What is the big deal??

They have to pay for and stay in a hotel regardless of where it is. So, is it that big of a deal to choose a hotel -- 35 min away -- where they can get a glimpse of the city?

Sure, it might be "easier" for them to hole up in the CDG Sheraton and never leave Terminal 2 -- but as long as they're not competing in an Olympic event the next day, why not spend several hours in Paris when they have a chance? If people only pursued the path of least resistance and least stress, everyone would just stay home. Personally, I wouldn't find staying in CDG "easier" -- it would be rather painful knowing I'm just a short ride away from the city.

Ok, OP back. I'm siding with the recent posters who vote for a hotel in the city. If I can't wake my kids up early enough to see the city, all I've lost is a longer commute back to CDG. If they do wake up, bright eyed and bushy tailed, eager to see Paris, we're better located for a short jaunt by some means of transportation. At the very least, we'll be able to say that we had breakfast in Paris.

Hi R,

Very good.

We always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. From 124E dbl w/bkfst. It is located near 3 metro stops. Has AC and an elevator.

Rooms 18 and 19, or equivalent on other floors, are on a short, private hallway, with adjoining (not connecting) doors. One is a double and the other is a twin.

Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67
www.hotelbonaparte.fr

For more info, enter "Hotel Bonaparte" in the "search this forum" box.

It will take 54 min to get from/to aeroport charles de gaulle TGV station by metro and RER. See www.ratp.fr.

Enjoy your breakfast in Paris.

if your kids don't want to get up, why not just leave them in the hotel room while you and your husband run around for a while, then come back and pick up the bags and the kids? they are old enough to look after themselves for a few hours.

there is a hotel I have used in the past right on RER from CDG Luxemburg stop. It is called Observatoire Luxemburg
- you can find it on Venere.

Yes, bri, we are prepared to leave them for a few hours...and thx to nbujic and ira for hotel suggestions. Are both these hotels in 'good' areas for hanging out for breakfast and just watching the street scene, assuming that no one feels like moving much in the a.m.?

the hotel ira mentioned is better
for people watching; the one I used
is across from Lux. gardens on Bul. St. Michael right next to the RER .
Depending on how much you wish to spend you may find a hotel closer to St. Michael RER stop ( a bit more central than LUX stop which is next south).
Go to Venere and look at 5th arrond.
the closer to the river and St. Michale RER stop you are the better.
Also, getting a cab to the city from the airport would not cost much more than 4 RER ticket but it might give you some time to look at the city at night.
You'll be on 'our" time which is 6 hours ( east coast) less than Paris time so you and your family may be ready for a walk before going to bed ( try to get some sleep on the plain)
If you have any questions - feel free!

My mom used this hotel http://www.hotel-paris-severin.com/

It's on St.Michele RER stop, very close to Notre Dame

Are you getting two rooms? I think venere.com has an option where you can search for quad rooms. That might be too close quarters for you but it would certainly be cheap. Although I guess a cute hotel would enhance the "we're in Paris!" experience. There's a really famous bakery near Hotel Bonaparte.

>There's a really famous bakery near Hotel Bonaparte. <

Poilâne, 8 r Cherche Midi

Pierre Herme' is across the street.

Laduree' is 3 blocks North.