La Villa Paris is a four-room bed and breakfast set in a lovely 1920s mansion in the 13th arrondissement in southeastern Paris. It's a 15-minute metro ride to the historic center of Paris and major tourist attractions. But a stay at La Villa Paris offers a window into the life of real Parisians. The location in the Butte aux Cailles quarter is like living in a charming village, with its own butcher, baker, small bars and restaurants, and the owners provide guests with the perfect balance of attention and privacy.

This 26-room basic but contemporary hotel is a stand-out choice for two reasons: reasonable room rates, and the location! The property is situated in the prime 1st arrondissement of Paris, within steps of Le Louvre and Tuileries Gardens; guests will be hard-pressed to find a more affordable option in this area. Though hotel itself certainly falls into the budget category, it's more modern than some may expect. Rooms are small and lack big hotel amenities, and some show wear and tear (we spotted a small hole in one wall), but they have fresh bedding, flat-screen TVs, small desks, and up-to-date bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi is available, sometimes, and a small business area can assist when it's down (which is often). For more living space, the hotel does offer apartments (studio, large flat and duplex size) that come with lounge/dining areas and full kitchens. This section of the hotel does not have an elevator so be prepared to climb. Guests can start the day with espresso and free newspapers in the stylish breakfast room decorated with exposed stone walls.

Situated on the banks of the Ourcq Canal in a neighborhood currently undergoing rejuvenation, the St Christopher's Inn is a pleasant and inexpensive alternative to Paris' other youth hostels. It offers a wide range of room categories , from a 10-person dormitory through to individual bedrooms with private bathrooms. This hostel has a welcoming atmosphere for young backpackers but is unlikely to satisfy those who expect more than the most basic comforts.

With 37 rooms and stylish contemporary decor, this upper-middle-range Best Western feels more boutique than chain hotel. Its convenient central location is a highlight, situated around the corner from the Louvre and a metro station. Rooms, though a bit small (fairly standard for Paris), are decked out with flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, and minibars. Bathrooms feature walk-in rainfall showers and Nuxe toiletries, but entry-level rooms have tiny bathrooms. A breakfast buffet is available for a fee, as is room service continental breakfast. Other than a business corner in the lobby, 24-hour lobby bar, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property, there's not much else in terms of features. For larger rooms at around the same rates, the nearby Citadines Les Halles Paris offers studio apartments with kitchenettes, plus it has a small fitness center. 

The two-pearl Hotel Bellevue is a block from the Square Louise Michel in the 18th Arrondissement. This value hotel relies on its popular location at the foot of the Sacre Coeur to draw guests, as the hotel won't win awards for style or frills. Its 35 dated rooms are simply furnished with twin, double, or triple beds and functional bathrooms with shower units (triples have shower-bath combos), and are soundproofed against the sounds of nocturnal Montmartre's nightlife. The paid continental breakfast is good for the price, and a 24-hour public computer with printer in the breakfast room is convenient. For a more romantic atmosphere, the Ermitage Hotel Sacre-Coeur at the top of Butte Montmartre is a good alternative at a slightly higher price point and with some extra legwork to book a room.

Le Citizen Hotel is situated on a picturesque canal in the 10th arrondissement, a pretty part of Paris that's a bit far from popular tourist sights. This modern boutique property is intimate, with only 12 rooms, and the Scandinavian design is cheerful and attractive. Extras such as free minibar items, free snacks, free Wi-Fi, and a terrific free breakfast buffet add value, though some may find nightly rates a tad high given the location. Still, it's a charming option that allows guests to discover a more authentic side of Paris.

The 25-room Hotel Gramont Opera Paris is conveniently located within walking distance of a number of traditional attractions in Paris; the Louvre, Les Halles, and the Jardin des Tuileries are all within a 20-minute walk. As such, it is a popular tourist spot, despite slightly small rooms (though small rooms are common in Paris). Rooms are stylish and serene, with contemporary toile wallpaper, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, and minibars, but some guests have noted signs of wear and tear. The Metro is nearby and Wi-Fi is free (but spotty).

A cozy and luxurious oasis in the center of the Saint Germain quarter, and a short walk to the Luxembourg Gardens, this boutique hotel is praised for its stylish decor and tranquil garden where guests can enjoy breakfast. However, rates can be on the high side and extras, such as savory items at breakfast, cost more. For a similar atmosphere in the 6th Arrondissement, Hotel Duc De Saint-Simon may provide better value -- though many feel that the tasteful decor and ample charm found here are worth the slightly higher price.

The Ampere Hotel is a stylishly modern four-pearl property located in the 17th Arrondissement, about a 20-minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe. It has a tranquil interior terrace surrounded by luxurious plants, and in cold weather, the bar offers a cozy place to have a drink around the fireplace. Its 97 rooms include suites, the largest of which has separate living rooms and terraces with views of the Eiffel Tower. The hotel's restaurant, Le Jardin d'Ampere, serves inventive French cuisine adjusted to the seasons, and a breakfast buffet for a fee. Geared toward business travelers, the hotel has four meeting rooms, a business center, and free Wi-Fi throughout. Travelers might want to also check out the elegant Hotel Monceau Wagram, which is in the same neighborhood.

The 33-room Hotel De Nell is a luxury property in the 9th Arrondissement, about a 15-minute walk to the Palais Garnier Opera House. Common areas are chic and modern, with Japanese-inspired decor, a lobby bar and lounge, a standout restaurant and bar, and two massage treatment rooms -- but there's no fitness center, sauna, or pool. Minimalist rooms are spacious for Paris and include open-plan bathrooms with rainfall showerheads or rectangular marble tubs. Amenities include minibars, Bluetooth speakers, 38-inch LCD TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Guests rave about the personalized service, which also includes 24-hour room service. Travelers might want to also consider Castille Paris, which is close to the luxury shopping street Rue Saint Honore.