Thanks Courtney for the question. I am going to start with some general tips when going to Paris and then based on your comments/questions I will go into more detail.
When to go?
I find the crowds of tourists really pick up in May and June so recommend for cost reasons/lesser crowds at the key sites to go in April. However just like here there are spring showers in April. But it will be a bit warmer than here.
Who to fly with?
At Xmas and Boxing day all Airlines have offers and typically Air Canada does a 15 to 20% off flights to Europe. I like Air Canada and/or Air Transat as long as they are going into Charles Degaulle as you can take the train into central Paris quite easily. You can also go with Air France (sign up for their offers) but it seems like their are often labour disruptions so I am very cautious even when the price is better. These three always have direct overnight flights.
Where to stay?
Really depends on what is important to you to see and whether your comfortable taking the metro or just want to walk. I always pick a hotel/small inn near a train station/metro station. Note unless your at paying the big $ stick to 3-star inns with ratings of 8-10 overall on booking.com or expedia. What I like about European hotels is that while the rooms are small they always have singles accommodation at lower prices than North America. Note when looking at the reviews check for walking distance from the train station/metro station. Look for cleanliness ratings and early check ins. With the reviews most reviewers are basing their reviews on expectations for a 3-star so if you don't want basic, safe and need luxury don't do 3 star. Also make sure there is a SAFE in the room. Paris is the hub of pick-pockets. Just take what you money you need for the day and have a photo copy of your passport info (picture and signature page).
Plan ahead:
Pre-buying a metro pass, Paris Pass (gets you into many key museums, etc.) for a lower price on line. I add up the cost of the must-sees that I want to do over say a 3-day period. You can usually see 3 things in a day comfortably as everything is close by. Or if your more of a shopper, outdoor sightseer just book online your tickets (always do this or your will wait in line and not necessarily get in as a lot of things like the Louvre etc may have timed tickets). Watch for sales on line for the Paris Pass (again sign up on line for promotions).
Passes timing for the 3-day start of first use so don't use it the first day ... I usually start it on the second day to 5th day and then have time on the remaining time to shop or go out of the city.
Restaurants:
General tips ... Asian food - particularly Vietamese is always a cheaper option especially for lunch. Same with middle eastern food. Also this is the land of the fixed price menus for dinner. I recommend neighbourhood bistros/cafes for dinner (away from the main tourist streets). Food is better and cheaper. You usually get 2-3 things salad/soup, choice of entrée and desert. They posted these menus on the windows/doors - stand outside and check who is in there - lots of locals its probably good - note Parisiens eat late dinners. Also almost always the tip is included and the menu is in French only - have your phone of a book for food translations. Even in Mont Martre you will see lots of small cafes with fixed prices.
Hope this helps as a start... post specific questions and I will try to answer.
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