A Paris Hotel Question Even After Searching and Reading
 

I know, I know...another Paris hotel question. Just do a search, you say. I have searched Fodors, read Trip Advisor, but I still have some questions, so be patient with me please.

We will be making our 1st trip to Paris the beginning of July 2009. We have been in Europe during the Summer (when they had the heat wave), so know how hot it can be. We were able to get by with a fan, although AC is preferred. Because I have arthritis, an elevator is necessary, plus a good location for cafes, restaurants and transportation. We wwill be traveling with friends, who would love to be close to or have a view of, the Eiffel Tower. I have read the reviews in trip advisor and of course there is always someone unhappy everywhere. I would like to keep the price at or under 135E per night. Based on what I have said, please give me your opinion. Any other suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks !

Here are the choices I have it narrowed down to.

Hotel Champ du Mars in the 7th would be my 1st choice because of the price and location, but I don’t think it has AC. If there are fans in the rooms, that would probably be okay.

Hotel Bonaparte in Latin Quarter: It has an elevator and AC and from reviews (Ira) it is close to transportation. Trip advisor reviews say they don’t recommend it for disabled. Any idea why?

Hotel Muguet in 7th: I love the look of this hotel from the web site, but have learned this can be deceiving from other hotel experiences. :)

Hotel Valadon in 7th: This has good reviews, but I can’t tell if it has AC or elevator.

So...inexpensive, AC, elevator, view of ET, and close to cafes, restaurants. The impossible dream?

The Mugeut has a few rooms with a small view, ac, it was recently remodeled so it does indeed look like the pictures. I am not sure if they will guarantee you a ET view room. I have stayed here a few times and it very nice for the price.

Hotel Valadon's website clearly states it has an elevator. Under the room descriptions it says there is an 'air fan', so no A/C. The location and price is right. I think they said their breakfast is included so this might be a plus over the other hotels.

Hotel Muguet has A/C and elevator, and about the same room rate for a double/twin, but breakfast (as usual) is extra. The 'view' rooms will cost a lot more. Location is right.

Hotel du Champ de Mars may be difficult to book - I've heard they limit bookings to some specified 'window' of opportunity. A couple of Tripadvisor reviews mention lost or cancelled reservations. I don't think there is A/C there. Cheaper room rates, good location.

Hotel Bonaparte is not close to the Eiffel, it's in St Germain area, and is more expensive than your other choices. I don't know about not being ok for disabled guests, maybe there are some steps in addition to the elevator, or maybe the bathrooms are too small for a chair, or...?

Hi T,

Re the Bonaparte.

>Trip advisor reviews say they don’t recommend it for disabled. Any idea why?

The only reason I can think of for not recommending the hotel to people with disabilities is that the elevator is very small, and there could be a problem with motorized wheelchairs.

((I))

That's probably it Ira, thanks !

I've stayed in the Muguet and it's fine as long as you aren't expecting anything grand. You won't get any of their view rooms at 135 euro, they are a lot more expensive. I think you won't get a special Eiffel Tower view room in any hotel with your budget, although you can certainly be in a hotel close to it, as you've found. The Muguet is two building cobbled together, I think, and it might not be a good idea for anyone disabled unless you can be guaranteed a room in the building where the elevator goes. I had a room in the attached building, and while the elevator goes to the same floor, you walk down the hall a little and then there are some rather narrow and steep stairs to get to the section where some rooms are on the same floor (I can't remember how many there were -- around four, I think). YOu see this in a lot of older hotels when they attach two buildings together. If that sounds bothersome, you'd just have to make sure you specify a room in the part of the hotel where you don't have to go down steps to reach your room.

You aren't going to find many hotels in that budget with AC in the areas you want, most likely.

I am aware that I can't have EVERYTHING I want for my price range, but you never know when there is that clever fodorite that has one up their sleeve. There may be more of an advantage to giving up one thing for another, such as: I am assuming, and perhaps incorrectly, that the 7th arr is not a far walk from ET and has cafes, restaurants close by with a neighborhood feel. The Latin quarter has a wider range of inexpensive restaurant choices, but you can get where you need to by metro. I'm a Paris "newbie", so just trying to get my bearings.

That's my story :)

I have stayed at Hotel Champ du Mars at least 3 times. It is almost across the street from a Cafe and if you have a room on the street side it can be very noisy until late especially in summer and you want to open a window. When it was first remodeled, it was lovely and rated very highly and in all the magazines. The last time I stayed there the bedspreads were becoming used looking, and the bathrooms were in need of a good scrubbing. The elevator is the size of a small closet.

Madame is lovely but her husband can be a grouch.

I have also stayed at Hotel Muguet just before it was remodeled. It was absolutely fine then and the AC was wonderful. The elevator is larger than the Champ du Mars. The Muguet breakfast area is not as nice as the Champ du Mars but then we always went to a bakery or cafe on Rue Cler anyway. I did not notice any cobbling together of the buildings so if this is so, it didn't stick out in my mind.

We had a triple room on the front of the building and my sister was thrilled that she could lean out the window and see the Eiffel Tower twinkling. The rooms at the Muguet are larger than the Champ du Mars. My other sister and her friend had a room that faced an inner courtyard and they could hear someone practicing piano in the morning which they found very "enchanting".

Both of these hotels book up early and I believe that they both take reservations 1 year in advance but you might check with them. Of the two, I would pick Muguet especially if AC is important to you.

Champ du Mars did have a small TV but I don't think we had one at the Muguet. There was a computer in the reception area at Muguet which you could use for a fee.

I haven't stayed in the other hotels so can't help you there.

My boss always used to stay at Champ du Mars but switched to Hotel Duquesne Eiffel.

http://www.duquesneeiffel.com/rates.htm

In looking at the Muguet website, it appears they do have tv's in the rooms. I should tell you that our rooms were on the 5th floor. If you stay at the Muguet, you should print yourself up a better map than the one on the website because it is actually on a little sidestreet. This also makes it quieter. We did have a triple room and the bathroom was quite large. My sister and her friend had a double room and the bathroom was a smaller.

I always get confused when I come up out of the metro, so if this is your first time in Paris, map out the hotel and check the signs at the intersection before heading off in the wrong direction. Take a taxi from the airport to the hotel no matter where you stay. You will have a lovely time!

You should be also be aware that the metro has many steps -- some many more than others, depending on which station you use. Also the walk between transfer points can be quite long. You may find taking buses and taxis more to your liking if walking and taking stairs is a problem.

Usually, you will have to pay a lot extra for a view of the Eiffel Tower from your room. Next best is a hotel where it's in full view as soon as you're on the sidewalk each morning or it's the last thing you see before heading inside to your room for the night. The 7th is full of moderately priced hotels. Although not as convenient, the 15th has hotels nearby and the rates tend to be lower.

Have a look at Hotel Eber Mars in the 7th. It does not have a/c, but some rooms have views of the Eiffel Tower. It's a bit late to be booking a room with a view, but you could get lucky.

Another moderately priced place in the 7th that does have a/c is Hotel Prince. Reviews on TripAdvisor are mixed, but a friend of mine stayed there last year (I saw his room) and liked it just fine. There's a terrific moderately priced restaurant right next door.

Both of these hotels are just steps from Place de l'Ecole Militaire with a metro station (with escalator out) and bus routes to all over, a some really nice cafes.

Hi travel52,

Have you made up an itinerary? I'd also take that into consideration when picking a hotel. Yes, the Metro system is great, but you would probably want to limit the number of transfers needed to get where you want to be. Some stations, Chatelet comes to mind, could have a bit of a hike to get from one line to another.

Being near La Motte Picquet station in the 7th would get you Metro access to Arc de Triomphe, Invalides, Louvre, boulevard St Germain, and nearish to Notre Dame, without having to change lines. The Marais (Place des Vosges...) would require a transfer.

There are some good posts here on the bus system. The RATP site is also really good for picking how to get from one location to another.

Let me put in a word for the Bonaparte. First, I think Ira's right. The only limitation might be the small elevator, but most Paris elevators are small.

If walking is a consideration, one of the main bus areas is right around the corner from the hotel (at St Sulpice), probably no more than 50 ft. I haven't stayed at the others, but I can tell you that ease of transportation is one of the things we love about the Bonaparte. We didn't use the bus on our first two trips. But the staff helped us learn the system and now we know it's the best way to get around Paris. Try it...there are threads here that are very helpful.

Wonderful shops there. Lots of cafes, restaurants just a skip away. We just love it.

I know you will enjoy your trip and love Paris.

Just a word of caution. A few years ago, I booked a hotel for my mother and myself because it said it had an elevator. It did, but the elevator only came down to the first floor (second floor in US terms). So be sure to ask if the elevator is available from the ground floor/street entrance (rez de chaussee (sp?)).

When I am in Paris, I go to the BHV and buy a fan for my room or apartment -- if one is not already available. For the cost of a 20 euro fan, I have saved on the cost of my room. I take it with me to any other hotels during my trip, then leave it when I return to the US.

Have a wonderful time. Sunny

Thanks so much for all of these suggestions. Since we will not be going until June 2009, I have plenty of time to research and then make reservations. I have narrowed it down to Hotel Valadon, Hotel Muguet or Hotel Bonaparte. They seem fairly close in price, but different pros and cons. Since we will be with another couple, I wonder if taking a taxi would be eaiser, and not much more expensive than taking the metro places. What do you think? I know when we travelled to New York City, this was the case.

Again, thanks to all !

Hotel Muguet is halfway between Ecole Militaire and LaTour/Maubourg metro stations (both have escalators out), and there are convenient bus routes all around.

The air conditioning at Hotel Muguet is excellent. We stayed in a room with a Tour Eiffel view and loved it.

The problem with two couples and taxis is that the taxis are small. Three adults in the back seat would be a squeeze. And, the front passenger seat is usually not available, as that's where the driver keeps his "stuff".

But, at Hotel Muguet, the front desk can phone for a taxi for four, if you need one.

No hotel will be perfect if you are going to Paris in July, have a list of 6 requirements, and are willing to pay a max of 135 Euros.

You need to prioritize criteria, check which hotels meet what and decide from there which is one is the better option.

I would prioritize as follows:

1. Hotel shall have elevators.
2. Hotel shall have A/C.
3. Price/night <135 Euros.
4. Close to Eiffel Tower.
5. Close to Cafes/restaurants.
6. Room w/view of Eiffel Tower.

Based on this, your choice is Hotel Muguet.

T52:
Paris is not like NYC...you can't count on waving down a taxi any time you want. (Most people line up at a taxi stand.) If you're only going a few blocks the taxi may even refuse the fare.

We use bus/metro all day (it's fun!) but take a taxi to the hotel after dinner. Sometimes we have to wait 20 or 30 min, but I've seen people wait even longer for hotel calls in the middle of the day. If you're concerned about physical barriers on metro/buses, you may want to check the hotels for proximity to a cab stand.


Bonaparte is about 3 1/2 blocks to the cab stand on Blvd St Germain. There may even be one at St Sulpice...I can't remember.

Have you considered the Hotel de la Bourdonnais? It has everything you want. Here are my notes from our stay there, three years ago:

"Stayed at Hotel la Bourdonnais, in the 7th and liked it very much. Nice-sized quad room for our family, with A/C and a lift.

"GREAT view of the Eiffel Tower from our little balconies (room 503). Friendly front desk, too. Offered a simple breakfast buffet, but we chose to visit Rue Cler in the mornings, for coffee, croissants, crepes and fresh fruit.

"A nice market next door to the hotel was handy, too. Metro stop on the corner, Batobus stop close by, too, at the Eiffel Tower. Even an ATM machine at the corner bank.

"Loved the location and the upscale neighborhood. An easy walk through the Champs de Mars to the Eiffel Tower."

We paid $225/night through Expedia back then, but it was for the quad room. I can recommend this hotel highly. It is charming, and on a beautiful tree-lined boulevard.
:)>-

One huge advantage of Hotel Muguet is that you'll be able to book now for next year. Many hotels will not accept bookings more than a few months out or this year for next.

Also, Hotel Muguet only recently promises the "view" rooms. Previously, they would tell you they'd do their best. Now, you pay extra, but you can specifically reserve rooms with a view.

Most hotels in the area have some rooms with views (others are obstructed by trees or buildings) on that side of the hotel. But, nearly none will commit to a room with a view.

I think the Muguet has always had TVs, at least for many years now. I did have a room on some central area (I suppose they call it a courtyard) and didn't find it remotely enchanting. It was unattractive. I don't like noise from others, but since it was summer, I had the window closed anyway so as not to hear noise from that area.

If you had a room that was not in the attachment, there isn't any reason you would notice that it is two buildings put together, you'd have no idea. I know for a fact there were steps going to the part I was in, I am not mistaken on this. I am not disabled nor do I have arthritis, and I found it rather inconvenient when I was taking luggage to the room as they were quite steep. If it isn't two buildings put together, there is some reason why part of one floor is a totally different level than another part of the same floor.

I've stayed at the Muguet three times and the last time I was in Paris (last July) I stayed at the Hotel Bonaparte in order to try a different hotel (I've also stayed in other hotels, but out of the price range that you are interested in or they don't have air conditioning). I prefer the Muguet - I feel that the rooms are nicer (my room at the Bonparte smelled a little musty - perhaps it was the air conditioning? AND - I like the bathrooms at the Muguet much better - they have showers, which my room at the Bonaparte did not. I had one of the larger rooms at the Bonaparte, so don't know the size of a standard room - I paid extra for the larger room and it was a nice size). The Bonaparte does include breakfast, but it wasn't that great - I would much prefer to get fresher croissants at a bakery.

Even though I loved the area around the Bonaparte, I like the 7th even better - probably because of being close to the Hotel Invalides, the Rodin museum (one of my favorites), etc.

There are TVs in the Muguet and I never noticed two buildings connected together either. The proximity to transportation is equal at either hotel, in my opinion.

Have a wonderful time planning your trip. I'll be in Paris in about a month and a half and can't wait!

Thanks to all for the great comments. I think Hotel Muguet, in the main building, is the best choice.

Another question (and perhaps I should do a seperate post) is: we will be taking the train from Lyon to Paris. What is the best way to get from the train to the hotel? What is the best web-site for the train, so I can get an idea of length of trip and price.

Again, thank you all !

There are about 3 metro stations within walking distance of Muguet. Which one you prefer to take?

A quick hint: Do not leave home without Streetwise Paris.

Bus 87 will get you from Gare de Lyon to Place de l'Ecole Militaire. From there, Hotel Muguet is a short walk from Ave Duquesne up rue Chevert. The metro would require transfers which I would not recommend, especially with bags.

Of course, a taxi would be easier.

I first stayed at the Muguet in 1996 and have been recommending this hotel on this forum ever since. Back then, the Muguet's clientele was mostly business travelers. The inner courtyard had a turtle (Fromboise) and was a very inviting place. There was the most adorable poodle who "owned" the lobby. I loved the location! I can believe that was 12 years ago!! I havetried many other hotels in paris, always one for variety, but the Muguet was the one that had that "homey" feel.

Hi T,

>Since we will be with another couple, I wonder if taking a taxi would be eaiser, and not much more expensive than taking the metro places.

Most Paris taxis are comfortable for 3, crowded with 4.

A carnet of 10 Metro tickets is about 11.5E = 1.15E per trip.

If your cab ride is only 4.6E. you could walk.

>we will be taking the train from Lyon to Paris

See www.voyages-sncf.com

For public transportation from the train station to your hotel see www.ratp.fr.

For maps of Paris, see www.viamichelin.com

Enjoy your visit.

((I))



((I))

Thanks again. And thanks Ira for the other links. I feel like I should put my credit card in the computer to pay for all of this great information. The great tips from fodorites have taken us through all parts of Italy and now to France. Grazie et merci !

You should also expand your search to include the 16th, esp. near Passy/Trocadero. You can find hotels that meet every single one of your criteria:

1. Hotel shall have elevators (yes).
2. Hotel shall have A/C (several do).
3. Price/night <135 Euros (a bit harder, but they are out there, esp. if you are willing to book far enough in advance).
4. Close to Eiffel Tower (the Place du Trocadero offers some of the best ET views in Paris)
5. Close to Cafes/restaurants (the Trocadero/Victor Hugo area is brimming with restaurants and cafes)
6. Room w/view of Eiffel Tower (plenty of hotels in the 16th offer Eiffel Tower views)
7. Plus, good transit links...you have the Trocadero/Passy/Victor Hugo metro stops and several bus lines to choose from.

The 7th may be the most *obvious* choice but based on your criteria, it may not necessarily be the *best* choice.

I've thought I might want to stay in the 16th next time. But I always assumed the hotels were <i>more</i> expensive over there.

Could you name some of those hotels? (We usually stay between 140 - 175 euros, double.

We stayed at the Muguet last summer and loved it. We had two rooms on the 6th floor. One room looked out to Invalides and the other the ET. Full views of both. We did pay more for those, but it was nice to have those guaranteed. I am trying to remember what we paid...I think the ET room was around 170 euro and the Invalides room was a bit less. The ET room had a king bed as well as a daybed. The room was quite spacious by European standards, and the bathroom was nicely laid out. The lift only goes to the 5th floor, so there was a small staircase for us up to our rooms. The location was great as well.

Well, we used to stay at the Sofitel LeParc; it's a Marriott now. But when I last stayed at the Sofitel last year, just before the changeover, I paid about 160 &euro; for my room. I think the rates have gone up, but OTOH, people with Starwood points can get excellent deals there.

I usually travel off-season and among the hotels in the 16th where I've found rooms at in your budget or less include: Kleber Hotel, Elysees Union Hotel (old fashioned, but very nice), Best Western Au Trocadero (I had an ET view double in December '07 for 90&euro; per night; some people complain about the staff but they were all very nice to me), Hotel Gavarni (normally it's over your budget, but they do have specials), BW Victor Hugo, and the Hotel Tour Eiffel Auteuil (no ET views that I know of, but it's a very quiet hotel with spacious comfortable rooms in the pleasant Auteuil neighborhood, near the Place Mirabeau).
The Citadines Trocadero also runs specials in your budget--probably not the kind of hotel you have in mind, but we would consider it if we were driving into Paris (there's a garage next door) and had the cocker with us. We usually stayed at the Sofitel noted above, which is just up the street, and the Sofitel offered valet parking at the same rate as the local park it yourself garage. I don't know what they charge for parking now that it's a Marriott.

The Sofitel Dokhan's also runs specials that would be in your budget (but at the upper end) if you travel off-season.