Quick thoughts on staying near the Eiffel Tower
Jan 14th, 2012, 08:26 PM
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Quick thoughts on staying near the Eiffel Tower
I'm planning to take my DD (age 9) on a surprise trip to Paris in late March/early April (the week before Easter). I've been thinking about a way to have some special mother/daughter time since DD has been having a rough time adjusting to a new school this year. When I happened to see sale fares to Paris, I thought this might just be the thing!
I'm having a little trouble making a commitment to a hotel though. I want to make reservations in the next couple of days to make sure I can get the best deal possible given that it's just two months away. I was settling on Hotel Muguet which seems to get very good reviews, but then began to worry about staying in the area close to Invalides and the Eiffel Tower thinking that after the first night or two, there might not be a lot to do. Rue Cler is close, but I'm not sure how that stacks up with some other areas and if it's more hype than quality.
When I was in Paris a few years ago with my older daughter, we stayed near the Odeon in the 6th. I liked the hotel and the area very much but was hoping to sample a different part of the city. I looked for hotel options in the Marais, but haven't yet found anything that seems right. I did find another interesting looking place in the 5th, but it's actually rather close to the place I stayed before. One idea I was toying with is to stay at Hotel Muguet for 3 nights and then move to Hotel des Grande Ecole for the last two nights. Is that just asking for a headache?
http://www.hotelparismuguet.com/
http://www.hotel-grandes-ecoles.com/
Thoughts? Other recommendations? I can get a double at Hotel Muguet for 140e/night. Since this trip wasn't planned, I'm looking at "value for money" hotels -- ideally I'd love to get something more like 120e/night.
I'm having a little trouble making a commitment to a hotel though. I want to make reservations in the next couple of days to make sure I can get the best deal possible given that it's just two months away. I was settling on Hotel Muguet which seems to get very good reviews, but then began to worry about staying in the area close to Invalides and the Eiffel Tower thinking that after the first night or two, there might not be a lot to do. Rue Cler is close, but I'm not sure how that stacks up with some other areas and if it's more hype than quality.
When I was in Paris a few years ago with my older daughter, we stayed near the Odeon in the 6th. I liked the hotel and the area very much but was hoping to sample a different part of the city. I looked for hotel options in the Marais, but haven't yet found anything that seems right. I did find another interesting looking place in the 5th, but it's actually rather close to the place I stayed before. One idea I was toying with is to stay at Hotel Muguet for 3 nights and then move to Hotel des Grande Ecole for the last two nights. Is that just asking for a headache?
http://www.hotelparismuguet.com/
http://www.hotel-grandes-ecoles.com/
Thoughts? Other recommendations? I can get a double at Hotel Muguet for 140e/night. Since this trip wasn't planned, I'm looking at "value for money" hotels -- ideally I'd love to get something more like 120e/night.
Jan 14th, 2012, 08:47 PM
#2
Just a quick comment: I personally don't think moving hotels in the middle of a short stay is worth the hassle/wasted time. Have you considered renting an apartment - though your choices will probably be more limited at this late date.
Jan 15th, 2012, 03:32 AM
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We enjoy staying in the 7th now only because we're on our 15th or so Paris stay and we don't need to get places quickly. We do use the bus a lot when we stay there, and that's nice, but I still don't recommend the area for the first few Paris visits.
Am I correct in assuming that this trip is a first time for your little one? If so, I'd try to stay closer to the "action".
Longtime poster Ira has a favorite "value" hotel: the Bonaparte (http://www.hotelbonaparte.fr/) which is at 61 rue Bonaparte 75006, close to the St. Sulplice metro. It's a nice two-star hotel apparently. I'm seeing a double for around 131 Euros near your time of stay, but most rooms do look as though they cost more.
A reasonable 3-star in the Marais is the Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais. We stayed about eight years ago, so I'm not up to date on how the place is now. We loved the location--we felt our access on the #1 line was great, yet we could walk over to charming Ile de St. Louis very, very easily. Rooms (very small) look to be 130 and up.
I'm sure you can find something good. No matter what, do enjoy this lovely age. I would love to live that time all over again.
Am I correct in assuming that this trip is a first time for your little one? If so, I'd try to stay closer to the "action".
Longtime poster Ira has a favorite "value" hotel: the Bonaparte (http://www.hotelbonaparte.fr/) which is at 61 rue Bonaparte 75006, close to the St. Sulplice metro. It's a nice two-star hotel apparently. I'm seeing a double for around 131 Euros near your time of stay, but most rooms do look as though they cost more.
A reasonable 3-star in the Marais is the Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais. We stayed about eight years ago, so I'm not up to date on how the place is now. We loved the location--we felt our access on the #1 line was great, yet we could walk over to charming Ile de St. Louis very, very easily. Rooms (very small) look to be 130 and up.
I'm sure you can find something good. No matter what, do enjoy this lovely age. I would love to live that time all over again.
Jan 15th, 2012, 03:48 AM
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We love the Muguet, and the "action" for an 9 year old may not need to be the Bonaparte. One really nice thing about the Muguet is it is near the Metro AND a number of bus lines, which would be a lot of fun for you to use. I don't know a lot about the Marais, but to me, it is less central than the Muguet would be--still charming, of course.
Jan 15th, 2012, 04:10 AM
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I put together a list of Paris hotel websites not long ago. You may want to check it out by clicking on my name. Please read the entire post as there were additional suggestions made for the list. Thanks.
Jan 15th, 2012, 04:47 AM
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Really helpful replies, thank you! I'll check out the hotel suggestions here and definitely keep Muguet in the mix. CYESQ - your list will keep me busy for a while! Thanks janisj - I just needed someone to tell me switching hotels during a 5-night stay wasn't the smartest move!
Jan 15th, 2012, 05:13 AM
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Don't change hotels and having stayed in the 7th a few months ago and the Odeon area last year, I would choose the Odeon area.
Hotel Odeon, Hotel Louis II, Relais Odeon St Germain, Hotel Espirit St Germain and Hotel Odeon St Germain are all good options close to the Odeon metro stop.
Hotel Odeon, Hotel Louis II, Relais Odeon St Germain, Hotel Espirit St Germain and Hotel Odeon St Germain are all good options close to the Odeon metro stop.
Jan 16th, 2012, 03:25 PM
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Alessandra, thanks for the tip on Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais. It looks really intriguing -- and a fantastic location! I would never have come across it as it does not seem to be listed on venere.com or booking.com. Unfortunately, everyone seems to say to get a front-facing room and those are running 195e for the time we will be there. Now I've got a real dilemma....!
Thanks again to all for your great suggestions.
Thanks again to all for your great suggestions.
Jan 16th, 2012, 03:35 PM
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Wayfinder:
As Denise suggested, the Hotel Louis II is very well located and may be priced just right for you. Close to the metro and two of my favorite restaurants, namely Marco Polo and Les Editeurs.
As Denise suggested, the Hotel Louis II is very well located and may be priced just right for you. Close to the metro and two of my favorite restaurants, namely Marco Polo and Les Editeurs.
Jan 16th, 2012, 04:16 PM
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Go to http://beau-paris.com and scroll down to Grennele2. I think it's exactly what you're looking for. I've been there, and I'm planning to go back in the near future.
Jan 19th, 2012, 07:56 AM
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Wayfinder,
We were in a street-facing room and I think that WAS the largest. So I understand your dilemma--you want to stay somewhere other than where you did before but still give this little one the same quality of experience at a price you can afford.
Would you mind giving us your EXACT dates of stay? I know you said the week before Easter, but if you have your flights nailed down now, we might be able to give you more specific advice.
We were in a street-facing room and I think that WAS the largest. So I understand your dilemma--you want to stay somewhere other than where you did before but still give this little one the same quality of experience at a price you can afford.
Would you mind giving us your EXACT dates of stay? I know you said the week before Easter, but if you have your flights nailed down now, we might be able to give you more specific advice.
Jan 19th, 2012, 08:08 AM
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I've stayed several times at Hotel Muguet - I like the area esp. the Rue Cler for people watching in a pedestrian only area. I like that it is not so hectic there - for example, Rue St. Germaine, waaay too busy but I'm sure there are pleasant side streets near by. Rue Cler is quiet in the evening - tho lots of people will be sitting out at the cafes - but I must admit, with a 9 year old, what kind of nightlife are you thinking about?
Jan 19th, 2012, 08:14 AM
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Changing hotels in Paris really doesn't make sense.
As for the rue Cler area, I've been staying there for decades - long before it got all hyped - and I still love it. I use two hotels there, the Hôtel Duquesne and the Hôtel de France. Love them both, but that may be because I've been a client for 30+ years and they know me and treat me as a special guest.
What kind of nightlife does a 9-year-old need?
As for the rue Cler area, I've been staying there for decades - long before it got all hyped - and I still love it. I use two hotels there, the Hôtel Duquesne and the Hôtel de France. Love them both, but that may be because I've been a client for 30+ years and they know me and treat me as a special guest.
What kind of nightlife does a 9-year-old need?
Jan 19th, 2012, 08:53 AM
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Not sure just what kind of 'action' you may be looking for.
At the end of a long day of sightseeing and kilometers of walking on pavement my idea of a fun evening is sitting in a cafe with something nice to drink and watching Paris go by. I have done this from several locations in Paris including the 7th. A nine year old is likely to be quite happy to relax in the evening with a Nintendo DS.
So like StCirq and others I wouldn't hesitate to stay at the Muguet. One thing I wouldn't do... unless forced to... is change hotels part way through a stay.
At the end of a long day of sightseeing and kilometers of walking on pavement my idea of a fun evening is sitting in a cafe with something nice to drink and watching Paris go by. I have done this from several locations in Paris including the 7th. A nine year old is likely to be quite happy to relax in the evening with a Nintendo DS.
So like StCirq and others I wouldn't hesitate to stay at the Muguet. One thing I wouldn't do... unless forced to... is change hotels part way through a stay.
Jan 19th, 2012, 08:54 AM
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Our apt is just around the corner from the Caron du Beaumarchai. I was a devoted fan of the 6th until we got the apt!The transportation is great, 6 bus ines right outside my front door and a metro a few ateps down The buses also go to Bastille where you can change to another metro line or have a choice of more bus routes. There are a multitude of restaurans and services nearby. And the Seine and many major sites are a few minutes walk away.The Marais museums are just a short walk away.
Jan 19th, 2012, 10:04 AM
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Oh,ParisAmsterdam, I do want to clarify that the OP never mentioned the word "action". Totally my fault. It was a term I used loosely that did NOT in any way refer to nightlife. If that were the case, we'd all be plopping her in Bastille and environs or on the nightclub circuit near the Champs 
Just had a vision of the 9-yr-old in the bouncer line at Buddha Bar.
My use of the term does refer, though, to spur-of-the moment strolls along the Seine nearest Notre Dame, Ile de St. Louis, etc and to almost instant access via foot, Metro and bus to major sites.
I have nothing against the 7th, having stayed there four times. But my enjoyment of that area still does not translate to a recommendation of the area for first-time visitors. And while the OP has certainly stayed in Paris before and while her other daughter has stayed there before, her little 9-yr-old has not.
When my little ones were going to Paris for the first time, we stayed at the Hotel le Regent on Rue Dauphine. That location allowed us effortless access not only to major sights but also to neat things such as the Rue de Buci street market, the Sunday bird market on Ile de la Cite, and all the pet stores along the Seine going down toward the Louvre.
They loved walking along the Seine at night looking at the lights of Notre Dame, and even if we had gone to a restaurant "inland", they'd beg to go back to the river before bedtime--it was magical to them.
Staying with close access to a lot of major sights allowed them to come back to the hotel room as needed. They could pretend to be prisoners of the Revolution at the Conciergerie for a morning, and then come home for a bit of a rest before we ventured out again. By foot we could easily access on mere whim the Luxembourg Gardens, or see the Lady and the Unicorn. With our proximity to a major Metro/RER hub, we had direct shots to a lot of places. Visiting the Musee d'Orsay (a big kid favorite) was easy-peesy and so was getting to Versailles.
So again, I was thinking about little feet and big dreams. That's why I was recommending areas not only in the 5th/6th but also the Marais, Ile de St Louis, etc.
Just had a vision of the 9-yr-old in the bouncer line at Buddha Bar.
My use of the term does refer, though, to spur-of-the moment strolls along the Seine nearest Notre Dame, Ile de St. Louis, etc and to almost instant access via foot, Metro and bus to major sites.
I have nothing against the 7th, having stayed there four times. But my enjoyment of that area still does not translate to a recommendation of the area for first-time visitors. And while the OP has certainly stayed in Paris before and while her other daughter has stayed there before, her little 9-yr-old has not.
When my little ones were going to Paris for the first time, we stayed at the Hotel le Regent on Rue Dauphine. That location allowed us effortless access not only to major sights but also to neat things such as the Rue de Buci street market, the Sunday bird market on Ile de la Cite, and all the pet stores along the Seine going down toward the Louvre.
They loved walking along the Seine at night looking at the lights of Notre Dame, and even if we had gone to a restaurant "inland", they'd beg to go back to the river before bedtime--it was magical to them.
Staying with close access to a lot of major sights allowed them to come back to the hotel room as needed. They could pretend to be prisoners of the Revolution at the Conciergerie for a morning, and then come home for a bit of a rest before we ventured out again. By foot we could easily access on mere whim the Luxembourg Gardens, or see the Lady and the Unicorn. With our proximity to a major Metro/RER hub, we had direct shots to a lot of places. Visiting the Musee d'Orsay (a big kid favorite) was easy-peesy and so was getting to Versailles.
So again, I was thinking about little feet and big dreams. That's why I was recommending areas not only in the 5th/6th but also the Marais, Ile de St Louis, etc.
Jan 19th, 2012, 11:10 AM
#19
My quick thought just regarding the title of the thread: no, don't stay near the Eiffel Tower -- it is a terrible idea. Seeing the Eiffel Tower constantly trivializes is, just as living next to Notre Dame or across from the Louvre would. To keep things special, you need to not overdo them.
Jan 19th, 2012, 11:12 AM
#20
trivializes <b>it</b>. I say this because I work with a view of the Eiffel Tower and I completely ignore it. To appreciate something, you shouldn't have it shoved in your face each and every day.
