Property:

Hotel de la Porte Doree is a charming, historic property in Paris’ family-friendly 12th arrondissement.  Run by a California native and her French husband, this hotel offers all the comforts of home in a warm yet chic environment.  Hotel de la Porte Doree understands it’s the little things that matter the most when you travel with your family.  The entire staff goes out of their way to make every guest, no matter what age, feel welcome.

Location:

You won’t find a lot of big name hotels in the 12th.  That’s because it remains a gorgeous, living neighborhood in the heart of Paris.  There are plenty of fantastic restaurants and cafes in the area – plus, you’re in walking distance of great attractions like the Paris Zoo (unfortunately closed for renovations until 2012), the Chateau des Vincennes, the Aquarium and the Bois des Vincennes and Parc Floral parks.  You won’t feel too far outside the city center either.  A Metro ride of 10 minutes can take you out to the Eiffel Tower of the Louvre – and the station is mere steps away from the hotel’s front door.

Sleeps:

A family room can sleep four.  But even if you are traveling with a larger brood, the property’s incredible prices mean you can book a couple of rooms for your stay without it hitting the pocketbook too hard.  It’s a total win.

Highlights:

Hotel de la Porte Doree has everything a traveling family with small kids might need – they are serious about the little details.  The lobby has a small antique writing desk where the young-uns can color and draw.  In the family room, you can find toilets with built-in kid seats, books and toys for use during your stay and a very kid-friendly bathtub.  But most importantly, Christine, the hotel’s owner, knows the ins and outs of the 12th and is happy to share that inside knowledge with guests.  You’ll feel like a true Parisienne walking along the boulevards (at least as close as you can get during a few day visit).  And best of all?  It’s such an amazing Paris value.  With the hotel’s incredible prices, you can spend your extra Euro on all that fantastic food and shopping.

The other thing to love about the hotel is it’s old-world feel.  While many small hotels in Paris went the way of the shag carpet and avocado tile in the 70′s, Hotel de la Porte Doree managed to keep its original bones, including some lovely crown moulding and wood floors.  You feel like you are staying in a beautiful old home – just with some beautiful updated baths and amenities.

Good to know:

Don’t be put off by the hotel’s two star rating.  I’ll be honest – I was a bit wary myself until I stepped through the front door.  The truth of the matter is that Paris is currently going through a rating system evolution and many hotels are in the process of updating their number with required changes.  Hotel de la Porte Doree is a beautiful, charming property with well-maintained, modern facilities and a fantastic, helpful service staff.  You’d be hard pressed to find comparable style and service in many places that boast 3 or even 4 stars.

Contact:

http://www.paris-hotels-paris.com/

Written by Kayt Sukel

Property
A budget hotel in a charming Parisian neighborhood. Simple but functional and very competitively priced.

Location
In the center of Montparnasse, very close to Denfert-Rocherau and very well linked to all public transportation.

Sleeps
2-4 in a two room family suite: one with a double bed and one with a sofabed.

Highlights
We refuse to spend any more money than necessary on Paris accommodations since we are hardly ever there except mhen we are sleeping, so this is a great choice for us. What isn’t a highlight in Paris?

Good to know
Breakfast can be purchased separately at the hotel, but the area is also filled with cafés. This hotel is extremely well-connected with the RER (train) Denfert-Rochereau direct to the airport. This hotel is just around the corner from the Rue Daguerre – site of a daily market. We love to stock up on cheese before our departure from one of the Rue Daguerre stands and you can ask to have your purchases vacuum packed to make transport easier.

Contact
http://www.bestwestern.fr/fiche_hotel.jsp?HotelCode=93544&sob=A46

Written by Kimberly Sullivan

Property
A well-kept, 2-bedroom attic apartment in a few hundred year-old building on the Ile Saint Louis- one of the two little islands in the middle of the river Seine. Beautiful setting overlooking the roof tops of this untouched part of Paris. Small kitchen, tiny bathroom, low ceilings add to the charming feel of French living, and are perfectly adequate for a short Paris stay. Main bedroom, has a queen bed, and the second bedroom has two twin beds. Groceries can be found nearby, as well as bakeries, cafes, restaurants and a fabulous cheese shop.

Location
You can cross one of the island’s several bridges to walk to such well-know locations as Notre Dame, the Marais, Hotel de Ville, and the Latin Quarter. This is a very central location, with several options of transport nearby: Pont Marie metro stop on line 7 is just a few minutes walk, and the Batobus (River Bus) is about the same distance. The island itself has cobbled streets, gorgeous buildings, cafes and restaurants.

Sleeps
A family of four.

Highlights
Walking through the tiny streets, surrounded by beautiful centuries-old buildings. Using the Batobus to travel around Paris via the river Seine. Hearing the Notre Dame bells in the evening.

Good to know
The apartment is right on the top of the building, with 88 steps (my kids counted them several times) and no elevator. It didn’t bother us at all (and actually adds to the charm), but might not be your scene. Also if you are over 6 feet tall, duck!

Contact
http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_168.htm

Written by Jane Rytina

Property
A practically perfect 1+bedroom (the spacious sleeping alcove off the triple wide living room used to be a second bedroom, and is now partitioned with sliding doors) apartment in the very child-friendly 7th arrondisement. The bright and comfortable St Julien has been lovingly restored from top to bottom, and features a newly remodeled open plan kitchen (with laundry facilities, dishwasher, and cappuccino maker), 2 1/2 bathrooms (one with full tub), master bedroom (with queen bed), and large living room (with TV, and dual region DVD player).

Location
Rue St Dominique in the 7th, just steps from the Champ du Mars Park (four playgrounds, basketball courts, inexpensive bike rentals, puppet shows, and of course the Eiffel Tower).

Sleeps
2-4 very comfortably.

Highlights

Riding the hand cranked carousel from the 1800s in the Champ de Mars Park–kids get a stick and they have to try to grab the ring. Living like a local in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Paris. Sleeping well in an urban setting (all the windows have been refitted with double-paned glass).

Good to know
Not all Parisian apartments have air conditioning–St Julien does. The view of the Eiffel Tower is peek-a-boo (through some foliage), and best seen at night during the light show. One week minimum, unless by special arrangement. Those scary-looking french doors can be secured securely locked in an ajar (for a breeze) or closed position.

Contact
www.parisperfect.com

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
A large, bright 1-bedroom flat (with sofabed and separate living room) on the 6th American floor in the 7th arrondisement. One bedroom might seem a little cozy for a family of four, unless you compare it to a hotel room. Then it seems like a palace. The flat has air conditioning, an elevator, and fully equipped kitchen (with a washer/dryer). The bathroom is split (toilet in one room, shower and full sized tub in the other) and accessible from the foyer (this is important if you want to put the kids down in the master bedroom and stay up a little later yourselves). Best of all is the million dollar view of the Eiffel Tower from the living room, bedroom, kitchen, and balcony.

Location
Right across the street from the Champs de Mars Park and the Eiffel Tower.

Sleeps
2-4.

Highlights
Food shopping on Rue Cler. Playing in the four playgrounds in the Champs de Mars Park. Nightly Eiffel Tower light shows on the hour.

Good to know
There is a one-week minimum. Also, although management warned us not to lose our key (through no fault of theirs, replacing keys in Paris costs a fortune), my husband managed to do exactly that. We unhappily parted with €160 for our sins. Those scary-looking french doors can be secured securely locked in an ajar (for a breeze) or closed position.

Contact
www.parisperfect.com

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
For those not on le budget, the sumptuous Louis XIV suites at Le Bristol might be just the thing. For a price you can close a door between you and your kids at night, even in Paris. The hotel has a lovely garden, room service, and laundry service as well. Talk about la vie en rose.

Location
The 8^th arrondissement. Walking distance to all the good stuff on the right bank. There are playgrounds just down the Champs Elysees and in the Tuilerie gardens.

Sleeps
2-6.

Highlights Indoor heated pool (styled like a yacht). Renting one of the hotel’s four Smart cars to tool around Paris.

Good to know
Don’t trust your kids around 18^th century antiques? Better stay elsewhere.

Contact
www.hotel-bristol.com

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
A charming boutique hotel on a quiet street in the posh 6^th arrondissement. You’re in for cozy rooms, large marble bathrooms, a gorgeous lounge with fireplace, and a verdant garden. Take your morning café and croissant (included) on the terrace, in the breakfast atrium, or in your room (at no extra charge). Small families will enjoy the duplex suites (which sleep 3), larger families will need two rooms.

Location
The Hotel de L’Abbaye is centrally located on a quiet street minutes from the metro station, Luxembourg Gardens, St. Sulpice, St. Germain, and Latin Quarter. There are plenty of shops and restaurants in the neighborhood. The nearest children’s playground is a 10-minute walk away in the Luxembourg Gardens.

Sleeps
2-4.

Highlights
Try for a room with private outside courtyards, the extra space is wonderful.

Good to know
Popular and difficult to book at times. Plan ahead. Some rooms do not have showers (just tubs with handheld nozzles), so be clear when booking. The hotel has some connecting rooms (configured as 2 standard rooms, or a large and a standard room) but cannot guarantee them.

Contact
www.hotelabbayeparis.com

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
A boutique hotel in a restored 18th century landmark building, the Hotel de Fleurie has comfortable beds, modern bathrooms, some antiques, good-sized closets (very important for stashing luggage for a family of four in small Parisian hotel rooms), air conditioning, small fridges (snacks and drinks can really add up in the City of Light), and double-glazed windows. Families should ask for the chambres familiales (connecting rooms with a small vestibule, one queen bed and one full).

Location
The Hotel de Fleurie is located on a quiet alley in the swanky sixth arrondisement, right around the corner from the Boulevard St Germain des Pres. The nearest metro stop is 3 minutes away, and the Louvre, Orsay Museum, Notre Dame, and Luxembourg Gardens are all within easy walking distance.

Sleeps
2-4.

Highlights
Towel warmers in the bathroom. Afternoon tea in the lounge after a long day of sightseeing. Getting excellent value for your money in Paris.

Good to know
The restaurant serves a nice (if slightly pricey) breakfast, but the local café scene is not to be missed.

Contact
www.hoteldefleurieparis.com

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
We hesitate to publicize this one–it’s that great. Owned by the nearby Hotel Relais Bosquet, the 1-bedroom apartment at 25 rue du Champ de Mars is cozy, yet perfectly appointed and located for small families sightseeing in Paris. It has blackout blinds, air conditioning, laundry facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, and private and secure patio. Best of all, the minimum stay year-round is just two nights. For the uninitiated, this is virtually impossible to find for an apartment in Paris.

Location
You cannot beat the 7^th arrondisement for families. At your doorstep is the Parc du Champs de Mars (Eiffel Tower, Carousel, multiple playgrounds, free puppet shows) and the fabulous rue Cler (cobbled pedestrian street lined with specialty food sellers, daily open markets, bistros and cafes). Whether you walk, or go by bus or metro, transportation to all the beautiful places in Paris is a pièce de gateau.

Sleeps
2-4.

Highlights
Nightly light shows at the nearby Eiffel Tower.

Good to know
The hotel can provide cribs and highchairs, and help arrange babysitting on request.

Contact
www.relaisbosquet.com

Written by Jamie Pearson