Renting an apartment has many pluses if you'll be in Paris for a week or more. But, it's important to do your homework before you sign a binding contract. BonjourParis publisher Karen Fawcett has tips for choosing your apartment so you'll know what to expect when you open the door to your temporary home away from home.

Hôtel Saint-Paul Rive-Gauche is a 3-star inn adored by its many returning guests. The warm welcome, inviting sitting room with fireplace, exposed Roman stone walls and elegant French décor throughout only hint at immaculately clean rooms with modern comforts. Stay once and you'll return again to this charming hotel near all of your Left Bank favorites.

Karen Fawcett is all for romance and has favorite romantic Paris hotels on both sides of the Seine. Whether you're combining business with pleasure or dreaming of pampering, these choices are sure to please. And if you're a last-minute traveler, August may be the best time to consider Hotels Bel Ami, Belle Juliette, L'Hotel, Mathurin and Villa Madame.

You requested more "reasonably priced Paris hotels" and we think you'll like Karen Fawcett's very current picks. All have Wi-Fi, air conditioning, modern comforts; one has rooms with Eiffel Tower views, others have outdoor terraces. Check out Hotels de la Paix, Duquesne Eiffel, le Jardin de Cluny, des Marronniers, Mama Shelter and Turenne le Marais.

Since Karen Fawcett shared her favorite Saint-Germain-des-Prés hotels, readers have requested more hotel options in the Paris 6th. With pleasure, we oblige with five more hotels we think you'll like, all near the Saint-Sulpice area of the 6th. Today Karen's picks for charming hotels are: La Villa Madame, Hôtel Récamier, Le Senat, de l'Abbaye, and La Perle.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the Paris 6th may be the most popular quartier for visitors. And why not, with entertainment and sightseeing options galore. Karen Fawcett lists here some of her favorite places in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, including six well-appointed hotels: d'Aubusson, de Buci, L'Hotel, Madison and Villa Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Want uncommon budget lodging? Hotel Hospitel Dieu is funky: it's on the top floor of a working hospital just steps from Notre-Dame and the Seine. It's safe, quiet and comfortable, with elevator access, air conditioning, TV, shower and handicapped rooms with great views. Marvah Hill Pierre-Louis checked it out and liked what she saw.

In May 2011 LVMH and the city of Paris revealed plans to build a luxury Cheval Blanc Hotel and mixed use center at the former Samaritaine site. Startlingly modern, this radical transformation resembles how street vendor Edgar Cognacq built Samaritaine in the late 1890s. Dali Wiederhoft tells the history and plans for the LVMH Cheval Blanc Hotel, Paris.

In the spirit that nothing is too expensive when it comes to romance, this is a good time to tour some of Paris's drop-dead five-star hotels. Even if you can't afford the tab (or would opt not to spend big bucks), it's fun to take a look-see. Be polite, stop and have a drink (even a coffee or a tea) in the bar or the lounge.