UNCalum

Hi,
I am well aware that areas around train stations are not ideal, but I have a group of thirty-four adult students, each of whom will need a separate bed, who will be in Paris in May. I have tried many small hotels with much more charm, but none can supply enough twin rooms.

We are on a limited budget and are down to choosing between the Ibis Gare de Lyon and the Ibis Gare de l'Est. any input on which is the least objectionable would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

TheEurogoer

I enjoyed staying at the Ibis Gare de l'Est 10em last year. It is very well positioned for transportation, and I found it to have quite pleasant staff. The interior rooms are quiet. Some rooms contain an actual bathtub, something tough to find with that hotel chain in Paris. The breakfast offered is good and filling. I found the twin room to be relatively spacious for Paris. You may find a rather competitive rate at www.accorhotels.com if you try booking for arrival on a Friday or Saturday and depart on a Monday.

StuDudley

I think the area around the Gare de Lyon is much nicer. Quite often we do a "one-nighter" in Paris after a month in the South of France. We take the TGV to the Gare de Lyon, and stay at the Terminus Hotel before flying home. We ALWAYS dine at the Train Bleu in the station - a "must see", IMO.
http://www.le-train-bleu.com/uk/index.php

We've never stayed near the Gare d'Est, but we've explored the area several times. We're not fans of the area - kinda grungy compared to others, & the Gare de Lyon.

Stu Dudley

Gretchen

We have stayed at the Ibis gare de Lyon and found it quite adequate and pleasant--for its purpose. And there were kids there when we were. The breakfast room is nice--the staff very helpful.
On another trip we stayed in the gare de l'Est area and for our purpose (one night before a train) it was fine, but I wouldn't choose it for a prolonged stay

Christina

I'd rather be around the Gare de Lyon, it is actually near some points of interest (Viaduc des Arts and Promenade Plantee) and on one of my favorite bus routes (91). Of coruse that's because I stay in Montparnasse, so that bus goes over there and then to the Bastille column and runs late at night. But it's on a convenient metro line, also (1), and a shorter metro ride to places I may go to eat or whatever.

kerouac

I would very much prefer the Gare de l'Est area because it has a greater selection of budget food for a group, not to mention a complete food court inside the shopping mall in the station. A student group would also appreciate the trendy cafés and bars along the canal Saint Martin a few blocks away. Gare de l'Est is also a much better transportation hub for both the metro and a multitude of bus lines. People looking for some ethnic food will also be in heaven there.

PalenQ

To me it would be hands-down Gare de Lyon Ibis - like Stu I think the area is much much nicer - Gare de l'Est to me is a bit seedy and plain ugly at places - Gare de Lyon abuts the Bercy park area - a vast park on the Seine known for its old wine warehouses now converted to restaurants and wine bodegas, etc.

The Lyon IBIS is also close to the Bastille where an outdoor market (Allegre) provides cheap fruits and vegs and there are many grocery stores.

You group will feel more comfy after dark IMO in the Lyon area than Gare de l'Est (I stayed in a Comfort Inn near the Gare de l'Est and at one metro stop at night I thought I was in the Bronx with folks that probably were nice chaps were literally hanging out all over the metro exit.

Seamus

Are you looking at the Ibis Gare de Lyon Diderot or Ledru Rollin? Of the two I'd go for the Ledru Rollin location. Little larger and slightly more amenities (24 hour bar with snacks.) Have stayed in that area and enjoyed it, easy walk to several sites of interest and very good access to public transit.

Kerouac is (as always!) bang on about the area around the gare de l'Est offering more economical options for food, but the immediate area is a bit grittier. Not actually unsafe, but gritty.

kappa1

I too have a slight preference for Ibis Ledru-Rollin over Diderot one. I have stayed twice at both and at Ledru-Rollin, had brighter and a bit largier room each time. Also the reception area ( incl. restaurant / bar) is largier and more comfortable to stay around. Located just on theway from the Gare de Lyon to Place Basille.

UNCalum

Thanks for your input. I appreciate your taking the time to share your experiences!