ES

Fodorites used to love this hotel, but how do they feel today? Is it still friendly, clean, fabulous breakfast, and generally recommended as a bargain for a two star? We are reserving for a week in the spring and I would appreciate any comments.

Paul

We stayed at the Balcons for 7 nights in 1998 and just recently for 3 nights two months ago.<BR>The hotel is very clean. Looks like it has been freshly painted and carpeted. I believe the only thing that distinguishes it as a 2 star instead of a 3 is that it doesn't have air conditioning. Except for maybe one month out of the year, I don't think air conditioning in Paris is important.<BR><BR>The $72 rooms are a little small, but on our recent trip we stayed in room 401 at $89 (a corner room) which was decent size with a decent size bathroom. On both occasions, each bathroom had a bathtub with handheld shower (sit down not stand up shower). So, be aware of that, if that kind of thing bothers you.<BR><BR>The cable TV gets one english channel, CNN. The rest are French and German.<BR><BR>The location is very good...only about 100 yards from the Odeon metro stop. The Luxumberg Gardens are nearby as are many nice restaurants. A couple of the famous literary cafes are within a short walk, too.<BR><BR>The breakfast is very decent and runs about $8. As an alternative, sometimes I would run out to a patissarie (about 3 blocks away) for croissants.<BR><BR>If $72 to $89 per night is your price range, I would give it an unqualified recommendation for location & value.<BR><BR>Hope that helps.

ES

Dear Paul,<BR>Thank you very much for your detailed and thoughtful response. Based on what you said, I think the Balcons is the place for us. Any favorite restaurants (range about 15-30 per person)within walking distance at night?

lisa

Chez Maitre Paul is right around the corner from the Balcons and a great value at about 195FF per person for three courses including wine. <BR><BR>Agree with Paul's assessment of the hotel -- I was there in May. Actually there was a thread on this same subject last week which I will try to top for you.

Paul

Le Christine, on Rue Christine, is about a 10 minute walk from the Balcons (towards the Seine). I think run by 2 sisters. Very charming. Probably $30 per person as I recall.<BR><BR>In the opposite direction, near the Odeon Theatre, is La Bastide Odeon on Rue Corneille. It is a bistro with cuisine of Provence. Maybe a 5 to 10 minute walk. You can look up both restaurants on zagat.com.<BR><BR>Directly across the street from the Balcons is La Cambuse. It is very small, family run and inexpensive...but, I cannot recommend it. We had a sub-par meal there.