Perhaps one of the best aspects of this upper-middle-range hotel is its prime location overlooking the Seine, right across the bridge from the Ile de la Cité. It's hard to find better views of Notre Dame and from here, and guests are in the midst of the culture and dining of the Latin Quarter. Rooms are also something special; designed by Christian LaCroix, they have merge the building's historic architecture with eclectic furnishings and funky medieval-themed wall murals. The building is about 400 years old, so it has some quirks, such as a second-floor lobby not accessible by elevator. Street-facing rooms can be noisy, but the views from the top floors are incredible. It may be worth comparing rates with the more contemporary Hotel Albe Saint Michel on the other side of the block, but it doesn't have the views.

The 24-room Les Tournelles is a three-and-a-half-pearl option with an excellent location in the heart of the historic and trendy Marais district. A number of attractions, galleries, shops, and restaurants are just outside the hotel's door, and the Chemin Vert Metro station is only a five-minute walk from the hotel. Rooms are small, but done in modern jewel tones and bold fabrics to create eye-catching spaces. They're equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and safes. A Parisian breakfast is served daily in the 17th-century cellar (but not included), and a cozy lounge space has an honor bar and books, magazines, and newspapers. Features are otherwise limited, and travelers looking for rooms with more authentic French decor could check out the Villa Beaumarchais, which also has a small fitness center.  

The mid-range Hotel Helussi opened in 2014 with 23 individually decorated rooms that are stylish, clean, and contemporary. The smallest rooms at this modern boutique hotel are a bit cramped, but all offer Nespresso machines, mini-fridges, and upscale bathrooms with walk-in showers. Its north central Paris location is a big plus, with two metro stations, Sacre Coeur, and the transportation hub at Gard du Nord within walking distance. Continental breakfast is available daily for a fee, and private, off-street parking is nearby. Other amenities include a sauna and shower in the basement. An alternative in the immediate area is the Best Western Premier Opera Faubourg, which offers extras like an on-site bar and lounge, but rates are more expensive.

Hotel Juliana Paris has a great location on a quiet street within walking distance to the Champs de Mars and the Eiffel Tower. It's also about a block from the Seine and close to a plethora of restaurants, museums, and shopping. A stylish lobby bar has an alluring atmosphere and the seasonal rooftop terrace is an extra perk. There's also a luxurious spa with a sauna and a beautifully tiled steam room. The 40 guest rooms are on the large side for Paris and have sophisticated decor, along with espresso machines and luxe bathrooms. It's not quite as chic, but rates tend to be much cheaper at the nearby four-pearl Le Derby Alma, and it's even closer to the Eiffel Tower. 

The 66-room Hotel Magenta 38 is a smart, three-pearl choice for travelers looking for chic design at affordable rates. It's located in Paris's 10th Arrondissement in Canal Saint-Martin, the city's epicenter of hipsterdom. The boutique hotel's rooms have minimalist chic decor, minibars, and flat-screen TVs; some offer balconies with views. Freebies include Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, happy hour, and Nespresso in the attractive, inviting lobby. But the breakfast buffet is an additional fee. The property isn't within walking distance of major tourist sights and doesn't have a full restaurant, bar, or business center. Business travelers might opt for nearby Holiday Inn Paris-Gare de L'Est, which may also be a better choice for families traveling with small children. 

The 44-room Hotel Joke - Astotel is a modern and playful mid-range boutique hotel situated in Paris' 9th Arrondissement. While slightly outside of the main tourist area, it's in walking distance to trendy neighborhoods like South Pigalle and Montmartre, plus it's just a three-minute walk from the Moulin Rouge and the metro. Rooms are clean, compact, and contemporary with en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges stocked with free soft drinks. Extra property features are limited, but a buffet breakfast is served in a trendy breakfast room (extra fee) and free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are available in the afternoon. The nearby Hotel Josephine by HappyCulture offers a more romantic vibe, but rooms there show some wear-and-tear.

Given its worn public spaces, small rooms, and minimal features, the Plug-Inn actually ranks near the bottom of Paris' many budget hostel options when it comes to value -- but not necessarily to price. Like most hostels, the hotel is geared toward young adults traveling in groups, and rooms range from private units with flat-screen TVs to spartan three- to four-person dorms, all with tiny en-suite bathrooms and no air-conditioning. Rooms are functional and fairly clean, and the location -- a 10-minute walk to Montmartre and Sacre Couer -- is hard to complain about. Although breakfast and Wi-Fi are included in the rates, travelers looking for a bit more style and nicer rooms should consider the similarly priced Smart Place Paris, which has a cool lobby lounge.

Perfect isn’t the best word to describe this small, hostel-style property, but for budget travelers looking for the basics at a more affordable price than anything else found in central Paris, it fits the bill. All dorm rooms are clean with their own sinks and there are a couple of private rooms with private bathrooms. Breakfast is simple but well-organized and the staff is friendly and helpful.

A 15-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, the Campanile Paris 15 - Tour Eiffel is a bare-bones property in a convenient location. The 76-room hotel is on a quiet street in the 15th Arrondissement, with restaurants, and the metro nearby --- a good thing, considering you’ll need it to reach most of Paris’ blockbuster sights. Rooms are very basic and small, with little room to maneuver around the beds, and almost completely lack decoration; bathrooms are tiny. Still, this has the lowest base rates in the neighborhood, so for the budget-conscious only looking for a place to lay their heads, it may be a good choice. However, those willing to pay somewhat more have several better options, including the Hotel Korner Eiffel, which has significantly more style and a more pleasant atmosphere in an equally good location. 

Caulaincourt Square Hostel is a two-pearl budget option for guests looking to stay in Paris’ scenic Montmartre neighborhood. Rooms range from six-bed dorms to private Double Rooms, but don’t expect much charm or budget traveler bonding as the hostel’s common areas aren’t built with comfort or backpacker storytelling in mind. Views of the Parisian streets from some guest units are quaint and many rooms have en-suite bathrooms, but there is no air-conditioning and bright paint jobs can’t disguise peeling wallpaper, beat-up furniture, and moldy grout. Guests looking for a more stylish, clean, and well-kept budget option should try the Generator Hostel in the 10th Arrondissement.