BudgetTravel

20 rue Cujas, 5th arr., Latin Quarter, tel. 011-33/1-46-34-79-50, fax /1-43-54-87-10. Metro: Cluny-La Sorbonne. 66 rooms, all with private bath. Doubles ¬72-¬77 ($64-$68), breakfast ¬6 ($5.50).

In the ever-popular Latin Quarter, trying to find a budget hotel that doesn't scream "fleabag" is usually an exercise in frustration. Which is why we bring these nifty lodgings to your attention. While nothing fancy, or even charm-enhanced, it's utilitarian yet offers simple, modern accommodations that are fresh and well maintained at a great price. Street noise is minimal, though the tranquility level ultimately depends on your neighbors as walls are thin. Rooms come in a multitude of shapes and sizes - some have exposed ceiling beams or stone walls, while others are strictly no-frills. Bathrooms range from large tiled affairs to odd arrangements with minimal privacy, so if your travel companion is not a blood relative, you might want to inquire when making reservations.

Hotel des Arts

5 rue Tholoze, 18th arr., Montmartre, tel. 011-33/1-46-06-30-52, fax /1-46-06-10-83, arts-hotel-paris.com. Metro: Abbesses. 50 rooms, all with private bath. Doubles ¬74-¬78 ($65-$69), breakfast ¬6 ($5.50).

Yes, there is still a windmill or two in Montmartre, and this hotel is just down the street from one of them. The Moulin de la Galette, of Renoir fame, stands at the top of this cobbled lane and can be seen from the balcony of the rooms on the fifth floor. Rooms are in excellent shape and of decent size, but watch out for the twin beds--they are extremely narrow. Rooms on the top floor get the most light, but all are well lit and several have nice views of the city. Service can be a little brisk, but at these prices, you can easily console yourself with an idyllic stroll in this legendary neighborhood.

Hotel Saint-Andre-des-Arts

66 rue St-Andre-des-Arts, 6th arr., Odeon, tel. 011-33/1-43-26-96-16, fax /1-43-29-73-34, france-hotelguide.com. Metro: Odeon. 32 rooms, all with private bath. No elevator. Doubles ¬77 ($68), breakfast included.

A block from boulevard St-Germain, next door to bustling rue de Buci, a few minutes from Place St-Michel, Hotel Saint-Andre-des-Arts is an affordable oasis in the middle of high-priced tourist territory. Rooms are pleasant, with high ceilings and lots of exposed beams, but carpets are spotted and the locks on the doors can be flimsy. Bathrooms are neat and functional (some have been renovated with faux-marble tiles), and a few rooms have interesting armoires. It's clear that what you're paying for here is location, not style, but with all the action available outside you probably won't be spending much time in your room.

Hotel Aurore

13 rue Traversiere, 12th arr., Gare de Lyon, tel. 011-33/1-43-43-54-12, fax /1-43-43-53-20. Metro: Gare de Lyon. 30 rooms, all with private bath. Doubles ¬78-¬81 ($69-$72), breakfast ¬6.50 ($5.75).

True, there's nothing particularly gripping about the neighborhood, but the level of comfort at this hotel may outweigh any concerns, particularly if you're making train connections for the south of France. Located on a small side street near the Gare de Lyon rail station (with lots of inexpensive dining nearby), the Aurore offers a bundle of amenities-air-conditioning, satellite TV, hair-dryers, free toiletries, modem plugs--at very reasonable rates. Rooms are cozy, with fabric-covered walls in mellow colors, and the spiffy bathrooms have complimentary shoe-polish cloths for Top-Siders in need of a touch-up. The location has its upside--views of the Seine are just steps away, and Notre-Dame is a 15-minute stroll.

Regent's Hotel