Nano

I loved the thread about Champ de Mars, especially since I just booked two rooms at the hotel last night for next June. My question is, how much documentation should I get from them to confirm my reservation? I got an e-mail back saying we were confirmed, after I gave them my credit card number, but is this enough? How did the rest of you confirm? Did any of you request particular rooms that were recommended on this forum? Thanks. Nano

ann

I stayed there last summer and didn't have any more documentation than you do and had no problem. In fact I booked almost all my hotels via the internet, printed out their confirmation and never once had any problems. And everything was pretty much the way they described themselves - no surprises.

Jeff

I have had the same experience Nevertheless, for piece of mind, call or e-mail them as you trip approoaches just for a final confirmation. <BR>

kathy

Nano, we stayed there the past two years and will again. After our original confirmation, I dropped them an e-mail after the first of the year to reconfirm, and then again the week prior to leaving to tell them what time we planned to arrive. Redundant? Probably, but our rooms were waiting for us both times. They are a great couple,breakfast is good and convenient, and the location is perfect. I hope you enjoy you visit as much as we did. We will return soon.

Patti

Champ de Mars sounds perfect for me. Do they have a web site? With whom did you book through the web? Just a side question, how is the heating system? This may sound odd but I've had hotels in Paris where the heating system was far from adequate. <BR>Thanks, Patti

Nano

Patti, The Champ de Mars web site is: www.hotel-du-champ-de-mars.com. <BR>Their e-mail is [email protected]. <BR> <BR>I e-mailed them directly to book a room. Initially, I wrote to them in French, but they responded in English and eventually confirmed my reservation. I think it's interesting that you mentioned the heating system because I am actually wondering whether or not they have air conditioning! Does anyone know if they have A/C? Thanks, Nano

Diane

I would be very surprised if they had air conditioning. I remember picking up one of their brochures when I passed by the hotel and there was no mention of it. I must say the hotel did look charming, which is why I walked in to pick up the literature.

Patti

Nano..Thanks for the above info. I did email requesting a room for next April. I did, however, request a non-smoking room. This is one area I have not heard addressed on this forum. I detest cigarette smoke. Should I just put that issue aside and bring along a can of air freshener? Any feedback? I'm also concerned about enjoying a $200 lunch at Jules Verne amoungst a cloud of smoke!

Diane

I live in California and am accustomed to have my air free of smoke the majority of the time. But....when I head for Europe (or Asia, for that matter), I accept the fact that attitudes are different, and smoking is everywhere.

Nano

Patti, <BR>Oh yeah, the smoking issue. I didn't even think about asking for a non-smoking room. I just assume that smoke is everywhere. I HATE smoke. I used to smoke and now I abhore the smell and where we live, there's no smoking allowed anywhere. I have already been warning my kids about this, because I know they will be shocked at how much people smoke in France. But, as Diane said, that's just the way it is. When in Rome... <BR>We'll just open windows, eat at outdoor cafes, whatever it takes. The only good thing about smokers in France is that they do smoke better quality cigarettes. I can tolerate a Gaulois a little easier than a Lark...

Patti

Nano, <BR>Would you happen to live in my "almost smoke free" state of California? <BR>Patti <BR>PS I'll be traveling in April to Paris (taking my 16 year old daughter for the second time), I'll post you a comment on both the hotel and smoking issue when I return.

Diane

I have stayed at the Champ de Mars in early September and December. The heat is fine, no air conditioning.

Lori

I too have a difficult time with cigerette smoke but I've found that very few small hotels in Europe have true non-smoking rooms. As many have told me when I inquired they are simply to small to set aside separate rooms. We just hope and pray a lot that the stink won't overwhelm us. So far we have been pretty lucky, we actually had a non-smoking room at the Residence Hotel Trocadero (right in front of the Eiffel Tower) last time we were in Paris. Usually even if they 2 or 3 non smoking rooms the breakfast room allows smoking so that's another problem - at least it has been for us. I hate to say this but we have on occasion ducked into a McDonald's because they do not allow smoking there!

Nano

Patti, <BR>No, I am on the opposite coast from you, in the lovely state of Maine, where smokers are relegated to the side entrances of buildings and within their own cars and houses. I am SO glad I quit before smoking was banned nearly everywhere. I am not going to stress about how much things might stink in Paris, or how my entire wardrobe might reek of smoke, because I know all the wonderful moments (and scents) will far outnumber the not-so-great ones. P.S. I will bring, or buy, a huge bottle of my favorite perfume, Boucheron, and that will get me through.

Patti

Diane, thank you for the information on the heat. That was my original question before engaging in all of these converstions about cigarette smoke. I guess I'll keep the heat cranked up to keep me warm as I will have the windows open to air out the smoke! I, too, will take it with a "grain of salt" and forge on.