Choosing an accommodation in Paris can be quite a challenge: there are many hotels, ranging from the upmost luxuriant to the... well, let’s say ridiculously noisy dirty and uncomfortable.

From time to time I hear sad stories from people who have rented an apartment in Paris and feel they didn’t get what they paid for or, worse, thought they were scammed. It doesn't happen very often, but it does happen. On the flipside, I also hear complaints from apartment owners about lousy tenants. Why not? Renting an apartment takes two sides, after all. You have to look out for yourself, check out the apartment, do some homework. But you also have to understand the owner’s point of view. And this is what I want to talk to you about.

Staying in a Paris apartment instead of a hotel during your visit gives you a taste of Parisian life. With advance planning and a few added items, you'll easily settle in "your" space. BonjourParis publisher Karen Fawcett has tips for what to pack and a short list of items to add to make your Paris short-term rental apartment feel like home.

Renting an apartment has many pluses if you'll be in Paris for a week or more. But, it's important to do your homework before you sign a binding contract. BonjourParis publisher Karen Fawcett has tips for choosing your apartment so you'll know what to expect when you open the door to your temporary home away from home.

Hôtel Saint-Paul Rive-Gauche is a 3-star inn adored by its many returning guests. The warm welcome, inviting sitting room with fireplace, exposed Roman stone walls and elegant French décor throughout only hint at immaculately clean rooms with modern comforts. Stay once and you'll return again to this charming hotel near all of your Left Bank favorites.

Karen Fawcett is all for romance and has favorite romantic Paris hotels on both sides of the Seine. Whether you're combining business with pleasure or dreaming of pampering, these choices are sure to please. And if you're a last-minute traveler, August may be the best time to consider Hotels Bel Ami, Belle Juliette, L'Hotel, Mathurin and Villa Madame.

You requested more "reasonably priced Paris hotels" and we think you'll like Karen Fawcett's very current picks. All have Wi-Fi, air conditioning, modern comforts; one has rooms with Eiffel Tower views, others have outdoor terraces. Check out Hotels de la Paix, Duquesne Eiffel, le Jardin de Cluny, des Marronniers, Mama Shelter and Turenne le Marais.

Since Karen Fawcett shared her favorite Saint-Germain-des-Prés hotels, readers have requested more hotel options in the Paris 6th. With pleasure, we oblige with five more hotels we think you'll like, all near the Saint-Sulpice area of the 6th. Today Karen's picks for charming hotels are: La Villa Madame, Hôtel Récamier, Le Senat, de l'Abbaye, and La Perle.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the Paris 6th may be the most popular quartier for visitors. And why not, with entertainment and sightseeing options galore. Karen Fawcett lists here some of her favorite places in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, including six well-appointed hotels: d'Aubusson, de Buci, L'Hotel, Madison and Villa Saint-Germain-des-Prés.