last minute paris

I am taking a last minute trip to paris in the first week of October and need advice on a couple of things! Firstly, as I am female and travelling alone I really need to know where will be the best and safest arrondissiment for me to stay in? From my reasearch the Marais seems to be the most popluar choice but I need a back up if I can%26#39;t find a suitable hotel there. I have stayed near Gare Du Nord before with my hubby but admit I thought it a little dodgy to be there on my own. Secondly, will I have difficulty finding a hotel through a last minute website? I am on a fairly tight budget and noticed they offer some great deals up to 30 days in ahead but I am concerned I may get caught out as it is Rugby World cup and Fashion week at this time. Thanks in advance for your input!

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As you said, the Marais is very safe, and has a great vibe. However if you need a back up, consider the Latin Quarter (lots of students there so there should be a few choices with regard to affordable hotels). Another, but a bit more pricey area is St. Germain.

I don%26#39;t think you will find any issue getting deals online. Try hotelclub.com. We have used this site for Nice, France and Ireland and got some great deals.

Have a great trip! And remember to have tea at Laudree%26#39;

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That time of year is very popular, for good reason - you need to make a reservation NOW! Do a search on the forum (and also you can check hotels.com which I have used in Paris with success), and get on it right away!

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Hi --

The previous poster is correct - get a hotel, NOW -

I often travel to Paris alone and I%26#39;ve stayed in various areas - none of which was the least bit unsafe. The locals are on the street much later than we would be, and I%26#39;ve never felt any threat, no matter where I was. I walk around town in the evening for dinner and back to my hotel exactly as the Parisians do. My only rules are don%26#39;t flash cash or jewelry, and don%26#39;t walk down poorly lit streets or alleys. In 15 or so years of traveling alone, those are the only rules I%26#39;ve ever needed.

I%26#39;ve been in Paris during fashion week and ended up walking from door to door in Montmartre looking for a room. I was lucky and found a pleasant 1 star (in which I stayed several other times until it was refurbished into a 4 star) - but it took me all day until 20:30, and I wouldn%26#39;t wish that on anyone who has flown all night.

I seldom can plan very far ahead so I also often use HotelClub on their www.ratestogo.com web site. I have found them to be very reliable in the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, and Spain, as well as Singapore, Taipei, and Hong Kong. The hotels are always as represented. and the rates are always nicely discounted. They will accept reservations more than 20 days in advance. You need to find a hotel immediately, unless you think that to go door to door dragging your luggage behind you would be some sort of desirable athletic workout.

Good luck and bon voyage.

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Thank you all for your response! I have taken your advice and booked a hotel in the latin quarter which is very central. I paid more than hoped but at least I have peace of mind knowing it%26#39;s booked!!

Now, who would like to take stab at recommending a restaurant in the 5th or 6th? I understand the latin quarter is notorious for some dodgy %26quot;touristy%26quot; restaurants??

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My best advice - stay away from any place that has a posted menu (carte) in English and/or pictures of the food! That%26#39;s a sure sign of a tourist trap (especially on the street bordering the Seine on the left bank, from place St Michel down toward the ET, or anywhere around St Michel - the big place with the fountain, across from Notre Dame on the left bank).

There are lots of recommendations on this site for restaurants of many different types and price ranges - I suggest just looking through past threads (or post something about what you have in mind, and many people will give you suggestions). Have fun making your decisions.

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