I have spent many-a-night in Paris Marriott properties.

The best one, in terms of service and amenities is the Renaissance La Defense, which is 15 minutes outside of Etoile (Arc de Triomphe) on the #1 line. Great executive lounge there and nice amenities.

Have stayed at the Champs Elysees on a few occasions when we were living in London. Nice place, a bit overrated. Great location to maximize night life and people watching.

Renaissance Place Vendome is a great option if you are going to be spending the bulk of your time at the major musees. I love Tuileries and Vendome is a block away, so that is the ideal for me.

There are a couple new properties - Rive Gauche and Trocadero. Trocadero is a SOfitel property they just bought and I stayed there a few weeks ago. The proximity to the Eiffel Tower is nice, but both properties have a ways to go in terms of amenities. Rive Gauche did upgrade me to a full suite, which was nice.

My wife stayed at Champs Elysees with a couple friends and I called ahead and asked for some special amenities. They were kind enough to upgrade her to the Champs Elysees suite, which they all still talk about. Balcony looking at Tour Eiffel and Arc de Triomphe views...not bad.

With children I would stay in La Defense (room size / exec lounge). If it is just two of you I would go Place Vendome (cozy rooms, well appointed, proximity to Latin Quarter, Madeleine, and the Louvre, Orangerie and Orsay).