Hotel Des Grandes Ecoles - Uphill Walk Bad?
 

What was my solo to Paris this October has just changed to a mother/daughter trip (I'm in my 30's, she's in her 60's.) As a result, I'd like to change hotels from the Artus to Grandes Ecoles (I've been looking forward to trying the Artus, but think it might be a bit too funky and hip for my mom.) My only concern now is about the hill leading up to the Grandes Ecoles. I've done several searches, but still haven't found much info on just how bad (or not) it is. My mom is relatively fit, but but even she admits she gets tired more easily than she did the last time she visited Paris 5 years ago (i.e. no climbing Notre Dame again!) She's not an invalid, but I just want to make sure she's comfortable during our trip and not huffing and puffing every time we go home :) If anyone has any thoughts to share about this, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

Hi jv827,

The walk from the Metro stop (Cardinal Lemoine) to the hotel isn't at all bad. It's only about 2 minutes. The hill is sort of steep but the walk isn't long. There is another Metro stop at Place Monge but the hill isn't any better. I tried different routes, including going up the steps (from rue Monge), to see if there was an easier way but there isn't.

If your mom gets tired after a day's sightseeing I would suggest taking a cab back to the hotel. Rates aren't too bad. There is a minimum of 5E. The older I get the more comfortable I need to be a spending a few dollars on cabs is worth it not to be tired out.

I would highly recommend the Grandes Ecoles. The garden is so lovely although October might be a bit chilly to sit out.

Have a great time!
adrienne

I would also highly recommend des Grandes Ecole where I stayed for the 3rd time last week. But I wouldn't negate the hill and I wouldn't count on a taxi as a sure alternative. Taxis are sometimes hard to come by in Paris. Rue Cardinal Lemoine (street of hotel) turns into a one-way in the opposite direction before you get to the hotel. Last week our cab driver refused to go around and come back on the street to take us directly to the hotel. He said we didn't have any luggage so we could walk the rest of the way. Everything said I really recommend the hotel. If booking is allowed already for October it is probably full. You have to book the first day you are allowed to.

Hi ita,

You can't hail taxis in Paris as you do in other cities but you can find them at most major sights and at train stations. Here's a URL of taxi locations in Paris by arrondissement with a link for taxi phone numbers:

http://perso.club-internet.fr/podvin...xiarrt.htm#1er

adrienne

Here's another solid endorsement of the Grandes Ecoles. And, I too agree that the walk up the hill isn't that bad. Just walk slowly.
I agree with Ira about the the possibility that the hotel is already filled. I would recommend you contact them immediately!

PS: To us, the walk up the stairs in the metro stations was more tiring!

Hi jv827 - According to the Grandes Ecoles web site you can begin booking on June 15 for October reservations.

adrienne

Adrienne is correct. The hotel's "rule" is they accept reservations four months out on the 15th of that month.
I suggest you send an email the evening of the 14th, which will be the 15th in Paris. That strategy has worked for me and many others!

The walk really isn't bad, as long as you don't have luggage. There's just one longish block between the Metro and the Hotel.

I probably wouldn't try it with luggage, though, unless I was traveling really light.

Thanks for the reviews on this hotel. I have had reservations there for a while. It sounds as if I was lucky to make them when I did. I was just concerned about it being too far from thing in the city.
Anna

Anna, if you still curious about whether the hotel is in a convenient location, the answer is a definitely yes. What you can't walk to is readily available via metro, with a station a short walk from the hotel.

Thanks for the responses everyone!