Hotel: We came back from Paris 2 months ago where we stayed at The Veronese Hotel a two star hotel which we found very comfortable, tucked in a side street. Private bath w/shower. The hotel was, at the time, 70 Euros with breakfast for a double. The staff speaks English and are very friendly. We initially took an indoor room facing the courtyard but it was too noisy and small. We moved to one facing the street which was bigger and quieter. We stayed there for 10 nights. Has Rue Moffetard at walking distance - market by day and restaurant row by night (a mini Latin Quarter without the tourists.) 2 blocks from Place D'Italie, 1 block from an internet cafe and a supermarket. Web site: http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/h75013veronese.htm and click on Budget hotels and then Veronese.

Metro Card: We purchased an orange card - 7 day pass when we arrived in Paris and used it pretty much to go anywhere. They told us it also included the RER. Make sure that you have your picture taken at one of the booths in the main metros, since it has to be validated that way, though we were never were checked in our multiple excursions within the metro system.

Happy journeys to all!

Lidia (in Los Angeles but wanting to go somewhere soon!)