I am planning to go to Paris for 4 days in February. I can get airfare from NY for $415 and a room at the Hotel Lutetia on the Left Bank for $230/nite. However, if I use AAVacations or Delta Vacations, I can get airfare and 4 nites at that hotel for $1000. This implies tremendous savings on the Hotel. What is the downside. Does anybody have any experience with this? <BR> <BR>Also, comments on the Lutetia are welcome!!

Hi Mike: <BR>I don't see a downside. I have used Air France Vacations and have been very pleased. I paid a bit under $1000.00 for airfare and 6 nights in Paris last March. There were no strings attached and it was a great trip. I'm sorry I don't know anything about the hotel. <BR>Have a great trip!

Mike, I have friends who go to Paris every year and they always stay at Hotel Lutetia. They love it. It's a large, rather grand-looking hotel. I passed it while I was in Paris (staying in a much less palatial hotel) but didn't go inside. My friends highly recommend it and like the bistro/bar there as well.

Do a search for Hotel Lutetia on this site. I seem to recall good comments. (Much over my budget, however)

<BR>for Mike

Hi Mike--Believe it or not, there's no downside. I'm going to Venice in March with an Alitalia package--3* hotel, RT air, etc. for $869--went to Rome last year on the same package. It's low season and the hotels sell blocs of rooms to the airlines in order to maintain their profit margins. You'd be crazy not to go with the package. BTW, check the Air France website--they also offer packages, and the airline food is superior.

The Lutetia is an upscale hotel in the heart of St. Germain on the left bank. It was renovated a couple of years ago.