Glad you agree :) Hope you have a great time in Paris!

Hi WillTravel:

I know you saw my post on your other inquiry about the logistics/transportation being better at either Raspail or Republique versus rue charonne but just wanted to clarify something I saw you said here:
"Which would be a better area to stay in - Bastille or Montparnasse?" If the address you gave for the Mercure Raspail is correct it is on the part of Raspail that I would not call Montparnase (even if they call it that in the hotel name) but rather Denfert-which is actually a much better nicer area and a much better metro stop in terms of getting places (montparnasse-like gare du Nord is huge and can be a real drag to deal with)

Also, I agree that the charonne location shouldn't be 30-45 min from major sites but what is more important is that its metro stop Ledru Rollin is not a a particularly good line and will be much harder to get to the major tourist sites than either denfert rochereau (on probably one of the best lines the 4 other than the 1 line) or Republique. And while I agree with hanl that it is not a peripherial rue charron is a fine area-71 is kind of in a "nowhere" zone between the Ledru rollins metro and charonne and a pretty good walk from Bastille. With a 17 year old I would definitely stay in either the Mercure or the Ibis before the Comfort.....

Oh and for your son-the very best pizza street in Paris in my opinion is rue de cannette in the 6th near St. Germain des Pres (our favorite is the Santa Lucia). There are at least 6 pizzerias there all making cheap yummy wood oven pizzas-heaven!

Thanks for the pizza tip, jpie!
For now I will go with the Mercure Raspail.

I can't wait to hear from you after your trip be sure to fill us all in and make sure your son remembers to write in which pizza he liked best in Paris-rue de cannette or other-because I am always interested in new food tips :)

Enjoy the Mercure I think you are making a really good choice.

Hi WillTravel-I wanted to apologize-my old eyes decieved me-207 Raspail is indeed closer to the Montparnasse end of Raspail versus Denfert but still a great area-especially for your son I think. Closer to rue canette for pizza and lots of little "fast foody" kind of places-do be aware as I mentioned that the montparnasse metro is huge and can means lots of walking-there are great buses around there that run up through the Latin quarter as well and a great way to practice your French and see more of the city.

Morgan B, thanks for your reply. I still don't know what I'm going to do.

Keren, you might consider my previous plan (which I am no longer following).

Make a reservation in a place you lke without A/C.
Make a reservation at an Ibis with A/C in a location that you could tolerate.

Wait until a few days before your trip, keeping in mind cancellation deadlines. Read the weather forecast at weather.yahoo.com and make your decision then.