Kim_George

We'll be in Paris in late September/early October for the first time and are torn between these two hotels. Both are in our price range (Pont Royal: about $386 with breakfast; Intercontinental: about $375, not including breakfast). Since it's our first time in Paris, we want something within easy walking distance of major sites. I've read all the TripAdvisor reviews but am still torn. Any opinions and advice to help us decide would be wonderful!

BelTib

I recently returned from a stay at the Pont Royal. In my trip report I wrote:

I thought the Pont Royal was first class, however, I wouldn't recommend anything smaller than their junior suite (you know how small rooms are in Paris). The rooms are equipped as you would expect in a better hotel; nicely furnished in a sort of masculine way i.e. lots of dark rosewood trim, literary portrait photographs, with hints of art deco. Bright breakfast room faces an interior garden and as I said, an above average breakfast. If you want to eat trendy, the concierge usually can get you into the uber trendy L'Atelier de Joel Rubuchon; think of eating French tapas in a sushi bar. I loved the location; very short walk to the Louvre and d'Orsay; half block to the rue du Bac Metro. Easy walk to Cafe de Flore/Deux Margots, Latin Quarter, Musee Rodin and plenty of the smaller neighborhood shops on rue du Bac and Grenelle are nearby. We had a "dollar package" which included daily breakfast and a museum pass. In summary; good location, quiet, immaculate. You also may wish to check out the Montalembert which is right next door to the Pont Royal. I have friends who have stayed there many times and think it is just as good.

I paid more than $386, but that was for a junior suite. I based my decision mostly on positive tripadvisor opinions, which I now can personally vouch for. I hope this helps.

francophile03

If I had the euro to do so I'd choose the Pont Royal. I was going to stay there on a special deal they had last year, but ended up not doing so. I do know that the concierge, Pierre Tieng, is really excellent.

glsebs

We have stayed at both hotels and while each has their advantages, overall I would choose to stay at the Pont Royal. It is a small boutique hotel, but has the French charm. While the Intercontinental is a beautiful hotel, it is much bigger and much more impersonal. The room we had at the Pont Royal was on the small side, but very lovely. We also prefer the left bank as it is more lively and
"Parisian" with many cafes, galleries and small stores. There are museums and sites in both locations so either would be convenient but I still prefer the Pont Royal.

walkteach48

I am sitting in the Pont Royal right now as I write this (excellent Internet access in our room). We like the hotel very much. The descriptions you have already read are accurate. We are paying $315, but we booked 6 months ago.

Walkteach

Kim_George

Wow, it looks like everyone so far prefers the Hotel Pont Royal. That's what I was leaning towards as well, but it's just so hard to decide -- especially when you've never been somewhere and aren't sure of the best locations! If we stay at the Pont Royal, we'll be booking a deluxe room. A junior suite would be $2,956 US for five nights, and I just don't think I can bring myself to pay that much. Hopefully the deluxe room won't be too small.

Walkteach, enjoy the rest of your stay in Paris! I can't wait till we're there.

kamahinaohoku

If you'd like to look at the Pont Royal's rooms: http://www.parisby.com/pontroyal/pages/gallery.htm

mrskenny

We've never stayed at the Point
Royal, but we stayed at the Intercontinental last year and the location was superb. We were there for 8 nights and had a choice of a larger room that overlooked the courtyard or a smaller room with a view. Of course we took the room with the view and were rewarded with french doors that opened to a spectacular view of the Tuilleries and the Eiffel Tower beyond. The room was cozy, but not claustrophobic. A wall of mirrors helped. One very comfortable double bed, writing desk, dresser and a couple of interesting closets. Marble bath was small, but well out together. Restaurant prices were ridu