rosebud

Our family of four will be going to Paris (3 nights) and London (5 nights) next summer. I've been searching the topics and see that plenty of people offer great suggestions for budget-minded travelers. I'm not looking to completely break the bank (I love a good deal!), but this is a very special vacation and I'm prepared to pay up to $400 or so a night to get a really nice, comfortable place with A/C for the family to stay. I'm picky--don't like smoking, pets, etc. Any great suggestions for me?

elaine

Will you want one room, or two?
$400 per night ain't what it used to be, that's about 270 euro per night.Check current pricing at the Villa Pantheon, in the 5th, I have friends who liked it very much.
I know they have triple rooms (a double bed plus a twin), perhaps they can move in a folding bed for a fourth person.

rosebud

You're right when you say the exchange rate isn't what it used to be!

I'm open to two rooms (prefer connecting) or a large room/suite with room for 2 adults and two teens. I've looked into apartments, but many rent for only a week at a time. Some of the apartments look okay, but you never know exactly what you're going to get until you arrive!

jody

You might check the apartments of the Relais Bosquet, the one bedroom can made up as a twin room and the sofa opens ito a double bed. They can be rented nightly . One thing I like about them is that they are serviced every 4 days and most others are serviced only weekly.

http://www.hotel-paris-bosquet.com/E...pp02_rates.htm

Carrybean

Contact Snow White Properties in London. Although the Ennismore Gardens property is wonderful & decorated beautifuuly there is a cat there named Custard (who does not invade your flat). No 2 bedroom flats.

However, I know the manager, Maxine White has a 2 bedroom flat near Harrod's & with her excellent taste, I'm sure it's a knock-out. Just email below & ask about it.

http://www.snowwhitelondon.com/

Travelnut

You could also consider two doubles, each with their own bathroom - easier for 4 grown/nearly-grown people to get ready every day. Teens are old enough to be in a room next to you without 'connecting' necessarily.

elaine

Now that I know two are teens, I agree that two rooms (two bathrooms) would be much better. Even 2 small rooms spread people out a bit more, much more conducive to
rest and recovery after sightseeing.

ira

Hi R,

We always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. About 124E dbl w/bkfst

Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67

For more info, enter "Hotel Bonaparte" in the "search this forum" box.

Photos are at http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-l95uyr

Rooms 18 and 19 (or equivalent) are at the end of a private corridor and have adjoining doors. 18 is a dbl, 19 has twin beds.

MaddieAstrid

The Lutetia often has a "family rate" available which will get you a second room at half price. You won't be able to do it for $400, but still a great value at a great hotel.

www.lutetia.com

leonberger

Don't rule out apartments just because you're only in London for five nights. It may be cheaper to rent an apartment for a week than to pay for five nights in a hotel.

And, apartments are great - a kitchen (for snacking, even if you don't want to actually cook) is wonderful. Plus, there's room to "spread out" and really relax.

Gayle

Patrick

Ooops. Elaine, check your math. Currently $400 US is about 332 euro.
(Or are we talking another kind of dollars than US?).

Really nice London apartment for that price? Check www.farnum_christ.com

Add me to the group that thinks if you want a little luxury -- having two rooms and two baths (or an apartment)is a whole lot better than four people wedged into one room with one bath! And when you divide your budget in half for two rooms, quality isn't going to be "wonderful".

elaine

Patrick, I wasn't being precise I admit, I reduced the $400 by 1/3 to guesstimate euros

rosebud

Thanks for all of your suggestions. Farnum-Christ flats look great but it appears they only rent them by the week. Any other great London apartment rentals you can suggest?

Carrybean

See my post above. I know they've rented for less than 1 week before.

Tulips

We've stayed at Dolphin Square a few times. Last time we had a two bedroom apartment for just 178 pounds, which was a special offer. They have an indoor pool and gym.
I prefer the apartments at Beaufort House (Beaufort Gardens, Knightsbridge); the location is better, and the apartments much nicer, but it's also much more expensive.