timothy rourke

<BR>Hello all - Traveling to Paris from 11/1 to 11/09 of 2002. We currently have reservations at both hotels but were deciding on which would be our final choice. We are seeking your input as to what your experiences have been at these two hotels or experiences your friends or family may have had at either.<BR><BR>Both are in the Sixth Arr. - the Artus was formerly the Hotel Buci Latin - located at 34 Rue de Buci and the St Germain is located 29 Rue Jacob.<BR><BR>We are a gay couple in our late 30's/early 40's (somewhat hip and trendy as one can be at our age!) making our third trip together to Paris. We are from NYC. We previously stayed in Hotel Verneuil ( Seventh Arr- 8 Rue de Verneuil) which, this time, only has a small room available. Both hotels are in our price range from $230 to $250 euros. Both seem centerally located for shopping, sightseeing and dining out, each of which we enjoy. We also plan to take two day trips outside the city via rail.<BR><BR>We would like a room that, for Paris, is a bit bigger than the norm and that has nice sized bath and ammenities in the room. As well, a helpful staff ( especially with making dinner reservations), comfortable beds ,quiet surroundings, and close to the Metro. Additionally nice would be a complimentary breakfast which would provide us with one less stop each morning in getting our day started. <BR><BR>Both hotels seem to have received favorable reviews here. Is there anything about either hotel that might make it a more memorable experience or choice to aid us in making our final decision? Perhaps something that you or a friend/family might have experienced at either hotel that would might sway us one or another? I look forward to your comments.<BR><BR>Thanks again to all you Fodorites for your all your insights and help. They are invaluable asset in planning a vacation.<BR><BR>Regards<BR>Tim<BR><BR>

timothy rourke

<BR>This is the first time I have posted on a Fodor board and no one chimed in. Oh well!! Trying again, in the hope that someone would lend their insight.<BR><BR>Thanks again<BR>Tim<BR>

sandi

Tim,<BR><BR>You may be unfamiliar with other areas of Fodors that show comments from people that have stayed in certain hotels. Use this link:<BR>http://www.fodors.com/rants/rrread.cfm?destination=paris@117&class=Lodging@200 03&entity_id=51297&property=ARTUS%20HOTEL@57360&so rt=name&pg=1<BR><BR>or go to Fordor's main page click on hotels, click on Paris the search alphabetically by hotel name. You'll see a rating based on comments. If you click on "user rating" by the hotel name you can read the actual individual comments. I found a lot for Artus. You can also do a search on this board by entering the hotel name in the text search box. Good Luck

Christina

I think sometimes posts just get lost in the shuffle, but I didn't respond because I have no personal experience staying at either. However, I think there have been numerous comments on both within the past year, if you know about the search function, that might be helpful. Search on "buci" obviously, as well as Artus.<BR><BR>You can also read comments on www.paris.org/Hotels and digital.france.com/hotels

Peter

I was just in Paris and stayed at the Artus for several nights, and recommend it highly. The location is excellent, the rooms have a lot of charm, albeit on the very small side. Try to get a room facing the street on the upper floors, their dual pane windows keep out the street noise and let in a lot of light. The bathroom with slate floors was immaculate and the shower top notch. The staff is excellent -- Sanjay is very helpful -- and the location cannot be beat. As to the Villa St. Germain -- I walked past it a few times and the lobby looks very nice and elegant. Its also on a slightly less busy street (the Artus is practically on the corner of de Buci and St. Germain). At the Artus, the included breakfast of rolls, croissants and yogurt can be augmented with scrambled eggs (just ask them to whip some up for you). <BR><BR>An international crowd stays there, and quite hip, with a smattering of American trust fund kid types thrown in. If you don't mind a smallish room the Artus cannot be beat. <BR><BR>Enjoy.

timothy rourke

Peter - Just saw your note regarding my post regarding the Artus Hotel. Thank you very much for your insight.<BR><BR>I did decide to go with the Artus hotel. The gentleman at the hotel, Sanjay, is truly amazing. I have never encountered a more helpful hotel employee in my entire life - considering I have yet to begin my travels!! He has helped me with securing a pickup from the airport ( for the same price as most shuttles), secured reservations at all my top choices of restaurants each nite, made reservations for us at three champagne houses in Reims and is in the process of helping us with spa reservations during our stay. <BR><BR>He alone would make me want to stay at his hotel. A few thoughts: (1) now I can see why Fodorites give this hotel such a high rating in the rants and raves section; and (2) I cant imagine why someone would overlook this hotel in light of how helpful Sanjay has been, its location, its &quot;hipness&quot; factor and the fact that breakfast is included in the rate.<BR><BR>I honestly cannot wait until next week to enjoy the Artus. Based on how accomodating they have been to date, I believe I made the right choice in hotels.<BR><BR>Regards<BR>Tim<BR>