One thing to check that we didn't realize until we got back to our hotel too late...some hotels have curfews. We stayed in Saint Germain des Pres, don't remember the name of the hotel other than that it was beautiful and a 3 star BUT when we returned at 1 a.m., we were locked out. The caretaker did open the door after we knocked, but needless to say it was embarrassing. They only spoke French and although I understand some, I was obviously not clear on that. I've also stayed at the Hotel Mercure la Defense and that was more of an American style chain, clean and simple. No curfew, large, etc. Mercure is a French chain, reasonably priced, etc. www.mercure.com. I like the idea of getting an apartment though (to who had mentioned it!) My sil did that in Spain.