When you come to stay at the Hotel Du Lys, you are residing in an historic house from the 17th century. It is comfortable and well-managed.

The narrow, winding staircase is quaint unless one needs to haul large suitcases up a couple of floors. Concierge service is available. The location is fabulous, smack dab right in the middle of the bustle and fun called The Left Bank. Out the door and around any corner will get you great food, shopping and museums. The Cluny (Museum of the Middles Ages) is close by and the River Seine is a short stroll away. As with any hotel, request the best room in your price range and if you are not happy with it upon arrival, don’t be afraid to ask for something better. Just pray that it isn’t Fashion Week, when every hotel room in Paris is at a premium. Breakfast is included and can be brought to your room. Good, basic service can be expected.

Hotel Du Lys (** Two Stars)
23, rue Serpente
6th Arrondisement
Metro: Saint Michel , Odeon
www.hoteldulys.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.