JES28

I'm attending a show at Paris Nord Villepinte Expo in October and looking for a hotel in a location in the heart of the citycity that allows for some sight seeing with easy access to the Expo - straight shot (no transfers) on public transportation and 30 minutes or less if possible. Any suggestions??

Michael

Any hotel near the RER B

JES28

Thanks Micheal, is there an easy way to look that up that you can recommend?

Christina

That's the Parc des Expositions RER stop. Given how far out that is, if you want to be within 30 minutes, you'l have to get a hotel near one of the northernmost stops, on the Right Bank. That leaves only two -- Gare du Nord or Chatelet/Les Halles-- if you want to be in Paris proper.

So you'd have to find hotels near those two points, should be some way to search that on some booking spots. There are always some hotels near rail stations so there are a couple within a block of Gare du Nord, I know.

I stayed at one near Chatelet/Les Halles a few years ago that I really liked if you want to check it out. It's a super central location for doing things in Paris as well as getting on the RER north. http://www.hotelducsdanjou.fr/
It's only about 2 blocks to the RER stop. Of course there are quite a few hotels in that area.

Seamus

In the immediate area of gare du Nord you will find an abundance of hotels that offer more convenience than charm. The area is not really unsafe but does tend to the gritty. Chatelet Les Halles is better but I'd suggest you add just a couple minutes transit to St. Michel / Notre Dame station on RER B line. It's still a direct shot on public transport.

What are your dates? October is actually a busy month in Paris, especially for expositions. What type room do you need?

Christina

true, St Michel/Notre Dame is only a few minutes beyond Chatelet, although I don't think it is that charming right around it, either. But the Luxembourg stop is only about 5 minutes more, I like it better around there. But both would be convenient if you want to be in the Latin Quarter and there are eplenty of hotels around them. Just be sure you allow enough time when first trying this out, as RATP says it takes at least 30 minutes from Parc des Expositions just to Chatelet AND not all the RER trains going through St Michel or Chatelet will go all the way to Villepinte/Parc des Expositions. That is what you really have to be careful about. Some stop at Mitry-Claye (the ones named IDIL or IDOL) and others stop in St Denis at the Stade de France. Be sure to check the board/overhead sign that the train you are boarding goes far enough. You wants trains nameed EMAL, EBON or EMOI (it's on the front).

good point about October, that is indeed a very busy month for hotels, you'd better get booking

JES28

Thanks so much for the suggestions. Seamus, I will be travelling with my boss at the end of October and would like a decent 3-4 star room for around $200/nt if possible.
Christina, the hotel looks very nice but the rooms appear very small - did you find that to be the case?
Thank you!

Seamus

That's going to take some doing to find a well located 3-4 star for $200 during exposition season. And, yes, you will find the rooms small, especially in the lower price ranges. If you and your boss plan on sharing a room you had better have a very good relationship, and be light packers!
The exact dates can make a big difference in price. Suggest you go to www.booking.com or www.venere.com and plug in your info, then use the map display to narrow your search.

JES28

Thanks Seamus...I will definitely NOT be sharing a room with my boss
Maybe we will need to up the budget, I will take a look!

kerouac

Check out the Mercure at Gare du Nord. If it is too expensive, there is an excellent Ibis Styles next door.

kerouac

I see that the "Ibis Styles Paris Gare du Nord TGV" is going for around 145€ a night in October, including a full buffet breakfast.

JES28

Thank you so much, I will check these out Kerouac!!