i was hoping this was another media oush for paris hilton...

what part of town you staying in?

I stayed at Hotel Prince on Avenue Bosquet. Ecole Militaire metro stop is right outside and the Champs de Mars/Eiffel Tower is around the corner, however, the neighborhood doesn't necessarily feel tourist-y.

^ For being so close to the Eiffel Tower it was pretty cheap. Check hotels.com.

COUCHSURFING.COM

are cheap - and typically clean enough. I almost stayed at the Young and Happy hostel in the Latin Quarter, it was booked so we ended up staying at another one closer to the Eiffel Tower (can't remember the name) - but the Young and Happy was pretty decent, and in a great spot in the Latin Quarter.

i stayed one night in paris...now it burns when i pee.

Try this one:

very characterful
fantastic location
cool owner!

http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/h75006saintandredesarts.htm

it's usually booked-up far in advance, though

If you are going with a group this is one of the best places i have found. Its an apartment in Montmartre, less than 5 minutes walk from the Sacre Coeur, with some fantastic traditional Parisian bars nearby.

And the lady who owns it will meet you at the nearest metro station.

http://www.luckyyouth.com/