"<i>But it will also make it clear I have no idea where I am going - and that I won't have a clue if the driver is taking the long way there</i>"

What if he <i>does</i> take you a long way around -- there might be a good reason. There might be a wreck or construction or something and the 'long' way might be the best way. Cab drivers will know the best way to get from point A to point B.

Between now and the trip take the time to learn to pronounce at LEAST the name of the hotel, and the name of the street - and have the name/address printed out for back up.

The cabby wants to get you to your hotel and off to his next fare -- I wouldn't worry.

I suggest that you have the address written down to show to the driver.

Map:

http://www.ratp.fr/itineraires/fr/ra...s%2C75%2CParis

I think it's a good idea to have a little map with you: this past week I got in a cab at Gare de Lyon and told him which street I wanted in the 7th (staying at an apt., not a hotel). The driver did not have a GPS, and I had to show him my map three times before he figured out where I wanted to go. I was thinking what it would be like to be a first-timer and have this happen. This advice is probably less important when staying at a hotel, but I was still pretty surprised that the driver had so much trouble knowing where the street was (ave. du Champ de Mars, right off ave. de la Bourdonnais--hardly some obscure destination).

"There are, but if you are worried about the traffic via taxi -- you'll have the same traffic via car service."

But with a car service the meter does not keep on ticking. There are taxi stands outside of most RER stations. I know for sure there is one at St Michel.

We've been pleased with Shuttle Inter, whick was recommended by GraceJOan, a frequent Paris travelr and Fodor's poster.

Print out the address and the map of where the hotel is on mappy or such. We have never had a taxi "take us for a ride". I have told our driver that the Muguet is on a one way street so he has to go around the block.
A taxi is a pretty nice gift to yourself on arrival in Paris. You get to look for the sights as you come into town.
The problem of findig a taxi stand from the bus is real--and the Gare de Lyon was a good solution.
Think about the taxi for arriving, and perhaps a shuttle for your departure.
The RER is fine for those experienced with it. I find it to be very daunting with luggage and being tired.

Thanks all. Good to know that there is little to fear from the taxis. I am sure there are horror stories, but nice to know it usually works fine. And yes - I will familiarize myself with the map and pronunciations. It makes sense that a driver wouldn't know the location of every single hotel in Paris. How much do you tip the driver?

I am a believer in taxis as well. I hand the driver the name and address on a piece of paper since my pronunciation is pathetic at best;)

On our last trip we tried Shuttle Inter and it was not a good experience. They were not there upon arrival and it took several calls before they came. More frustrating though was that we verbally confirmed our departure with the driver when we arrived at our apt, and then I emailed again during the week to reconfirm, yet we were left high and dry. No shuttle at all, not even late. Hoofed it to a taxi stand, and thankfully there was one there. But then they had the nerve to email me and say their driver was there and we were not. I replied with the facts and never heard back, not even an apology. So you probably have an idea of my opinion on their operation:D

Taxis have never let us down so far. We will be using them again this summer.

Nancy
Everytime Ive tipped a Parisian taxi driver, I receive a very surprised stare as if I expect something for the extra money. You dont have to tip, but be aware you will have a sizable fare as it is all the way from CDG.

I will use taxis in Paris, but I dont pay the 60-90 Euro fare to the airport. I take the RER

<i>There isn't any reason to ask the hotel how far it is, anyone could tell her if she gave the actual hotel location...</i>.

I have to disagree. The hotel you're staying at always knows the best and fastest way to get there. They deal with it daily. There are many, many hotels in my city. I couldn't tell you the fastest or best way to get to most of them.

"<i>I have to disagree. The hotel you're staying at always knows the best and fastest way to get there.</i>"

You'd be be surprised - very often the directions on hotel websites can be pretty weird. Just last week there was a thread about a (well known) hotel in London that had the most ridiculous transport advice.

This is all great information. I have one question about taxis. What are the odds they will carry 4 passengers and luggage? Our landlady suggested the RER which has a very close stop to our hotel. However, I know we'll be tired, etc. But will a taxi take all 4 of us? Thanks you knowledgeable people.

Yes, taxis can take four. When you get in the taxi line, they will make sure that a taxi is large enough for all of you.

yep - some taxis are sedans and some are minivans so the queue dispatcher will direct you to the right sized vehicle.

Nancy, take a cab just because you are worth it! :-)

I tip taxi drivers in Paris and I have never been stared at. I guess a tip is appreciated and not uncommon. Admit that I am not sure of this. In France a tip seems to be appreciated for a lot of services.