going to Paris and fancy staying in Motmartre - is it characterful and cultured or tacky and over-rated?

[schneebly]

? TIA

Monmartre even

Montmartre even grrr

and yes I am a big fan of Moulin Rouge and Amelie.

I like it. Good views too. Narrow streets.

Obviously round the sacre coeur has its fair share of tourists but I don't think it's too tacky.

Good choice I think.

It is very characterful, but it's very touristy and if you get it wrong by a couple of streets you could end up staying somewhere really quite dodgy.

I am going end of feb/start of march

I have been looking at accomodation and am on tight budget but have checked the reviews on tip advisor - there are some TERRIBLE hotels in Paris by all accounts. I have found one very near Sacre Couer which is cheap but gets good reviews.

Hopefully at that time of year it wont be too hoaching with tourists - it will be during the week as well rather than weekend.

Thanks

oooh are you? Which hotel? Do you mind saying?

I am going in half term. Ideas for hotels welcome. We stayed in a hotel in the summer- and I have not idea of the name (will ask dh if anyone interested)- it was near a square with a fountain and about 10 min walk from Notra dame. Took 30 kids - and they were fabulous.

not yet - still swithering! DH has suggested Girona as an alternative destination and now I am confused!!!

There was a hotel guide in the Observer last weekend, all under 100 euros.

Sorry to sallystrawberry but when i stayed in Montmatre i found it a bit too far away from everything else and alternately really quiet and really wierd and pervy! Apart from the Moulin Rouge a bit like soho. When i got back everyone told me i should have gone to the Marais - more bohemian and loads of nice restaurants.

thanks dot - might have a look at marais now!

I am sure if they have been before they will have got it right SS. Have a lovely time!

I'm sure they know what they're doing, salllystrawberry sorry i was worried about dissing your already-booked holiday.

I think my experience was worse because the hotel we went to was a let-down too. We booked it for the view and supposedly charming rooms, recommended by Time Out and ended up in a tiny room facing away from the view . With mardy staff. And i didn't think the nightlife was much cop round that area but it completely depends what you want of course.

Can't remember, it was about 8 years ago with ex - honestly it won't be your hotel if your friends have been there before .

I like Montmartre. It's a bit seedy at night but interesting to walk around. Lots of nice cafes, restaurants and views etc.

Can't remember the hotel we stayed in but was a cheap one and was fine.

I like Le Marais. Nice area.

Last time we were near Pont d'Austerlitz (left bank, across from the gare), which isn't great, but then we were on a boat, which was good.

Friends of mine live in the 20e, which has good bits, too.