The Ultimate in Luxury
Lobby of the Georges V
The Four Seasons George V (Cinq) is as quintessentially Parisian as a croissant at a sidewalk cafe. The ultimate in luxury and design flair, this bastion of Parisian elegance offers much more than the standard room and clean towels. Refined luxury and quiet grace is something this Parisian landmark does quite well. Rooms average around $1,061 (€730) per night during the low season and $1,400 (€970) during the high season. Located in the 8th arrondissement, the hotel is just a few steps away from the Champs-Elysee, the Arc de Triomphe and enough opera salons to make your soul sing.
31, avenue George V
75008 Paris, France
Tel: 33 (0) 1 49 52 70 00
Fax: 33 (0) 1 49 52 70 10
fourseasons.com/paris/
The Center of Paris
Place Vendome
Arrondissement 1 is the very heart of Paris. With the Louvre, Place Vendôme and the Tuileries Gardens where Catherine de Medici created a world famous English garden, it is easy to immerse yourself in sightseeing, shopping and drinking in the local color (and the local wine). When it's time to sleep, the Hotel Britannique is a lovely mid-range hotel that will enchant you with its charming English decor. Soft colors and ambiance grace this hotel, which has been open since 1861. The average price of a room is around USD$300 (€210) per night.
Hotel Britannique
20 avenue Victoria
75001 Paris France
Tel:+ 33.1.42.33.74.59
Fax: + 33.1.42.33.82.65
hotel-britannique.fr/
Paris on a Budget
Catacombs
If you've ever wanted to starve in a garret while writing terrible existential poetry and drinking copious amounts of cheap (but tasty) red wine while debating philosophy, then Montparnasse is the place for you. Early in the 20th century, Montparnasse became the intellectual and artistic capital of Paris, but it certainly offers more than just penniless sculptors. Descend under the streets of Paris and view the catacombs, an ossuary where an estimated 6 million former Frenchmen are stacked, giving mute testimony to the brutality of the French Revolution. Then soar high above Paris and take in the 360-degree view of Paris in the Tour (Tower) Montparnasse, the highest skyscraper in Europe. And when you've had enough sightseeing above and below, the Hotel Istria is the place to go. Well maintained and reasonably priced, this budget hotel is walking distance from the Moulin Rouge and the famous Latin Quarter. Room rates start around USD$125 (€85).
Hotel Istria Saint Germain
29 rue Campagne Première
75014 Paris, France
Tel: (+33) 01 43 20 91 82
Fax: (+33) 01 43 22 48 45
www.hotel-istria-paris.com/
