I just looked up hotel des arts montmartre on trip advisor and it has great reviews, thank you.

Thank you so much, always great to get a recommendation!

Also, the restaurant Le Basilic at the top of Rue Lepic is great. Do book though, it is always full.

[quote="luckymummy"]I am going to Paris with some girlfriends in November and 2 of the girls are on a bit of a budget so we cant splash out on accommodation but does anyone have a recommendation for somewhere central to stay that doesn't blow the budget but is still nice.

Years ago I stayed in a hotel called Opera Newton which was perfectly located and I wanted to go back there but the reviews are not great now sadly.[/quote]

I always recommend the Hotel des Arts in Montmartre - http://www.arts-hotel-paris.com/ I stayed there with my mum about 2 years ago. It is not swanky and the rooms are small and a bit dark, but the location is fantastic and I figure you don't go to Paris to sit in yout hotel room! It's a short walk from several Metro stations and just off the Rue Lepic which has boulangeries, a little supermarket, cafes, a chocolate shop, deli, an Yves Rocher, everything you could want on your doorstep.

St. Germain is a great area to wander about .
However, have you thought of booking a dinner/champagne show at Moulin Rouge or Lido ?
It is pretty fantastic .

I am going to Paris with some girlfriends in November and 2 of the girls are on a bit of a budget so we cant splash out on accommodation but does anyone have a recommendation for somewhere central to stay that doesn't blow the budget but is still nice.

Years ago I stayed in a hotel called Opera Newton which was perfectly located and I wanted to go back there but the reviews are not great now sadly.

You may want to visit Le Grand Palais which has reopened recently. You can book tickets online.
If you are near Boulevard Haussman and the department stores, you can have lunch at the top of the Printemps. It's nothing fancy and the view is amazing.

merci beaucoup!!

Your recommendations are fantastic, thank you all - i'll let you know how we get on. Only a few weeks away now and desperate for a change of scenery and a break!!

I agree!

(and I am bored this afternoon :oops: )

[quote="supergirl"]Disagree with "fairly bland" but last time i was there was a few years ago so it could have changed, granted it is touristic but I like it (I have very fond memories) so i will always recommend it![/quote]

oh its very pretty, and not saying its not worth a visit - but its not a food destination per se.

am also pretty sure its the oldest restaurant in Paris, which assures that it will always be filled with American Tourists.

Disagree with "fairly bland" but last time i was there was a few years ago so it could have changed, granted it is touristic but I like it (I have very fond memories) so i will always recommend it!

[quote="Coffeegirl"]Hi - I am not sure of your budget, but L'Hotel is a Michelin 3* delight.
It was Oscar Wilde's last residence and is kooky and fun but also a real gastronomic experience.

Enjoy![/quote]

Fwiw L'hotel does not have Michelin *** - I don't think it has even one :)

Jo Jo, it really depends on what you want.

Le Procope is indeed very pretty, and historic. it is also a bit of a tourist trap these days and the food is fairly bland.

you indicate that budget is available for something special, and if that's what you want I would also caution as many of the great restautants are not open on Saturday nights. weird I know. le Grand Vefour *** isn't even open on Friday night.

but if you want to push the boat out, 2 places to recommend:
Jean Francois Piege - on Rue St Dominique. Piege made his name with Ducasse and then at the Crillon both in his own right and under Christian Constant. Piege only seats 20 people, and the food is very technical, very glamorous. it has michelin ** and will never get 3 because of the space, but the food is of the highest grade.

ledoyen is in the gardens on the Champs Elysee, and is in my opinion perhaps the finest restaurant in Paris. with ***'s and a very classical bent Christian Le Squer's food is hard to top. more traditional than piege, who is more modern. the room and service is fairytale stuff

bring the cash though.

I would recommend Le Procope (ask for a table upstairs in one of their room), this is where the french revolution was decided amongst the intellectuals of the time to support the revolt of the Sans Culottes... very nice food and you are surrounded by History... (not cheap and you need to book).

would have loved to go there but have just rung and fully booked :( it looked amazing!! any other recommendations for dinner. Budget - not too worried about obviously want to make the most of it.

Hi - I am not sure of your budget, but L'Hotel is a Michelin 3* delight.
It was Oscar Wilde's last residence and is kooky and fun but also a real gastronomic experience.

Enjoy!