I'll be in Paris for 3 days w/my parents and brother. They've never been and of course want to see everything and anything. They're in their late 50's, a bit conservative and aren't able to walk great distances, so location to touristy attractions and proximity to trains/buses are important. They're not too worried about price but would like to keep in the 3* range and stay somewhere very "french & charming." Any suggestions? Here is a list of hotels that looked like they fit the bill, but I'd rather hear from people who know, rather than self-promoting websites: H&ocirc;tel Etoile Park, Hotel Le Lavoisier, Hotel C&eacute;cilia, Hotel Elys&eacute;es Paris, Relais Bosquet,Hotel R&eacute;sidence Bassano, Hotel Tilsitt Etoile, Hotel R&eacute;sidence Marceau, Hotel Chambellan Morgane,Hotel Etoile St. Honore, Hotel Du Bois, Hotel queen Mary. <BR>Thanks!!!

We just recently stayed at the Hotel Relais Bosquet and loved it. I don't know what time of year you are travelling in, but we were there during the heat wave and the hotel has A/C, which was a lifesaver. We opted for the superior room, which was quite large, with a very nice bathroom. The cost was 160 Euros/nt. The breakfast was a little pricey for a continental breakast, but there were a number of little restaurants nearby serving breakfast for less.<BR><BR>It was very convenient. We were about 2-3 blocks from a Metro station and walking distance to rue Cler (pedestrian market) and to the Eiffel Tower. Also, there is a bakery next door and a grocery store a few doors down. The rooms have a mini-bar (little refrigerator) in the rooms, which made it convenient.<BR><BR>We would easily stay there again. Have a wonderful trip!

We also stayed at the Relais Bosquet (if you do a search I am sure you will come up with my responses). It's a nice hotel, very convenient to Rue Cler, Ecole Militaire Metro Stop, Eiffel Tower, etc. I'd opt for a "superior room", which we had, since they are somewhat larger (not huge, but by French standards bigger then many hotel rooms). Ours had a hallway, decent sized closed, separate W/C, nice bathroom (modern fixures), iron & Ironing board, tea/coffee maker w/nice cups & saucers, and a view of the Eiffel Tower. It was very quiet at night even tho we faced the street. The windows can be covered with electric blinds that shut out the light (nice feature). The breakfast room is divided into non-smoking and smoking. We did not meet any smokers, thankfully. We did eat breakfast at the hotel as we don't like running out, it was croissants, rolls, pastries, juice, coffee/tea and a dish of strawberries. <BR>We've stayed in many hotels in Paris and for the price the Relais Bosquet was very good. All of my questions (regarding room size) were answered promptly by e-mail by "Frederique" who worked the front desk. All in all it is a very convenient location, particularly with Rue Cler and all it's food stalls just around the corner!

Make that "decent sized closet" (it had a full length mirror too on the door)

Melissa - I forgot to mention that the Relais Bosquet also has a hot pot in the room with tea bags and instant coffee. There are electric shutters on the windows which is good for making the room darker if you want to take a nap or want to sleep past 5 am (when it the sun rises in the summer). Our room had a view of the Eiffel Tower.<BR><BR>As to whether it is "very french and charming", it was nicely decorated, with nice bed linens and furniture. It wasn't sterile looking, but not overly "charming." The photos on the website are very accurate as to what the rooms look like. <BR><BR>http://www.hotelrelaisbosquet.com/

Melissa:<BR>We stayed at the Relais Bosquet for six<BR>days in mid-may. I agree with every-<BR>thing the previous posters said - we<BR>also had a 'superior' room.<BR><BR>Frederique is a great help and the <BR>staff and management were extremely<BR>pleasant and professional.<BR><BR>Nice, quiet area but close to metro<BR>and bus routes (also within walking<BR>distance of the Tour, Rodin,etc.<BR><BR>Highly recommend it!

Goodness we sound like a Relais Bosquet fan club! I would like to mention that "French & Charming" mean a lot of things to a lot of people. Personally, I've reached the stage of life where I'd rather have a nice modern bathroom & related conveniences in my hotel room--if the room is charming so much the better but convenience is more important to me! Many hotels in Paris fall into the "charming" category, but a lot of it depends on your own personal definition of charm. Walking up 4 flights of stairs for example is not charming to me, but to someone else it may be. Do remember that rooms in Paris hotels tend to be smaller then what we are used to in US hotels so if having enough space to move about in comfortably is important be sure to ask each hotel you are considering for the size (sq. ft, sq. meters, whatever) of the room. <BR><BR>Incidentally, the Relais Bosquet has an elevator, it's a small one and you may make a couple of trips with luggage!

Thanks! Sounds great - I'll check it out!

We were in Paris last Sept for three days. Stayed at the Duc de St Simon last September with my inlaws. Very French and very Charming in the St Germain Area. I highly recommend this hotel. Walking distance to D'Orsay and Louvre. Walk to Seine and use Batobus to take you everywhere you would want to go. Can buy a multiday pass and get on and off as much as you like! We saw all the major sites in the time we were there. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have more questions!

Hi Melissa,<BR><BR>Another option might be a hotel near Notre Dame. I have stayed at Hotel Le Notre Dame which has an "attic" suite which looks out over Notre Dame and the Seine. Have also stayed at the Deux Iles on Ile St Louis and have seen the Lutece on the island also recommened. All of these are near Metro stations, restaurants, sites,etc...<BR><BR>Enjoy<BR>