The mid-range Hotel Excelsior Latin is a 66-room boutique hotel situated in the Latin Quarter, just off the busy cafe- and shop-lined Boulevard St. Michel. Inviting interiors mix Parisian elegance with doses of rustic charm in this 18th-century property, where period pieces and portrait paintings couple with bare stone walls and exposed wood beams. Clean and cozy rooms are on the small side, though more spacious suites that sleep up to five are also available. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, work desks, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is available for an added charge. The Grand Hotel Saint Michel just down the street is pricier, but it has a fitness center, hammam, meeting rooms, and more in-room amenities.

The 61-room Hotel Brighton is a redone 19th-century building right in the heart of Paris's 1st arrondissement, very close to Tuileries, the Louvre, and most of Paris's top tourist attractions. Business travelers and tourists will both find this upscale hotel ideally located and atmospheric; the strong old Paris vibe is enhanced by the hotel's antique furnishings and paintings, but also fun, with bright, modern pops of color to remind guests this is a 21st century establishment. Just note that there may be a wait for the elevator, and the hotel lacks property features some may expect from this category, such as a fitness center and full-service restaurant.

Although hardly as regal as its name implies, the three-and-a-half-pearl Victoria Palace is a quiet and comfortable retreat just south of Saint-Germain, one of Paris' most posh neighborhoods. The 62 air-conditioned rooms are larger than average and some have views of the Eiffel Tower, but the frilly, traditional look can appear dated. Although a daily breakfast is served for a fee in the property's elegant dining room, it lacks facilities such as a restaurant, gym, or concierge. Travelers may want to compare rates at other hotels in the 6th Arrondissement, such as the chic Hotel Montalembert, which has a library lounge with fireplace and an outdoor dining terrace, or the Hotel Pont Royal, which offers room service by a rockstar Parisian chef. Rates are similar to the Victoria Palace at both properties.

Le Relais du Marais is a budget-friendly hotel with a fun and playful vibe set in the historic and hip area of Marais in central Paris. The location is great for exploring the capital, with most tourist attractions a short metro ride away and a station right next door. The 36 rooms are small and many show signs of wear, though air-conditioning is a bonus and decor original and unstuffy. Rates are very competitive for staying this central, but if it's all a bit too funky check out the similarly cheap, and far more sober, Paris France Hotel very nearby.

The historic 16-room Hotel Esmeralda is a boutique on the Left Bank steps from the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Seine, placing it in one of Paris' most enviable neighborhoods. While the lobby features plenty of charming details -- gorgeous stone walls, a rickety, but authentic, winding staircase, and plenty of antiques -- the rooms are very basic with bland furnishings. There are no amenities (not even breakfast), and there is no elevator (stairs are steep), but it's hard to beat the Hotel Esmeralda for value. If you're looking for a unique budget stay steps from major tourist sights and charming restaurants, cafes, and shops, you can do little better than this hotel.

The Hotel Magellan is a mid-range hotel set in a renovated 19th-century building in Paris's 17th arrondissement. The surrounding area is mostly residential, with plenty of shops and cafes; the city center is a 15-minute metro ride away, and the business areas around the Palais des Congrès and Porte de Champerret are within walking distance, as is the Arc de Triomphe. Most of the clean, basic rooms overlook the pleasant, peaceful garden, with its patio sitting area. Breakfast on the terrace and 24-hour room service are two main highlights -- and unusual for this level of hotel. Although the location is not ideal for exploring central Paris, rates are reasonable for the area and quality; nearby Champerret Elysees might be a cheaper option. 

The Hotel Design de la Sorbonne is a well-priced option with eye-catching decor in a convenient Latin Quarter location. This 38-room boutique hotel, renovated in 2009, is filled with photography and artsy details. Rooms are small (not untypical in Paris) but chic with dramatic color schemes and sleek bathrooms. A perfect location for capturing Paris on foot, it is across the street from the Sorbonne, and a five-minute walk to Luxembourg Gardens, the Pantheon, and Notre Dame Cathedral.

The 27-room Hotel Odeon Saint-Germain is a stately boutique in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. It is housed in a historical building with an inner courtyard and was redesigned by French designer Jacques Garcia. There is a quality breakfast buffet on offer. Rooms are spread across five floors, and feature velvet upholstery, antique toilets, and plush armchairs. The rooms vary in size and can feel too small for those traveling with multiple bags. For a similar atmosphere, the Hotel D’aubusson is one other option -- but space in Parisian hotels generally runs on the small side.

This boutique property, with 36 rooms and 4 suites, gets high marks for its style; picture reclaimed wood, exposed brick, real keys with tassels, and illuminated bath tubs. Rooms are tiny, but equally stylish. Though not within walking distance of most Parisian attracts, the hotel's suburban location stretches the travel budget and the metro and rail are very close by. A nice breakfast buffet is offered for a surcharge but nearby bakeries and cafes are a good alternative as well. Otherwise, there are few on-site amenities besides a small garden area.

The 43-room Hotel de la Porte Doree is an elegant, homey mid-range hotel located outside of the Paris city center in the 12th arrondissement. The hotel is quiet and charming, with a true Parisian feeling. Loft-like rooms have plush bedding and wood floors, and blend modern amenities (Blu-ray DVD players, iPod docks, free Wi-Fi) with vintage details (gilded mirrors, crown molding). Because this is a boutique, there's not much in the way of property features, but there is a DVD lending library and breakfast buffet (for a fee) served in a cute cafe-style room. The metro, bus, high speed rail, and new tram all stop near the hotel entrance.