Joe18

I stayed at the Grandes Ecoles in 1998 and loved it. Madame was a charmer; her regular reposte was "Pas de probleme, no problem." The other, much younger manager was much crisper but spoke English. It sounds as though the latter may have assumed control. The lack of television was, I thought, a benefit. It's not like we don't have enough of it.

Woody

<< Des Grandes Ecoles, always my first choice, the women will love the look of it, but it took 3 emails and even then they didn't answer my questions, and have expressed that they dont wish to have 'groups' >>

We had a lovely time at the Hotel des Grandes Ecoles.

I believe the reason they disfavor groups is they have so few rooms, that a group's change of plans can have a big impact on them.

The only drawbacks I found at this hotel are: it is an uphill walk from the nearest Metro; and I did not feel as safe walking back to the hotel at night as when we stay in St. Germain des Pres. (I feel safer where the streets are well lit and there's a bit more pedestrian activity.)

Woody

comedian

Thanks for the last 4 responses, all valid points. I think my gp of Aussie women will be OK with the 2 star rooms as I have not charged a 3 or 4 star premium, but I know what you mean...every room is different, some better than others; uniformity can be good for a group. My no. has dropped to 5 so Grandes Ecoles should accept booking for 4 rooms! Yes, the area is a bit more deserted at night, good point. Jardin de L'Odeon is out because there are not enough rooms for us at special rate. I'm unsure about "Balcons" read a few negatives from "Elaine' I think...keep sending me your 1st hand experiences!

JeanneB

Even a dreary room can be perked up with a handful of posies from the local flower market. I speak from personal experience...every time I see red ranunculas it reminds me of my first hotel room in Paris.

InMiami

Ok, to further confuse things I would suggest the Hôtel Jeanne d'Arc in the Marais. The price is rock bottom and the location is in a fantastic part of Paris. The hardest part will be getting a reservation in this very popular hotel. Use the money you save use to have fantastic dinners every evening!
http://www.parishotels.com/Hotel_Jea...s_star_en.html

JeanneB

I'm a little confused. Are you looking for single or double rooms in the 110eu range?

As for location, I still think your flock would prefer the Odeon/St. Germain area. I often travel with a friend from high school (2 ladies, mid 50's) and we love walking those streets after dinner, window shopping and wishing we could afford to buy!

Woody

<< As for location, I still think your flock would prefer the Odeon/St. Germain area. >>

This is our favorite area. We stayed there on our last three visits to Paris.

Alot more options for cafes, boulangeries, patisseries, restaurants, shops and markets than in the Latin Quarter.

Woody

comedian

Thanks again everyone. InMiami, I did seriously consider Jeanne D'Arc but thought it was a bit unpredictable, re sort of room and quality. I also think the Marais is great (my pref area, but perhaps not for this group as I think they are more St Germain than Sydney Mardi Gras!) So, I am leaning towards DeLavigne but isn't 9 m sq very small? The superior twin is 14 metres and I am happy to book this for my mother and daughter, but 9 m for the singles? The budget is around 120 euro for a single occupancy of a double room. How big do you think the rooms are at G Ecoles? (PS, I sent fax 2 days ago to check on 07 rates, given up on an email response, yet still.. no response...I wish I could be so slack aabout my business and still make $$$!!)OH, please give best advise for BRUNCH in the Marais on a Sunday..good value and atmosphere, merci

InMiami

Comedian, I have to agree that St Germain is one of my favorite parts of Paris. The one drawback is that it can be very crowded, everyone loves it.
My favorite place for brunch? Hugo's in the Place des Vosges has one of the most beautiful settings in Paris. It is also one of the best bargains in the city, filled with locals.

InMiami

Also, at the JACQUEMART-ANDRE MUSEUM there is a fantastic brunch on Sundays. It is a bit more expensive, 23E per person but very nice. You can then tour the museum/home. Finish the afternoon with a stroll through the wonderful PARC MONCEAU.

JeanneB

InMiami just described one of my favorite days in Paris! Especially Parc Monceau, which was far more beautiful than we'd imagined.

Comedian: Have you considered Hotel Bonaparte? Right in the heart of Saint-Germain, next to Saint Sulpice church (and not far from Odeon). I keep thinking it might be perfect for your little group. The streets around the hotel are lined with wonderful little boutique shops and restaurants. There's a large market around the corner where we always pick up flowers the first day. Metro/bus options are terrific. The rooms are larger than you're describing, baths huge by Paris standards. We especially like that they deliver coffee/breakfast to the room.

You should write them and ask the rate for a block of rooms. We paid 128 for a double in January. Single occupancy may be in your price range.

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

I haven't used the website to inquire. I use the fax and get timely responses.

comedian

Thanks all..JeanneB, I read a no of very 'average' reviews from both Fodors and trip Advisor re the Bonapart being tired, a bit shabby, grungy carpet (1 was from elaine Fodors who moved to Delavigne) So this concerns me..but I do think this little area is nicer than Rue Des Ecoles (busy) and more to see/look at than in G Ecoles district. To be honest I suppose I am looking for the 3 star bargain of a lifetime! Is there any WEBSITE better than others for a bargain? I have already priced my tour and I need to keep room under 125 and then do breakfast elsewhere unless its v good value. The Familia is best rate but day by day I am scared that it will seem to be too 2 star (but I could be completely wrong with this as some posters have said it is fresh, not shabby and friendly)

JeanneB

Yes, I've read such comments about the Bonaparte...frankly they didn't surprise me. All I can tell you is about my impressions. As I said before, the street has wonderful window displays and elegant shops, making for a good first impression. The hotel entrance and lobby are small but attractive. Then we went upstairs and I was disappointed (keep reading!). "Dated" came to mind. There was an old marble fireplace, armoir, double bed, safe/fridge, TV, and table w/ 2 chairs. When I saw the large marble bath I was happier. Then I opened the double french windows and bought some flowers at the marche and---voila!---I loved it. [Actually, I think it was the location that endeared me after we'd been there a few days.] The staff is also friendly and very helpful with restaurants, my poor French, bus schedules, etc.

When we were there in January there was extensive painting, repairing on some floors (ours was freshly painted). Cleanliness has never been an issue in the several times we've stayed there.

I've researched Paris hotels for years and never found a particular "bargain" site. Personally, I would always choose location, even for a few $ more.

JeanneB

I meant to mention that the Bonaparte rate includes breakfast delivered to the room (coffee/hot milk, croissants, breads, jams/butter, juice). When you wake up you just call down and order your tray.

Christina

You aren't getting that breakfast free at the Bonaparte, you pay for it. If you don't want it, you don't have to pay for it. If they quote the room rate with it and don't tell you it is optional they are being a little misleading.

JeanneB

The Bonaparte may not suit some people, but I can't imagine their misleading anyone or doing anything in the least bit underhanded. A few years ago they overcharged my credit card by 12 euros at checkout. We traveled on through France. When I got home there was a letter of apology from Mme. Dumas and a credit on my card. I hadn't even noticed it.

nini

So which hotel have decided on comedian? I looked at Delavigne website and the rooms look very basic and plain. I have to say our room at Grandes Ecoles was large--at least large enough for a table and two chairs and adequate storage.I think the decor was better than what Delavigne offers. You may be able to enjoy the garden in May and there are huge doors at the street which lock at night so you will feel safe there. It is 3*** and we paid 115E in Oct 2005. I don't remember them taking any extra time replying to my e-mail--they just ignored my request for a bed larger than a double. It is a popular hotel with Americans and was fully booked when we stayed there. It is an easy walk to Notre Dame.

comedian

hi Nini, I just got my French husband to phone G Ecoles to check on rates from May07 and I really do think I'll go with them. It is a bit more out of the way,not right in St germain but we will be all over Paris every day and prob return home exhausted to open a bottle of wine in the garden! 1 of the ladies is a light sleeper so it is a good location, the garden is lovely, nice for women and I have fully inspected it last year. I think May could be nice, lets hope! If its not GE then I will go to Familia, 2 star only but they have been so graciuos and friendly via email. I may certainly use them for future tours. Familia is better for my budget but I will shave money from elsewhere.

HowardR

Belatedly, I offer a very strong endorsement of Les Grandes Ecoles. We stayed there for two weeks and felt like were were guests in someone's home. We loved it! I like the description of the hotel in one of the tour books, something like, "It's like an oasis in the middle of Paris"!

JeanneB

It sounds like a great place for your group. What fun you'll have now that the dreaded "hotel decision" is behind you. The planning is so much more fun from there on out!