Folks: <BR>I'm trying to decide between a standard room at a great hotel (Hotel Balzac) and a great room at a standard hotel. This will be my return to Paris after a long absence, and I kinda want to do it on the other side of the economic fence. I can't find many personal impressions on the Hotel Balzac -- it's not offered here as a Rant/Rave; no comments on the hotel list at paris.org; and only two comments came up after a text search here. It's only mentioned briefly at Bonjour Paris as a boutique hotel. Any input? Are the rooms/amenities worth the $$$$ (FFFF)? <BR> <BR>Many thanks. <BR> <BR>s

Hi <BR>I can't comment on the hotel itself, but do you want that location? <BR>That close to the Etoile, even though a wonderful hotel and on a good metro line, is a little far out for my taste, but that's personal.

Hotel Balzac is a very good hotel, on the luxury/pricey side without being a "palace". It is located rue Balzac, off the Champs-Elysees between George V and Etoile metro stations (line 1). I would agree with Elaine that it may not be the best location for leisure--I know it more as a business than tourist hotel. I would suggest that you do a search on this forum for recommendations and "raves" on other Paris hotels. The 4th, 5th and 6th arrondissements will be more charming than the 8th.

elaine & Miane: <BR>wow, thanks for the quick responses. And yes, I actually do want that location -- I'm an older type of folk and have long outgrown my desire for activity and noise ! I lived in Paris for an academic year, so I'm real comfortable w/ the metro & buses, etc (in fact, my old chambre was in the 16th). Miane, thanks for the info that the Balzac is more geared for "business"; that'll help me make this tough decision. I do like the ambiance of the 4th, so maybe I'll go back to the planning board and search some more. <BR> <BR>Thanks again. <BR> <BR>s.

When I mentioned "business", rest assured that it has Paris charm and doesn't have a bland corporate feel. If you know/like the area, it's a perfect pad. That being said, for a similar budget you could probably find a nicer hotel say around St Germain (the back streets between the boulevard and the Seine), or the Marais. Have you checked the Pavillon de la Reine on Place des Vosges in the 4th? It's a true jewel box, right in the Marais yet very quiet and private. From memory, it's in the same price range as Balzac.