For this list, the trick was to find low-priced hotels whose proprietors hadn't entirely stripped away every vestige of historical character. Where possible, I favored lesser-konown, less touristy quartiers still within shouting distance of major monuments. The cut-off rate was Usd 150 a night-much harder to meet now that the U.S. dollar is being overrun by Euro. The hotels that made my list combine above-average comfort for the price, attention to detail and tradition, reasonable proximity to central sites and a sense that you've arrived not in some anonymous city, but Paris.

Prices quoted are per night, for a standard, double occupancy-room during high season. Unless otherwise noted, the hotels have elevators, cable or satellite TV, telephones and private bathrooms. Note that breakfast is not usually included in the price of the room (figure another Usd 7 to Usd 10), and air-conditioning for budget hotels isn't the norm.

The 27 rooms at the Langlois, spacious by Paris standarts are decorated with belle epoque and art nouveau-era paintings, fabrics and furniture. Some -such as no 15- also have bathrooms fitted with glazed tile freplaces and antique tubs, while others (Nos.63 and 64) sport impressive views of Sacre Coeur. Though Rue Saint-Lazare feels removed from all the hubbub, it2s only a 10-minute walk to the Opera Garnier and the shops along thre Grands Boulevards and 15 minutes to the foot of Montmartre.

63 Rue Saint-Lazare, 9th arrondisement.
Metro : Trinite. Rates about Usd 109 - Usd 122.
Info : 011-33-1-4874-7824, www.hotel-langlois.com