Services for travelers who come on their own

Lodging, restaurants, gifts, transportation

Good hotels that are moderately priced

(These prices are for 2008)

Paris is dotted with small hotels whose prices are relatively low (they are much more difficult to find in London or New York).

Here are some recommendations:

•Excellent: At the end of this poetic "Covered passage", a 10-minute walk from Opéra, hides the best hotel value we know. Clients who have come for years reserve at this refined and hidden-away place several months in advance. (92€ per night for two people, breakfast 7€)

: At the end of a romantic "Passage"...

°Spartan but adequate - Convenient transportation, Eiffel Tower view from some windows, a hometown neighborhood... (75€ for two people, breakfast 6€50)

• Refined: Left Bank "hôtel de charme" with exceptional attention to detail, minutes from a spectacular stroll across the Seine. (175/185 for two people, breakfast 13€)

NB: Never at a loss for clients, these hotels don't give "deals" (or commissions). But, because they know us, they treat our guests with extra consideration and we can sometimes arrange for a special service.

Another way of lodging - B&Bs and short-term rentals

Single Parisians, who are relatively mobile, may rent their apartments to visitors whom we recommend. Costs vary: Knowing your budget will help us recommend.

There's much more space than hotels offer, you go to restaurants only when you wish and meet delightful hosts, whose tips will help you discover the neighborhood.

Restaurants

• Follow French ways! I paid xxx (some huge price) and all I had was a salad and a glass of coca-light." - Tourist doing lunch as if at home

: Our host's mother was Utrillo's cook.

We suggest bistros where clients are habitués because the cooking is excellent and prices fair. You may have to put up with smoke and hounds, but you'll enjoy the extroverted, hospitable atmosphere - and you'll know what country you are in.

• Particular restaurants for particular requests