Help me choose from these Paris Hotels
Dec 1st, 2009, 10:58 AM
#22
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Good info Luisah and isabel. I think the Marignan is the same price as the other closer-in hotels once we factor in that we'd want en suite WC and shower--looks like 80E for a double.
Nicerue, I am checking it out.
Frankly, I wasn't all that interested in the Ibis since it's a chain and we stayed in one in Morocco that was so-so.
On my other thread someone suggested an apartment rental. I;m not familiar with the process but would love to figure it out if it would be cheaper and better located than the hotels I am considering.
Nicerue, I am checking it out.
Frankly, I wasn't all that interested in the Ibis since it's a chain and we stayed in one in Morocco that was so-so.
On my other thread someone suggested an apartment rental. I;m not familiar with the process but would love to figure it out if it would be cheaper and better located than the hotels I am considering.
Dec 1st, 2009, 11:20 AM
#23
schlegal, I've rented in Paris twice and had great experiences. However, I think the issue with an apartment would be finding something in your price range with a lift for your husband. Check out Mademoiselle Fifi's report for some additional info on the 11th, where she rents a place. Can you tell I really like that area? I like the outer 3rd arr as well and where the two converge. Last May I rented an apartment a block behind Place des Vosges but had dinner over on Avenue Parmentier, snacks up near Fille des Calvaire, chocolates--twice!--at the very top of Rue de Turenne (again, near Republique) and other miscellaneous wanderings in that vicinity. I did all this on foot, although I admit it might not be as pleasant in December.
You'll have a great time no matter what as long as your husband is comfortable.
You'll have a great time no matter what as long as your husband is comfortable.
Dec 1st, 2009, 11:23 AM
#24
Sorry, the Paris Garret that Mlle Fifi rents is, as the name suggests, way way up many stairs, so not suitable for you two. It's usually booked well in advance, too--I know b/c I've tried to book it unsuccessfully. I mentioned her report b/c one of the hotels you're considering is in the 11th.
Good luck!
Also, I've met tod. She's South African and I'm 99% sure she doesn't work for Ibis.
Good luck!
Also, I've met tod. She's South African and I'm 99% sure she doesn't work for Ibis.
Dec 1st, 2009, 11:53 AM
#25
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Thanks, Leely. We'll probably stick with a hotel. Also, I like having a front desk that will be around to answer questions or recommend restaurants. We're clueless about Paris so we need lots of help!
And thanks for clearing tod's rep. =) I know I have posted myself sometimes and sounded like an ad for an agency or restaurant so I understand that a hasty post sometimes comes across that way--especially when you are really excited about sharing good info!
And thanks for clearing tod's rep. =) I know I have posted myself sometimes and sounded like an ad for an agency or restaurant so I understand that a hasty post sometimes comes across that way--especially when you are really excited about sharing good info!
Dec 1st, 2009, 12:14 PM
#27
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I understand your hesitation about the apartment - but if I can reassure you - I really did okay staying in an apartment. I had only been there once before and only for 2 nights. I had some ideas on restaurants from here. Due to our budget I was not looking for fine dining and we really fared okay.
I think in your circumstances, I would go with an apartment. Some on the Vacation in Paris are in your price range in great, central locations - and this way you will have a small kitchen to grab some items from the local market. Your husband might be far more comfortable with a little extra room.
Wish I had your problem right now
I really would love to go back to Paris!
If you are planning to go to the museums you might want to consider the museum pass - it allows you to skip the ticket line.
When you go to the Eiffel Tower be sure to realize that there are two ticket windows - when we were there - we got off the metro and there was a really long line. I went up to the information window and asked what the line was that was shorter a little further back and the man sort of laughed and basically said stupid tourists get off the metro and get in the first que ;-).
I think in your circumstances, I would go with an apartment. Some on the Vacation in Paris are in your price range in great, central locations - and this way you will have a small kitchen to grab some items from the local market. Your husband might be far more comfortable with a little extra room.
Wish I had your problem right now
I really would love to go back to Paris!If you are planning to go to the museums you might want to consider the museum pass - it allows you to skip the ticket line.
When you go to the Eiffel Tower be sure to realize that there are two ticket windows - when we were there - we got off the metro and there was a really long line. I went up to the information window and asked what the line was that was shorter a little further back and the man sort of laughed and basically said stupid tourists get off the metro and get in the first que ;-).
Dec 1st, 2009, 12:21 PM
#28
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adding more - we ate here upon the suggestion of Thin from this forum (miss him!) La Rose de Sommerard - it is a little Chinese place. Loved it. Inexpensive and good. We ate at a Greek place on Christmas Day - (in the 5th) It was very fun - dancing and smashing plates "OPAH" on Christmas day. It was great.
Dec 1st, 2009, 12:42 PM
#29
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I'm reassured and awaiting a response about availability from vacationinparis.com
Fodor's is great but it's easy to get info overload!! I started out with four choices and seem to be increasing them by the hour!
Fodor's is great but it's easy to get info overload!! I started out with four choices and seem to be increasing them by the hour!
Dec 1st, 2009, 12:49 PM
#30
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Schegal - that is true - the overwhelming part and you are of course overwhelmed right now anyway - dh hurt, changing plans etc. I had a few weeks to pull together about 2 weeks in Europe in 07 due to illness of dd (we were supposed to go Paris - South Africa - Rome but dd was sick and her doctor said she could not go to SA and work with the AIDS children but could go to Europe so I had to fill in a few weeks in a few weeks) - rest assured the trip came together nicely - and we had a great time (dd did need medical treatment in Florence) so I really do understand!
I cannot speak for you or your dh but for us - staying in the a convienent place really helps. So that would be at the top of my list - know it could be VERY cold - I should send you my blog because it was FREEZING when we were there. I do not know where you are traveling from but we were coming from Southern California and even walking 15 minutes was hard on some of the coldest of days - so being close to the metro was key.
I have only stayed in the 5th and the 1rst and before someone yells at me (ha!) it makes me no expert by any means but we prefered the left bank.
I cannot speak for you or your dh but for us - staying in the a convienent place really helps. So that would be at the top of my list - know it could be VERY cold - I should send you my blog because it was FREEZING when we were there. I do not know where you are traveling from but we were coming from Southern California and even walking 15 minutes was hard on some of the coldest of days - so being close to the metro was key.
I have only stayed in the 5th and the 1rst and before someone yells at me (ha!) it makes me no expert by any means but we prefered the left bank.
Dec 1st, 2009, 01:08 PM
#31
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We prefer the left bank as well. I think, especially if this is a first trip to Paris with an injured spouse, location can make a big difference in your trip enjoyment. Close in with metro/bus close by really makes life easier if you can find someplace affordable.
Dec 1st, 2009, 04:27 PM
#32
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While an apartment may seem a bit more expensive than a hotel remember that you can more easily eat breakfast "at home" which makes the price closer to the price of a hotel. I usually enjoy at least a couple of dinners of bread, cheese and wine sprawled on a couch which is both inexpensive and relaxing.
I don't speak the language, I'm a small town midwest girl and I've had no trouble renting apartments in Paris. I've never missed a hotel front desk person as I carry lots of fodorite based info with me and know I can pop into an internet cafe to get plenty of web based info if I need it.
The last time I stayed in a Paris hotel I could sit on the toilet, shower and brush my teeth all at the same time due to the smallness of the bathroom. Not a good thing.
I don't speak the language, I'm a small town midwest girl and I've had no trouble renting apartments in Paris. I've never missed a hotel front desk person as I carry lots of fodorite based info with me and know I can pop into an internet cafe to get plenty of web based info if I need it.
The last time I stayed in a Paris hotel I could sit on the toilet, shower and brush my teeth all at the same time due to the smallness of the bathroom. Not a good thing.
Dec 2nd, 2009, 08:30 AM
#34
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Isabel: hi. I posted earlier, but I don't see it here, so I'll ask again about Hotel Marignan. How is the mess in the halls affecting your stay? Is the place very dirty? Are they almost finished, or will this go on? What about coming in late at night--do they give guests a key to the entrance to the hotel as i understand they close the reception at 11:00 pm? I just booked for late December, so I'm wondering about all of this.
thanks much.
thanks much.
Dec 2nd, 2009, 08:50 AM
#35
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emmateddy, you posted your question on another thread.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...lease-help.cfm
When you want to find threads in which you've participated click on your name and all threads will show up so you can easily keep track of them.
Welcome to Fodors Forums.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...lease-help.cfm
When you want to find threads in which you've participated click on your name and all threads will show up so you can easily keep track of them.
Welcome to Fodors Forums.
Dec 2nd, 2009, 09:16 AM
#36
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<<I usually enjoy at least a couple of dinners of bread, cheese and wine sprawled on a couch which is both inexpensive and relaxing.>
You can also do this in a hotel room; I've never been in one that doesn't have a chair. Most have mini bars in which to put your cheese and cold drinks that you can buy in a grocery. I buy croissants or other pastries for my breakfast, have them with juice and then pop into a cafe for a coffee.
Apples, cheese and wine make a good snack in your room too -- or a picnic in a park. I always have a swiss army knife to cut fruit, bread, etc.
You can also do this in a hotel room; I've never been in one that doesn't have a chair. Most have mini bars in which to put your cheese and cold drinks that you can buy in a grocery. I buy croissants or other pastries for my breakfast, have them with juice and then pop into a cafe for a coffee.
Apples, cheese and wine make a good snack in your room too -- or a picnic in a park. I always have a swiss army knife to cut fruit, bread, etc.
Dec 2nd, 2009, 10:13 AM
#37
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I'm still considering all possibilities. I was hoping I would have heard back from the apartment rental company mentioned above right now but I haven't =( --they say they'll reply within one business day though so I am still hoping to hear today...
Dec 2nd, 2009, 10:36 AM
#38
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I'm confused about arrondissements. I have found some good apartments in the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th. These seem like good locations--is there a map taht shows where major tourist attractions are by arrondissement?
Dec 2nd, 2009, 10:46 AM
#39
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