EXCLUSIVE | Paris: Where to Stay Part Two

LE MARAIS ( 3E, 4E)

You'll find a number of gay and gay-friendly options in and near the Marais.

Best Gay Stays
The only truly gay-marketed hotel in le Marais is the H?tel Central Marais (33, rue Vieille-du-Temple, 4e; +33-1-48-87-56-08; from 89 EUR), the city's main "gay hotel," with seven rooms in a 17th-century building on the second through fifth floors above Bar Le Central Marais. Rooms have some charm but are fairly basic; only one has a private bath (on the top floor). The manager is well-connected and knows of every gay party in town; ask him what to do at night.

Gay-managed H?tel du Marais (2 bis, rue Commines, 3e; +33-1-48-87-78-27; from 66 EUR) is a two-star budget hotel in an old Parisian building in the Marais. While simply decorated, it is clean and welcoming to gay travelers, with very reasonable prices. Each room has its own shower and toilet, and all the basic amenities are provided for.

Another convenient and gay-friendly hotel is the Acacias H?tel de Ville (20 rue du Temple, 4e; +33-1-48-87-07-70; from 80 EUR). Just a few steps from the Hotel de Ville, this place is right in the beginning of the gay Marais and while small, is a great deal for such a central location.

The H?tel Beaubourg (11, rue Simon Lefranc, 4e; +33-1-42-74-34-24; from 140 EUR, also cheaper if you reserve online) is close to the Centre Pompidou and the shopping area Les Halles, but also recommended as the rooms have much more space than most hotels in the area. Still retaining a good deal of charm, the hotel recently completed some renovations.

The H?tel Turenne Le Marais (6, rue de Turenne, 4e; +33-1-42-78-43-25; from 195 EUR, suite from 225 EUR, but if reserved online 119+ EUR and 149+ EUR), was formerly the Libertel Grand Turenne. It is a comfortable, 3-star, 41-room hotel with a location convenient to Marais nightlife.

If you want to be near the place des Vosges but are on a tighter budget, try the H?tel de la Place des Vosges (12, rue de Birague, 4e; +33-1-42-72-60-46; from 90 EUR). The rooms in this former stable are very basic (the website highlights the hypoallergenic bed sheets), but the staff is friendly and the location is tops. Breakfast costs eight euros.

The H?tel Saint-Paul le Marais (8, rue de Sevigne, 4e; +33-1-48-04-97-27; from 158 EUR, but from 89 EUR if you reserve online) is located in the Marais' antique district. Rooms have all the amenities (phone, bath, TV, coffeemaker), but are on the prefab modern side, like a French Red Roof Inn.

Best Luxury
The H?tel Pavillon de la Reine (28 Place des Vosges, 4e; +33-1-40-29-19-19; from 370 EUR, suites from 570 EUR) is a sumptuous hotel located in a 17th-century building just off the Place des Vosges, one of the city's most charming squares. Rooms are quiet, large and full of character, and the service is impeccable.

Best Style
The H?tel du Bourg-Tibourg (19, rue du Bourg-Tibourg, 4e; +33-1-42-78-47-39; from 180 EUR, suites from 360 EUR) was decorated by interior design superstar Jacques Garcia -- every room is styled in minute detail, even if the results are absolutely wild. Located on a quiet street but still in the epicenter street of the gay Marais, this hotel is not terribly expensive, considering its location and their hyper-attention to d?cor. Continental breakfast (14 EUR extra charge) is normally served in the ancient vaulted-ceiling basement. The rooms are thoughtfully furnished with satellite TV, direct telephone, minibar and room safe. Staff is courteous and attentive.

The 19-room, 18th-century H?tel Caron de Beaumarchais (12, rue Vieille-du-Temple, 4e; +33-1-42-72-34-12; 125-162 EUR) offers sufficient amenities (TVs, safes, air-conditioning, full baths) and abundant charm (traditional d?cor, quaint bric-a-brac, period antiques) at reasonable prices in a great gay-central location. Although the management is not looking to market this hotel specifically to gay tourists, its location, charm and quality of service indicate that it would be an erreur grave not to list it. You'll also find single studios rented out by individuals. Breakfast (12 EUR) is served until noon.

Best Value
One of the best hotels in the gay heart of the Marais is the H?tel de la Bretonnerie (22, rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 4e; +33-1-48-87-77-63; from 125 EUR, suites from 210 EUR). Built in the 17th century, it retains many of its original charms and has full services. The clientele is mixed gay and straight. Suites in front can be a little noisy during the weekends; request a room at the back of the hotel if you prefer quiet. However, if you desire a mezzanine suite with high windows looking onto the road, ask.

A great find on the southern edge of the Marais is the H?tel Saint-Louis Marais (1, rue Charles V, 4e; +33-1-48-87-87-04; 99+ EUR). It is small, cozy and charming, well beyond its two stars. Some rooms are very small -- impossibly small for two people. Be sure to request their largest accommodations when reserving a room.

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five

Related Articles:
Paris: Introduction
Paris: Where to Eat
Paris: Where to Play/Meet
Paris: What to See and Do
Paris: Resources