I thought it was a pretty good rate too- normally 385 without breakfast - and it is supposed to be a superior - they didn't quote the standard - so who knows? Unless the D'Aubusson comes up with something incredible, I will probably do with it.

Actually they are running the same special...superior room with breakfast 290 E, at the Pavillon de la Reine till april 30th

westiedogs,

If you cancel at the Madison, do so by e-mail AND fax, just to be safe.

Demand a reply cancellation confirmation.

Faxing the cancellation is a good idea in case of no reply.

I received an e-mail showing my cancellation with no charges...at least that was prompt!! It was through parisby.com though.

I'm surprised that the hotel has not responded to your emails yet. Could the reason be because you booked through parisby.com instead of directly with the hotel?

The hotel responded to me before when I asked them to make dinner reservations. I used the same e-mail address. I just get the feeling they don't want to answer questions about construction because maybe they are afraid people will cancel. Which I did. Maybe they just don't care..who knows.

I have a feeling you're right about that. Too bad if it's true and don't want to admit to it. They just don't realize that it's not good for their reputation as these things are word of mouth.

Any news about the Madison? Underhill, did your friends have a chance to check it out?

Thanks.

My friends stayed at the Madison about two years ago. They told me that they had an initial problem getting the type of room they had requested. Also, upon their departure, they wanted a taxi to where the Air France bus departed for CDG. The receptionists ignored them, finally stating that, we only order taxis for the airport (obviously getting a kickback). They had to stand on the street to get a cab, and nearly missed their flight. The fact that they didn't reply about the construction implies an affirmative to the question.

No news yet; sorry. I'm beginning to think I left the message on someone else's recorder!

The friend who lives near the Madison had promised to look in but hasn't yet. Sigh.

well - check tripadvisor - another bad review for the Madison. It was just posted and dated 4/11. To make matters worse, they don't even mention construction...just that they didn't like it. I think I am glad I cancelled. I leave next week and will check it out while I am there.

We were just in Paris on March 15th and went in to the Madison to try to get some info. They were doing a renovation project in the lobby--it almost looked as if they had recently acquired space next door and were expanding into that extra space. There was a strong odor of paint--which may or may not be dome by now--as well as a lot of construction noise in that part of the hotel.

Socialworker, thanks for the information about the construction at the Madison.

Westiedogs, I read the additional negative reviews just before seeing your post. No mention of construction on these reviews which did mention that the rooms were dark or small (but weren't these dark, small rooms there all the time?) and that the staff had a bad attitude. After reading so many positive comments in the past about the Madison, it is discouraging and confusing to suddenly read about so many bad experiences. We are in the process of looking at other hotel choices. I will look forward to your comments upon your return from Paris. Enjoy your trip!

Hi Marianna,

Yeah, supposedly the key was to get a room overlooking the boulevard. Now it sounds like the staff's attitude needs adjusting. Construction will eventually end, bad help may stick around. Will let all know what I find out. AuRevoir!

I go every month to the Madison Hotel for business since 1996 and I can tell you that it is still one of the best 3 star hotels of Paris. They have made many renovations in february and march and that is why the guests sent many complains. The staff is always very helpful, the breakfast is great , the rooms are still very nice , the lobby has been repainted.... I do not understand all the bad comments! Trust me, it is a wonderfull hotel!

If what you say is true, what about the comments made by padbrasher above?

We stayed there in Feb 2002, I don't think the attitude of the staff has suddenly changed.We certainly didn't find them to be at all helpful, but surly most of the time.
The location is excellent, but there are other hotels in just as good a location.The room we had was nice, but then so have been other rooms in other hotels in Paris.
Last year we stayed at the BW Left Bank St Germain, and the room we had was great, staff were very helpful, so we would go back there next time if we wanted to stay in the 6th again.

Hmmm........I see that Chout has never posted before. I'm suspicious of his/her motives.

Chout, are you saying the renovations are finished? I'm still wary...I sent them several notes asking about it and they never responded. I guess we will see what Riverchick says when she returns and I will check it out while I am there next week...ooops! That's right, I leave in 2 days....