Recommend a hotel in Paris

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

Next month I will be taking the Mrs. and three wavettes to London to visit my brother-in-law and his family. While we are there, the Mrs would really like to go to Paris for a few days. BIL says getting on the Eurostar to Paris is a cinch from his house. So, does anyone have any recommendations for a moderately priced hotel in Paris for a family of five?

If it’s not asking too much, we’d like to be fairly near some of major sights (Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame) since we will only be there a short time.

Any other advice (Paris or London) would be welcomed as well.

Thanks,

Dave

2

I liked the Hotel du Champ du Mars. (I think thats the name)

It was near the tower and had a wonderful crepe stand around the corner.

3

Thanks Zebra. Were you there recently?

4

Give an indication of budget/facilities required.

5

I have no idea on price because my parents funded it, but we just last week stayed at the Citadines Apart-hotel Paris Louvre (they have many other locations near and in the city) and it was very nice. It’s an apartment hotel with kitchenettes and lots of extra room- great for family travel. And the desk staff at this location (right next to the Comédie Française, 5 minutes from the Louvre) was very friendly and helpful. Very modern, very nice.

6

Jimm. I’ll give you the entire wish list. Two connecting rooms (meaning an inside connection, not just next door). At least one with private facilities (toilet and bath or shower). I’d like to pay no more than 150 euros per room (less if possible). And if they served breakfast it would be great. Continental is fine. Otherwise, I don’t know what else I need. I’m planning on being there two nights. Thanks.

7

I have stayed in a cheap little pension near L’Opera, but I don’t think it was particularly family-oriented (and no breakfast). However, in Amsterdam I’ve stayed in Ibis hotels, which I gather have the same standards across the chain, and recommend them on price, cleanliness, breakfast, and ensuite as default. I think the only thing that might be difficult to find is adjoining rooms. They’re not charming by any means, but they’re good value.

8

…and continental is what you’ll get. Why do you think we (Yanks/Brits) call it “continental” ?

My wife once had a violent yearning for an omelette while we were breakfasting in a Parisian cafe…They made it for her, but she got the same sort of raised eyebrow she’d have gotten for requesting an 8 AM cheeseburger in Tupelo, Mississippi.

9

Thank you Melandry and Jimm.

And thanks for the word Ukulele Ike. I suspected as much, but wasn’t sure. The kids aren’t too much on breakfast anyway.

In the future, I’ll be staying out of Tupelo, at least for breakfast anywho.

10

Me and Mrs.Z were there about a year ago. I don’t know about connecting rooms as we have no kids and didn’t even ask about that. It did not serve breakfast but there was plenty of food serving places around. I really sure the room rate was much lower than 150 euros. IIRC it was maybe 80 US dollars a night but the room was nice with an (almost) American type shower.

11

About three years ago, I stayed at the Holiday Inn Bastille. The room was very “American” in its size and ammenities (nice bathroom). It also had a continental breakfast (which they charge you for automatically, so if you don’t partake, let them know.)

I’m not sure of the price. At the time, I worked for Holiday Inn here in the States, and through a little computer magic on a certain evening at midnight, I was able to reserve a room in Paris at the employee rate. (Usually the rooms in Europe are “blocked” to the employee rate. The employees in Paris had never seen one before and thought we were Big Wigs. We got a room on the top floor with a view of the Eiffel Tower!!!

We left from London to Paris, just like you’re planning to do. If time is not a HUGE issue, I wouldn’t reccomend the EuroStar. Hubby and I took a ferry from Dover to Calais, and then rode the train to Paris. We paid the extra 4 pounds for first class on the ferry, which if you should decide to use, I STRONGLY recommend. The people down in “steerage,” as I called it, were sitting on their suitcases in a steel-grey painted room. For that extra four pounds, we sat in a lovely lounge on poofy sofas, with a bar, and our own steward, fetching us tea and cookies. The train trip was a bit long (several hours, IIRC), but the train was moderately comfy, with our own compartment, and a nice view of the French countryside as we rode. Taking the ferry and train was MUCH cheaper, and a lot more scenic to boot.

If you’re going to the Louvre, I’d suggest taking along an electronic French translator (or the human version, if available). They are supposed to have a bin of cards in each room with the artifact explanations in English, but I found that most of the English cards were missing, and had to puzzle out the signs on the exhibit cases. I don’t really reccomend renting the audio tape tour. I did it the first time I went, and didn’t really like it.

I’d suggest using a credit card whenever possible, and carrying as little cash as possible. Credit cards generally get a better exchange rate.

12

A favorite of ours is Hotel de Banville, about 1/2 mile from the Arc de Triomphe.

Someone suggested Hotel du Champs de Mars; it’s close to Rue Cler, a favorite of travel-writer Rick Steves because it has one of every kind of French food vendor.

Have fun!

13

The Hôtel Burgundy, on the Right Bank in the 1st Arrondissement near the Tuileries and the Louvre, offers a suite for 289 euros in this otherwise pricy part of town. Every bathroom has a tub and shower. Breakfast is extra at the hotel’s restaurant.

On the Left Bank, the Hôtel des Grands Hommes, in the 5th Arrondissement across from the Pantheon and about a mile south of Notre Dame Cathedral, offers suites for 243-381 euros. Each bedroom has a tub and shower combo.

14

Sorry, I gave you an outdate link for the Hôtel Burgundy. Try this.

15

When I was in Paris in October, I stayed at l’Hôtel des Arènes, in the 5[sup]e[/sup] arrondissement (Latin Quarter). It’s a ten-minute walk from Notre Dame, and the neighbourhood is fantastic with plenty of restaurants to choose from. Very friendly staff who kept joking that my friend and I were in Paris on our honeymoon (so when we left, I said, “Monsieur is paying. The honeymoon’s over!”)

More info here (in French, but at least you can see their rates).

16

The Hôtel de Fleurie, in the Left Bank’s 6th Arrondissement off boulevard St-Germain, has pairs of rooms with interconnecting doors (chambres familiales) for 244 to 274 euros. All units have tiled bathrooms with tub and shower. It’s about a half-mile from the lovely Luxembourg Garden, where your kids can sail a toy boat, watch a puppet show, or ride a pony; and a mile and a half from Notre Dame Cathedral.

17

Thank you all so much. I appreciate all the recommendations and information! I need to take some time and sort through it all. I am really looking forward to our trip.

Dave