We have stayed at the Hotel Bel Ami in the past, and liked it, but are looking for some alternatives in the same general location and price range. I would appreciate your comments on the following hotels as compared to the Bel Ami: Lutetia, d'Aubusson, Relais Christine.

I am not familiar with the Bel Ami. What district is it in? <BR>I have just returned from my 2nd trip to Paris. Last year I stayed at the Cayre(3 stars and currently closed for renovations) which is just down the street from the Lutetia where I stayed this year. Both hotels were great. The Lutetia is fancier and has more of a selection for breakfast. The staff was wonderfully helpful. I am planning another trip for next year. Do you have any experience with the Right Bank area. I'm looking for a smallish boutique hotel there.

I can't compare, I can only comment on the d'Aubusson. Stayed there Dec 00.<BR>Just a few blocks from the left bank end of Pont Neuf. Beautifully decorated, as if it had been redone last week. 5-8 minute walk to either St Michel or Odeon metro stop. 15-20 minute walk to Notre Dame. Provides hair dryers, and amenities like shampoo. They also offer for sale the carte musee (museum pass) with no additional mark-up on the prices. Rooms facing rue Dauphine do get some street noise from traffic or horns, but not terrible. “Superior twin room” was 1550 FF.<BR>Hotel neighborhood charming, many shops and boutiques with fine goods.<BR>Also, nearby rue Buci has many places to buy provisions for a picnic, stores selling fruits, cheeses, breads, wine, even roasted chickens. You’ll need your own paper plates, utensils, napkins, and cork screw.<BR><BR>If you do a search here on the hotels you mention, you will find many past comments. The Lutetia is a large hotel, the only one of its size on the left bank. According to some family members of mine who have stayed there, rooms are larger than average for Paris, but it has less of that small and intimate feeling.<BR>Good for families though.

I can't compare, I can only comment on the d'Aubusson. Stayed there Dec 00.<BR>Just a few blocks from the left bank end of Pont Neuf. Beautifully decorated, as if it had been redone last week. 5-8 minute walk to either St Michel or Odeon metro stop. 15-20 minute walk to Notre Dame. Provides hair dryers, and amenities like shampoo. They also offer for sale the carte musee (museum pass) with no additional mark-up on the prices. Rooms facing rue Dauphine do get some street noise from traffic or horns, but not terrible. “Superior twin room” was 1550 FF.<BR>Hotel neighborhood charming, many shops and boutiques with fine goods.<BR>Also, nearby rue Buci has many places to buy provisions for a picnic, stores selling fruits, cheeses, breads, wine, even roasted chickens. You’ll need your own paper plates, utensils, napkins, and cork screw.<BR><BR>If you do a search here on the hotels you mention, you will find many past comments. The Lutetia is a large hotel, the only one of its size in that area of the left bank. According to some family members of mine who have stayed there, rooms are larger than average for Paris, but it has less of that small and intimate feeling.<BR>Good for families though.

elaine - <BR><BR>I'm staying at d'Aubbuson next week. I have reserved the lowest $ room. Any thoughts on what I should ask for as to location, etc. when I check in?

Topping for Christy.<BR><BR>BTW, there are no 5 star hotels in Paris either 4*** or 4****L.