We called a few of the "Fodors Choice" hotels finding them booked. I asked one if they could recommend a hotel in their area and the Hotel Valadon was suggested. I called and was able to book a room. This place was the WORST hotel I've ever stayed in. I was afraid to leave my luggage in the room to go to dinner. The hotel was on a very busy residential street (loaded with graffiti) and we were woken up approximately every hour. <BR>If at all possible, ask someone who speaks fluent french to make your hotel reservations. I believe this was part of the reason we were unable to make reservations at a few of the places we called (7 total).

Amy, sorry to hear about your nasty hotel. Did you call when you actually got TO Paris? If so, then your experience makes a strong case for advance booking.

Amy <BR>I too am sorry about your bad experience. I looked up that hotel at <BR>www.paris.org and there were only positive remarks from other past guests. Perhaps you should post your own remarks there, and on the rants and rave section <BR>of this Fodor's website as well. I do not find that hotel listed in the Fodor's Paris 2000 guidebook nor in the Fodor's Choice section of this website. <BR>Where did you find it listed as a Fodor's choice? <BR>I will add that there are so many many budget-level hotels that have been recommended on this forum that I wish you had had the luck to choose one of the many that have received consistent raves here. I realize that this won't help you now, but I would not rely solely on a recommendation of a hotel, by another hotel, unless I had other sources of information. <BR>I wish you better luck next time, really.

The Valadon was not on the Fodors list, another hotel I called and asked for a suggestion was. I guess I assumed. My book time was short, due to circumstances beyond my control. There is another post from someone who has stayed there several times and has enjoyed it. There you are!

Hi Amy, <BR>May I suggest that you buy a Michelin Guide for hotel recommendations. I believe it is the best source for accurate ratings of hotels. Hotel Valadon is not listed or rated by Michelin. I would stay away from hotels that Michelin rates low or not at all. <BR>Marilyn

Hello Amy, <BR> <BR>things have changed a lot since you came : owner change, total renovations and so on. <BR> <BR>check our website : www.hotelvaladon.com <BR> <BR>looking forward to welcome you again, <BR> <BR>sincerly yours <BR> <BR>Samuel Orsenne <BR>Hotel Valadon - Paris

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We stayed there in May. It was lovely- bedrooms remodeled with a very French decor of red, white, and black. The beds have feather duvets. The owner served us breakfast himself. The concierge made us reservations for two very good bistros and for the concert at the Madeleine. <BR> <BR>As for the street being noisy,we have also stayed at Hotel Valadon four times before the change in ownership, and we have always found the street very quiet , although it is only a couple of blocks from Rue Cler. That is a noisy street although it's a lot of fun.We have also seen no graffiti on the streeet by Hotel Valadon.It is basically a quiet residential street- mostly apartment houses, I believe.

Comments I've received about it, much different than yours, were: <BR>large room <BR>very clean <BR>staff terrific <BR>but that's how it is with hotels (and restaurants) - some love 'em, some hate 'em. <BR>For more Paris information e-mail me – [email protected] <BR>

Stayed at Valadon last year and plan to go back this year as well. We found it clean, quiet and the staff very friendly.