buy your own breakfast to enjoy in the sun on one of Paris’ beautiful squares.
Book your stay at the Jeanne d’Arc here
Hotel Ibis Style B & B – 18th arrondissement
By Sinjana – Back Pack & Explore
For budget-conscious travelers, I would certainly recommend the IBIS Style B&B hotel in the beautiful neighborhood of Montmartre. The hotel is located 200 meters away from the metro station, 300 meters from the iconic Moulin Rouge, and 1.2 km away from the beautiful Sacre Coeur. If you are looking for a luxurious stay with spacious rooms, a spa, and a swimming pool, then this is not your option. You will not get those things here.
What you will get is an excellent and safe neighborhood where you can venture out anytime at night. If you really want to experience Paris at night Montmartre is a great place to stay. There are numerous clubs and restaurants in the vicinity. Not to mention the oldest cabaret Moulin Rouge is right out there. Well, there are sex shops and strip clubs around too, so you must be prepared for that if you are conservative.
In the morning, or basically at any time of the day you can hike uphill to the Sacre Coeur, perched atop the Montmartre hill. You would enjoy the walk in the cobbled streets which inspired artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, Alfred, and so many others. You will find these streets now lined with artists selling sketches and watercolors. Montmartre is an amazing place for street shopping. I bought some amazing scarves from here for my family at just 5 Euros each.
In a city as expensive as Paris, we booked the hotel at a great value (less than 120 USD per night) including a complimentary buffet breakfast. The rooms are small, minimalist but very tastefully decorated. The breakfast area is small but lovely. The breakfast spread itself is really good.
Book your stay at Hôtel iBis B & B Montmarte here
Hotel Unic Renoir Saint Germain – 14th arrondissement
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMG7mBIB0aP/
By Jessy –Planet Pilgrims
Last year I went on a 3 day Paris itinerary with my 5-year-old daughter. When I was planning the trip, I thought Airbnb would make the most sense for us. However, when I browsed I could only find places with 6 floors and no elevators and check-in times after 6 pm or sometimes even 7 pm. This was not going to work for me.
So then I headed over to check out hotels. I had heard Montparnasse was a nice area so I booked a reasonably priced 3-star hotel, pretty much just hoping for the best and not expecting much.
It was perfect for us! First of all, it was situated near 3 metro stations so it was super easy and fast to get around. The location was perfect, in walking distance of Jardin Du Luxembourg which quickly became our favorite spot.
Rue Montparnasse, where Hotel Unic Renoir Saint-Germain, is located really is a local hang-out for the locals. We loved having about 6 Crêperies right on our doorstep which is where we had dinner at night.
Another great advantage of the hotel is the free breakfast for kids. Paris is not a cheap destination so this was very much appreciated, especially also because breakfast was very good and a LOT and not just the Café au Lait. We had pastries, eggs, juice, yogurt, and sausages.
The receptionist was very friendly. French people are often known to not be so friendly so he was a good exception and didn’t mind my daughter babbling away. He called her ‘ma cherie’ and asked about her day and she could practice her French language skills.
So I can really recommend this hotel for its location and good value for money. Oh, and of course all was very clean AND there was air conditioning in the rooms too!
Hotel Eiffel Capitol – 15th arrondissement
By Katie – Creative Travel Guide
The name gives it away. Hotel Eiffel Capitol is a modern and sleek hotel, located just 10 minutes walk away from the Eiffel Tower and a few steps away from the Dupleix Metro Station. The location of this hotel is perfect – there is the iconic Eiffel Tower, plus there are a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars near the hotel property as well.
Rooms at the Hotel Eiffel Capitol offer great value. They are clean, well decorated, and spacious whilst still competitively priced with other hotels in the area. There aren’t too many rooms either (around 42 rooms), meaning you still get that boutique feel and the customer service is excellent.
It is a 3 star Paris hotel, and it also offers free breakfast.
Book your stay at the Hotel Eiffel Capitol here
AirBnB in Le Marais
By Tanmaya – Her Travel Edit
A trip to Paris is a dream for almost everyone. And with this comes a quest for perfection, and failure might result in the tumbling down of the entire Parisian dream itself. One way to reduce the pressure is to start off with the perfect accommodation while in Paris.
If your budget doesn’t qualify you for one of the excellent (but expensive!) Parisian hotels, I recommend this gorgeous little Airbnb on Rue des Rosiers in the heart of Le Marais. This is the perfect base to launch your Le Marais and Paris explorations!
This apartment has the best of both worlds – located in a historic neighborhood, in an old building with wooden beams and a marble fireplace, but with thoughtful modern design and amenities that make for a very comfortable stay – it marries Paris’ old-world charm and fashionable style perfectly. Just like Le Marais itself, it’s a mix of old and new.
Rue des Rosiers is a busy little street, and a little overrun with tourists these days. However, entering the courtyard of this apartment feels like entering a different world. The noise dies down, and a sort of peace envelops you. The romance only amplifies once you take the tiny little elevator to the top floor, push open the windows of your beautiful apartment, and breathe in the fresh Parisian air!
On a more practical note, the bed is comfortable, there is A/C and even a Nespresso machine with plenty of original pods. The host, Michael, has a book with local’s recommendations of restaurants and cafes in the area (we tried a couple and they were excellent!) You could even leave your bags there for a few hours before your check-in / after you check out, which is not typical of most Airbnbs!
Guide to Best arrondissement to stay in Paris with Map – Best places to stay in Paris
General Information on Paris arrondissement – Best arrondissement to stay in Paris
There are 20 arrondissements in Paris. Arrondissements are districts or boroughs. Here is a quick overview of Paris arrondissements.
- 1st & 2nd arrondissement – Both 1st arrondissement and 2nd arrondissement are the heart of the city of Paris. Central location. Home to iconic landmarks like Lourve Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees. Offers great views of the city, is touristy but beautiful.
- 3rd & 4th arrondissement – Very close to the iconic landmarks as listed above. Also popular as the Jewish neighborhood. The neighborhood of Marais is located in the 4th arrondissement. Browse Hotels in the Marais – 4th arrondissement
- 5th arrondissement – Also known as the Latin Quarter – hip neighborhood. Great views to the river Seine, cheap (+ variety) restaurants. Browse hotels in the 5th arrondissement
- 6th arrondissement – The Saint-Germain-des-Près is the neighborhood located by the oldest church in Paris. Saint Germain des Près is perfect for families with kids. It is a homey neighborhood, with lots of restaurants in and around the area. Browse hotels in the 6th arrondissement
- 7th arrondissement – Quaint residential and shopping area/neighborhood. Great to experience everyday Paris. Also home for families. A great option for first-time visitors to Paris as the neighborhood has tons of museums, restaurants, and other landmarks close by. Browse hotels in the 7th arrondissement
- 8th arrondissement – Very close to all the iconic landmarks as seen in 1st arrondissement, also called the “Golden Triangle”. Browse hotels in the 8th arrondissement
- 9th arrondissement – 9th arrondissement is known as the Opera and is known for its theaters, including the 1875 Palais Garnier opera house. This borough has huge departmental stores. Browse hotels in the 9th arrondissement
- 10th arrondissement – Hip and vibrant neighborhood full of trendy bars and restaurants. The central train station ‘Gare du Nord’ is located in the 10th arrondissement. Browse hotels in the 10th arrondissement
- 11th arrondissement – Home to the Opera Bastille is the upscale 11th arrondissement, also called the Popincourt. Great restaurants and food options. Also, perfect if you wish to experience the local life in Paris. Browse hotels in the 11th arrondissement
- 12th arrondissement – 12th arrondissement is an everyday Parisian neighborhood. You may leave this out on your first trip to Paris and if you wish to focus on the iconic landmarks. Browse hotels in the 12th arrondissement
- 13th arrondissement – Multi-cultural neighborhood of Paris. Chinatown is housed in the 13th arrondissement. Browse hotels in the 13th arrondissement
- 14th arrondissement – 14th arrondissement includes the neighborhood of Montparnasse. This borough has department stores and good cafes. The underground tunnels of Catacombes de Paris are located here. Browse hotels in the 14th arrondissement
- 15th arrondissement – Trendy residential area. Browse hotels in the 15th arrondissement
- 16th arrondissement – Home to embassies and government buildings. Browse hotels in the 16th arrondissement
- 17th arrondissement – It is the starting point of the Champs Elysées. Very hip and trendy neighborhood. Browse hotels in the 17th arrondissement
- 18th arrondissement – My favorite Parisian neighborhood – Montmartre. It is home to the Sacré-Cœur basilica, and Moulin Rouge, and trendy cafes. Also known as the romantic neighborhood in Paris. Browse hotels in Montmartre
- 19th arrondissement – Home to museums, theme parks, and waterfalls. Browse hotels in the 19th arrondissement
- 20th arrondissement – Last of the Parisian arrondissement. It is also known as the Ménilmontant. This arrondissement houses the Père Lachaise Cemetery – the burial place of Oscar Wilde. Browse hotels in the 20th arrondissement
| Paris Hotels | Why Book this Hotel? | Book Here | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofitel Baltimore Tour Effiel | Luxurious stay 5 Star Hotel Close to metro +Sightseeing | Book here | 16th Arrondissement |
| San Regis Hotel | Boutique Hotel One of the finest Great Eiffel Tower Views | Book here | 'Golden Triangle' in Paris's (8th Arrondissement) |
| Hotel De Seze | For luxury 4 star hotel Great service Close to metro +sightseeing spots | Book here | Rue de Sèze (8th + 9th Arrondissement) |
| Hotel Adele Jules | For shoppers 4 star hotel Near Opera + Metro | Book here | 2 Cité Rougemont (9th Arrondissement) |
| OFF Paris Seine Hotel | For couples Unique experience Floating hotel Less touristy | Book here | 13th Arrondissement |
| Hyatt Paris Vendome | For luxury 4 star hotel Close to the Lourve | Book here | 5 Rue de la Paix (2nd Arrondissement) |
| Hôtel Jeanne d'Arc | For comfort lovers Mid range Near metro station + Notre Dame | Book here | Le Marais (4th Arrondissement) |
| Hotel iBIS Montmarte | For Budget Travelers Free Breakfast Near metro + Sightseeing | Book here | Montmartre (18th Arrondissement) |
| Hotel Unic Renoir Saint-Germain | For Families Free Breakfast for kids Near metro station/s | Book here | Montparnasse (14th Arrondissement) |
| Hotel Eiffel Capitol | For comfort lovers Free Breakfast Great location | Book here | 15th arrondissement |
Additional Resources and posts
- Paris itinerary – Read our 4-day itinerary guide to Paris
- Paris photo spots – Read our photography guide to Paris
- Find an intimate way of exploring Paris through private guided tours
- Europe Planning Guide – Guide to planning a trip to Europe
- Tips on European Visa – Schengen Guide
Pin – Where to stay in Paris first time? Best arrondissement to stay in Paris
Wow! I live in Paris but that Air Bnb makes me want to move apartments immediately. These are all such great places. I think you might like the newer Hoxton Hotel in the 2eme as well. Such a great post!
Very informative article. Thanks for sharing.