Plus Because of its former association with the Moulin Rouge, the hotel can often secure last-minute seats to performances.

Minus After dark, the neighborhood is home to a sizeable number of sex workers.

PARIS HOTELS These five boutique properties offer atmosphere to spare, and at a price that's right. • Launch the slide show

Details 5 rue Tholozé, 18th arr., 011-33/1-46-06-30-52, arts-hotel-paris.com, from $125.

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HôTEL DES SAINTS-PÈRES
'Hood St-Germain-des-Prés. Once known as a literary area, it's now a sophisticated shopping district anchored by Le Bon Marché, the famous department store.

First Impression The hotel is a 17th-century town house that was once the residence of one of Louis XIV's architects, Daniel Gittard. It's decorated with an impressive collection of antiques and 18th-century paintings.

The Rooms Each of the 39 rooms possesses unique features, from the exposed-beam ceiling in Room 114 to the loft bathroom in Room 405, a duplex. Room 100 (at 355 euros a night, the most expensive) has a 17th-century fresco painted by artists from the school of Versailles. It can be viewed if the room is vacant.

Plus When the weather is nice, breakfast is served outdoors in the courtyard garden.

Minus You have to know to ask for one of three smaller rooms that go for 145 euros. Advertised rates start at 165 euros.

Details 65 rue des Saints-Pères, 6th arr., 011-33/1-45-44-50-00, paris-hotel-saints-peres.com, from $185.

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