Help me find a hotel with a pool in Paris for five people
 

Hi Everyone,
I am a true Europe newbie and would like to go to Paris with my family of five.. I have three children aged 11,6 and 3 and would like to find a nice hotel within paris that would be close to all the attractions and if possible have a pool.
I don't know if the apartment rentals have pools, but I am open to them as I can see there is not too many hotels that will accomidate five people unless I rent two rooms which is very expensive
I would like to go in late August and would be there for four nights. Any help from the board would be very appreciated. By the way I also plan to go to Euro Disney one one of the days. Thank You

You will probably hear this several times but let me be the first to tell you that you ought to give up the idea of a pool if you want to be in central Paris. You will not find a hotel with a pool that will be suitable for a person on a limited budget--the ones I see are at the four-star level and above.


These both have pools but are not in the best locations:

http://www.oceaniahotels.com/hotel-oceania-paris?lg=UK

http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-1735...services.shtml

You will do better in August to find a hotel that has AC. Is this part of a longer trip?

With only four days (and one of those at Disney), you will find so much to do with your children in Paris that I imagine you won't even miss a pool. I was there for a week with my 6 yr old granddaughter, and we didn't get to do nearly as much as we had planned. See the sights, go to parks, sit in outdoor cafes, take boat rides, and save the pool time for home. You might be thinking that late Aug. would be hot; it could be, but it could also be cool. I was there one late Aug. ('06), and Parisian women were wearing pashminas around their necks!

I believe the hotels near DL are more modern so you might find pools there. Since you want to go to DL it might be better to stay there and take a train into Paris for sightseeing.

We stayed at the Novotel at a Novotel south of the ET once that had a pool. It was an indoor pool.

A pool is not a realistic requirement in Paris. As you noted very few hotels have them - perhaps only a couple of very large business type hotels with spas/gyns. As for apartments - again finding one in Paris would be extremely rare - and would probably involve a new and VERY upscale building.

This is something you just don;t find in european hotels except for 1) very luxurious/expensive or 2) resorts outside of major cities.

In areas where most hotels are in buildings 100 - or several hundred - years old - pools are simply not an option. And, after all, once doesn't go to Paris to swim.

I agree with Suzanne2 about maybe staying out near Disneyland Paris. I know that there is Marriott out there which I am sure would have a pool along with the 2 or 3? properties that Disneyland Paris owns and manages. It's somewhat of a long train ride, but it is direct on the RER into central Paris, but something to consider if you're set on wanting to have a pool at your disposal.

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(My travel writing blog!)

Thank you for the great advice, I will forget about the pool as it is too much trouble. Can the board give me a good recommendation on a family hotel in Paris that is close to everything and that can accomidate five people? And which area should I be looking in for the attractions as i read that i shoild look in the 4th,5th, or 6th district. Once again, thank you very much.

Maybe an apartment would wor better.

I'm glad you're not focusing on the pool any more. And I wouldn't stay out at DL just for a pool, either; being able to swim will not make up for the inconvenience of the commute into and out of Paris each day.

There are public pools in Paris if you must swim: http://paris.angloinfo.com/af/474/pa...ing-pools.html

In August, it's likely that Paris Plage will be in place (where they build a beach on the banks of the Seine); that would probably be more interesting than any hotel pool anyway.

I would rent an apartment. In the unlikely event you do find a hotel that can accommodate 5, it will likely be very expensive, or you'll be tripping all over each other in the room, or have to pay for 2 rooms. The 4th, 5th, and 6th arrondissements are all good places to look. Of course, in an apartment you're on your own - no front desk to help you out - but if you plan well enough, you should be fine.

I think I saw what looks like a pool on the roof of the Fouquet's Barrière.

<<I think I saw what looks like a pool on the roof of the Fouquet's Barrière.>>

No doubt you did. And prices begin at $843/night and go up to $4,088/night.

IMHO, for a family of five, don't even waste your timelooking for hotels. Look for a two bedroom apartment.
What is your nightly budget? Let us know and you'll get recommendations for affordable flats

I just posted this on another, similar, thread:

I found a website that mentions the following hotels: Hotel du Palais Bourbon, Hotel Minerve, Campanile Paris XII - Nation Hotel, Mary's Hotel, Hotel Marignan, and Novatel Paris les Halles. I haven't stayed at any of these so can't personally vouch for them but they would be worth checking out. Also check the Citadines Apartments/Hotels. You can also email hotels that you know have rooms for 4 and ask them if they can accommodate 5 (some can bring in a cot.)

Emailing hotels directly, rather than just relying on their website, can sometimes bring results or they may be able to recommend a sister hotel that has larger capabilities.


Also, another reader posted this:

Here are two hotel web sites for a family of 5, both with Paris locations, some with kitchenettes and most with breakfast:

http://www.roomfor5.co.uk/list/160

http://sleeps5.com/destinations_france_hotels.asp

Good luck and have a great trip!

Thank you for your help I truly appreciate the honest responses. I have some reservations about renting an apartment because of security issues and would appreciate other people's opinion as to the safety of an apartment over a hotel. I am willing to rent an apartment on this forum's recommendation In Paris my budget is up to 300 US dollars a night and I would like an apartment that is close to all the sites. Thanks again.

I hsve rented and been happy with vacationinparis.com many times.

Another suggestion is the Citadines chain of hotels. The St Germaine or Louvre locations are very good.

Security issues in a Parisian apartment? I would be very surprised if there were any, as compared to a hotel. If it burglary that concerns you, be advised that entry to most apartments is quite secure, with digicode devices controlling entry to the building and again to the apartment. Many building entrances are off courtyards which themselves are secured by gates and locks.

At $300/ night you should not have any problem finding a suitable apartment, if you can find one that will rent for only four nights.

To avoid disappointment I think that you need to spend some time looking at a map of paris. It is a sizable city and there is no one place that is close to all - or even most - sights. You need to try to pick a neighborhood that you will like and a place to stay that is close to the Metro - since you will be taking that a lot to get around.

(Paris is a great walking city - and that's how we mostly get from one place to another - but the distances would be way too much for a 3 or even 6 year old.)

Security issues are pretty much nonexistent in Paris apartments as you need a code to enter the foyer and then have your own key for the apartment. The only security issue I've ever encountered was not being able to get the key to the (Paris Perfect) apartment to work and having to knock on a neighbor's door for help (and he had problems, too, but we got it resolved relatively efficiently).

Vacationin paris which Suzanne mentioned (and from which i am renting this June, after a friend was quite happy with his flat) will rent for four nights. But they do charge more per night when the stay is less than 7 nights.
The reason nukesafe mentioend that, is that many French properties rent for only a week.

"<i>I have some reservations about renting an apartment because of security issues and would appreciate other people's opinion as to the safety of an apartment over a hotel</i>"

Since security concerns would never cross my mind -- maybe tell us what sort of problems worry you. Then we can give you concrete advice/examples of why things are safe. Me personally -- I'd be more worried about strange people wandering through hotels.

http://www.parisapartment6eme.com/

Grandnational, this is an apt i checked recently because the owner rents for less than a week. His minimum is 4 nights (so it didn't work for me) which is perfect for you.

As you will see on the calendar, it as, at least now, available in August, It is near several metro stations and is a perfect size and bed configuration for your family (i.e single beds in the second bedroom)At current exchange rates (wbich i suspect will soon come down in USD favor) it is $319/night (less if you were renting for a week)

Personally, i'd virtually "run not "walk" to enquire about this place. Owner was very quick and pleasant in responding.

Thanks again for all your responses. I have alot of great suggestions here regarding hotels and apartments. I'm leaning towarsds the apartments and Calinurse thank you for the suggestion of the apartment in the 6th district. I will email him to get a quote. Is there is a big difference between the 6th district and the 1st?
as we would like to be where the action is, which area should I also be looking for? by action I mean tourist sites like the lovre and eiffel tower etc. Thanks again.

Grand, The "action" is all over Paris. As for districts (arrondissements) it's just matter of personal preference. i like the 6th and 7th for areas to stay, whereas others on Fodors, or worldwide, have other preferences.

What is nice about the apt above, aside from its minimum # of days, floor plan,and price, is its location, which is great for outdoor "run-around" time for the kids. It's just about Across the street from the Jardin du Luxembourg, and just one quick metro stop, or quick bus ride starting up Blvd Montparnasse to the Champs de Mars (the huge park around the Eiffel Tower).

Wherever you choose, try to take busses as much as possible.More fun for you and the kids

That sounds like an ideal location with kids. What a gorgeous park to have to watch them in!

I couldn't find the prices anywhere. That always bugs me that I have to write them to find out how much it costs.

It depends what you consider 'action'. The 1st is quieter at night as there are lots of businesses there. I find the 3-6 have lots of restaurants open and things going on at night as opposed to the 1st, which can be quieter in the evenings.

You wont find a place in the centre of everything because the sites are quite spread out. The metro is simple to use (and so are the buses) so I would pick a place in the neighbourhood you like in one of the 1-6 arrondisments and plan to use the transit system to get to things you cant feasibly walk to.

Enjoy!

>Help me find a hotel with a pool in Paris for five people<

I don't think that any Paris hotel will have a pool that small.

((I))

Lincasanova, yes, i too prefer when prices are posted. Perhaps it works to the advantage of potential clients though--i.e if it is close to the needed date, and not booked, you have a better chance to negotiate???
Intrigued by the place, I wrote to Pat. He was very prompt and courteous with a response. It rents for 1400 euros a week or 235 euros a day all year round. He also included, on my request, lots more reviews. The flat is listed on homeexchange.com as a rental only.
Also, there is an onsite manager who reviewers praised. Families of 4 with kids or grandkids loved it.
Gee, the more i think about this place, the more I wish we'd have had 4 days (his minimum # for rental) instead of only 3!!!! Just one more reason to return to Paris!!

Here's a few 2BR apts that meet all your requirements, including central location. I've used this agency before (though not these particular apts) and loved them. Company is US based, they are very helpful and you even get the key mailed to you before you leave the US.

http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_124.htm $295/night

http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_55.htm $280/night

http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_123.htm $300/night - not "quite" as central (i.e. close to the islands) but bigger than the two above and in a very good neighborhood. One short block to a Metro station (Vavin) and two blocks to a large park (Luxembourg Gardens).

PLEASE look at a map. The Louvre and the Eiffel Tower are nowhere near one another. sights are spread out all over the city. And the arrondisements with the most sights are not necessarily the best to stay in - may be more offices and shopping - but not hotels and restaurants/cafes.

Unfortunately, the wonderful folks who contributed to Paris's architectural and historical monuments over thousands of years did not have the forethought to place them side by side, so you are never going to find an apartment or hotel that's "in walking distance to all the sights," or "where the action is," unless of course you don't mind walking miles and miles. That's why cities have transportation. Just pick something in the 3rd to 6th that's affordable and appealing and near a bus stop and métro (it's pretty much a given that they all will be). And yes, invest in a map.

Here's another recommendation for a map. A four day visit limits the number of places you'll have time to visit. Highlight those most important to you on a map and the most convenient area for sleeping will become apparent.

Do keep in mind that places seem much closer together on a one page map of a large city.

There's no point to spending time considering apartments with five night minimums or accommodate only up to four people.