BudgetTravel

Sandra Gustafson: Bonjour! This is Sandra Gustafson here to answer your questions about Great Eats and Great Sleeps in Paris. My purpose during this time with you is to help you select well-priced hotels, restaurants that will make your stay in the City of Light truly memorable. So, let's book a flight, pack our bags, and go to Paris.

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Milwaukee, Wisc.: We are a family of 5 who are hopefully traveling to Italy this June and back through Paris for 2 days on the way home. Is there a cost-effective place to stay in Paris that will accommodate all of us?

Sandra Gustafson: Try the Port Royal Hotel in the 5th, an amazing value for a one star hotel.

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Denver, Colo.: What Paris hotel would you recommend for 2 young-middle age single women near the D'Orsay museum area, that will not be outrageously expensive, and easy to get to the Metro and bus lines?

Sandra Gustafson: I would suggest either the Hotel Varenne or the Hotel d'Orsay. Both are well located for the Musee d'Orsay and in a nice area of Paris.

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Concord, Ohio: My husband and I are going to Paris next July. With the exchange rate being so bad for Americans (hopefully it will improve by the time we go), we will most likely want to have most of our dinners in modest restaurants that are a good value. We are staying at the Marriott on the Champs Elysee, so what are some small moderately priced restaurants within walking distance of that area? Thank you.

Sandra Gustafson: You are staying in one of the high rent districts of Paris, but that does not mean you can't have a well-priced meal in the area. Aux Amis de Beaujolais at 28, rue d'Artois is a family run restaurant that is filled with locals for lunch and dinner. The terrace at Laduree, 75, avenue des Champs-Elysees is nice for a light meal. If you go upstairs, the food and the final bill will be much more elaborate. Finally, the wine bar chain l'Ecluse at 64, rue Francois 1er is a casual choice.

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Cambridge, U.K.: As an American living in the UK for a few years, should my wife and I consider Paris for Christmas, New Year's or a non-holiday break? We want to take advantage of the new Eurostar connection at St Pancras but aren't sure what's the best time in Paris.