Would you pay a little over 100 euros for a three-star country manor on a Medieval street, a short walk to the Luxembourg Gardens?

James Joyce and Ernest Hemigway both lived on rue Cardinal Lemoine, and the hotel is situated just north of one of the most lovely squares in Paris, Place de la Contrescarpe.

From the square, South, it’s an ancient market street, the Mouffetard. There are three villa-style buildings to choose from on the property. Try to book a room on the garden. You will enjoy your stay.

Hotel Des Grandes Ecoles (*** Three Stars)
78, rue du Cardinal Lemoine
5th Arrondisement
Metro: Cardinal Lemoine, Monges
www.hotel-grandes-ecoles.com

The above listing is a hotel in the center of Paris, in which a room may be reserved for 100 euros or less. It adheres to a standard of cleanliness and courteous service, and maybe even throw in continental breakfast, a budget-conscious way to start the day. Grab a piece of fruit to carry with you as you explore the city, and you’ll get all the way to lunch without having spent a penny on food…that is, if you manage to resist the mouth-watering, tempting pastries on display in the local patisseries!

This is a hotel geared towards the traveler who wants a clean room near a Metro station at a good price. Be sure to enquire about current construction on-site or nearby (can severely impact noise level), air-conditioning if you need it during warm months, elevators if that is critical, and any other factor considered an essential element of your stay. Request non-smoking, if desired and rooms off the street, for quieter nights (bring ear plugs just in case). It is also wise to contact the hotel a week before arrival to make sure the reservation is intact and to avert nasty surprises upon arrival. It is not uncommon for a guest checking in at a budget hotel, to discover that for one reason or another, there is indeed no room available. The hotel will have made other accommodation arrangements at a different location, which might turn out to be unacceptable.

As prices change periodically, and vary according to room size and amenities, go to the website listed for rates and more information about each hotel. Remember, not all beds are created equal. Not all rooms come with televisions and mini-fridges. Be content with a bit of imperfection and use that money saved to bring home a sweet memento.