beph03

we are bringing the minimal amount of luggage we can - we def. do not want to be carting around the train stations. Tonight is finalizing hotel reservations for Venice and Rome. We have it narrowed down, I will post names when I get home today.

beph03

Possibilities for Rome:

Hotel Adler:
http://www.venere.com/hotel/?htid=83...l=1&pval=2

Hotel Giolli:
http://www.venere.com/hotel/?htid=21...;tripref=27047

saltymuffin

We stayed at the hotel "Le Petit" in Rome, which looks like it must be almost next door to the Adler. We thought it was a great location and walked to the hotel from the train station.

beph03

i checked whichbudget.com for airfare and I can get tickets on myair from Paris Orly to Venice for 171.04 EUR for both of us including taxes....does this seem reasonable for flights in Europe?

We are flying into DeGaulle when arriving in Paris and from what I can tell these are on opposite ends of the city correct?

Last question is in your own opinion what is the best method of getting to and from the airports on Paris?
in Venice?

I have read the info in my guidebook but also wanted real human advice and tips.

beph03

and...welcome back Job, I was away this weekend also

suze

Depends what you mean by "best", in both cities there's the easy way or the cheaper way...

In Paris I would just spring for a taxi but it is possible to use public transportation instead.

Venice there's private water taxi or combinations of bus and vaporetto. Again, one easier the other one cheaper.

beph03

how much more difficult do you think it is to go the cheaper routes? I just would rather spend my money on other things than getting to and from the airport.

beph03

Venice Hotels:

one option is Al Campiello:
http://www.alcampiello.com/en/index.htm

trip advisor has 2 comments one good, one bad. It is right near St. Marks Sq. I am not sure if this is good or bad...would it be better to stay further from the Sq?

beph03

whoops...Al Campiello is not the one right near the Sq. Hotel Turino ( http://www.hoteltorino.com/en/index.htm is the one on the sq. opinions on if being near the St. Marks squar is a pro or con.

suze

Hopefully someone else will chime in (or you can 'search' there's loads of old threads about getting to and from the airport in both Paris and Venice)...

Can't help because I've only taken a taxi in Paris so can't compare the hassle factor of using public transit instead. And Venice arrived by train not air which is easier (you just hop a vaporetto).

beph03

ok - so we have airlines booked from Paris Orly to Venice Marco Polo for Aug. 18. The last two remaining BIG items are hotels for Venice and Rome

Kathryncee

Not sure if I mentioned this in earlier posts- when in Rome, we stayed a the Hotel Piranesi- near the Spanish Steps..
Liked: the room was very clean, a bit on the small side, the location, the staff was nice, great rooftop terrace bar..

Disliked: Breakfast was just okay..

Thought is was of good value and would likely stay again.

beph03

flights - booked!
hotels - booked!

So we are booked - I am sure I will still have a million questions so stay tuned Thanks so much everyone!

Now I need to look into what museums need to be pre-booked. I have seen a bunch mentioned in other threads so I have some research ahead of me tonight!

parisnow

<Transportation into Paris>
1. Taxi - most expensive
2. RER- least expensive; most hassle
if have to change lines with
luggage. Beware of pickpockets.
3. Roissy Bus - Nonstop to/from
Airport to Opera. Haven't taken
it in a few years but probably
10-14 Euros now. Then taxi to
hotel.
4. Air France Bus - Do not have to be a
customer of Air France to use
this service. Takes you to
several locations. If you
booked that hotel in the
Seventh, this would be easy &
economical. Around 14 Euro ?
Take the one to the Arc. Then
minor taxi ride to hotel.
5. Numerous shuttle services/ Bee Line
Blue line ect. Have to reserve in
advance (may be able to call from
airport but will have to wait for
them)Vans that carry 6-8 people.
Cost around 25-35 euro depending on
service called.

*Note you do not hail taxis in Europe.
You have to go to a taxi stand. Just look for the sign like a bus stop sign for taxi. A legal taxi will also have their official license displayed somewhere. The two bus services above have taxi stands right near them you will see the line of cars.

Also I recommend Tripbuilder guide book for Paris and I think they have one for Rome & Florence. Cost $6-10 everything you need to know in the size of a pamphlet w/map of city w/major sites plotted on map, map of Metro. Thin and small enough to fit into purse w/out compromising space. Get at Barnes Noble or other major book stores.

beph03

thanks parisnow.

having lived in NYC for two years we would have prob. tried to hail a cab!! Good to know.