Originally Posted by SeamusSA

Hands down, a taxi from CDG to your hotel is your best bet. By the time you pay four fares on the bus plus the cab from the bus stop to your hotel you will likely wind up spending as much or more than a taxi from CDG. Just be sure to get a licensed taxi from the queue at CDG - very simple and easy. While I am sure that there is the occasional dishonest driver, it has never happened to me or anyone I know when using a licensed taxi. By all means do avoid any gypsy cabs, the type where a tout approaches you and asks if you need a cab. Just go to the official taxi rank and you will be fine.

The area around Juares is not as bad as others have made out. It is certainly not close in to things and you will spend considerable time going back and forth. Do you think kids that age will be able to leave the hotel and spend the day touring without a rest? Strongly suggest you look elsewhere not because of the neighborhood but because of the utility. Second the apartment suggestion - it can also help you save on meals if you are able to prepare some at the apartment. www.homeaway.com is a good site we have used in he past. www.centreparis.com also offers some places that look like they would fit your budget.

Skip the Paris Visite, it is not worth it. You can buy a carnet (kar-nay) of 10 tickets that will work on metro or bus for slightly less than the cost of 10 individual tickets, will be cheaper for you in the long run.