Hotel in London and Paris
 

We are going to paris next may. Its going to be 2 adults and 2 kids. We are having trouble finding many hotels in each city that hold 4 people. What are your reccomendations of a good quality, affordable hotel in each city. We want to be in a good central location to all the sites. We want to try and keep each hotel under 300 a night.Is this possible?

Matt

In Paris, contact Hotel Bonaparte and ask what they can provide. (Don't take Room 2...the bath is far too small.) Can the kids stay in an adjoining room? I was in a room at the end of a small hallway where only one other door opened onto that hall. It would be no different than being in different bedrooms at home. They may even have connected rooms.

Bonaparte doesn't have a website, but it is listed in the Fodor's Hotels section. Fax is the best way to deal with them.

I've seen several posters acknowledging the problem of finding hotels in London suitable for kids. You might want to do a quick search. Looks like many families rent apartments depending on the length of your stay. We just returned from our trip in June. Stayed at the Holiday Inn in Kensington. It had 2 beds which weren't right on top of each other. There's a garden at the hotel so your kids could stretch their legs. Very convenient to the Gloucester tube. We also stayed at a Sheraton and my daughter had to sleep on a rollaway bed. Susan

Hi matt,

Jeanne has a good suggestion.

The Bonaparte can give you two rooms next to each other for about 240E w/bkfst.

I don't know if they have connecting rooms.

They do have a triple, which might work.

Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. Like what star rating is The Bonaparte? We want to stay at like a nice 4 star which is what we usually stay at in the usa. I will check it out though. Also you guys know anything about the Marriott Regents Park? Is it a nice hotel? Any more paris suggestions?

Matt

Matt, depending on the ages of your kids I would opt for 2 rooms. That means 2 bathrooms -- a Godsend when you travel :-) Many hotel rooms are pretty small and 4 people in them would be quite cramped, particularly if the kids are not babies. I can recommend Hotel Relais Bosquet in the 7th Arr. in Paris (just off Rue Cler, within walking distance to Eiffel Tower, and 2 blocks to Ecole Militaire Metro stop) as one to consider. They have a few rooms that have a small hallway, off the main hall, that opens off into two rooms, we saw families utilizing those rooms when we were there and it looked like a nice option. Incidentally, the hotel is very nice. We have stayed in many hotels in Paris and never had a room I would want 4 people in :-) I also can recommend the Holiday Inn Republique, it is truly a beautiful hotel as the building is a historic one. 5 Metro lines are right out front at the Place de la Replublique. Rooms tend to be smallish but quite nicely decorated, we really enjoyed this hotel last year when we stayed there.

As for London, we usually rent an apartment, again many hotels have smallish rooms, altho I did read someones report that the Holiday Inn Express near Victoria Station had decent sized rooms for families.

In Paris our family stayed in the Grand Hotel St. Michel in the Latin Quarter which should run well under 300. It was a bit cramped but managable. We had a 2 room suite. The living room had 2 day beds (I think it normally only had 1 but the put another 1 in there for us, that's why it was so tight). The hotel was clean and quiet, nothing fancy, but adequate. In London we had 2 interconnected rooms at the Cranley Gardens Hotel. This was in April and we paid 89GBP per room. The location was very good, So. Kens. Each room was on the small size with limited drawer space but it was nice have separate rooms and bathrooms.

I just wanted to add that on this recent trip to London, we found it very expensive in general. Worse than NYC where we live. The only thing that was inexpensive was the family tube passes.

No, the Bonaparte is not a 4*, and I'm afraid you're going to have difficult time finding a 4* that is affordable. However, you might try the Résidence du Roy, which has mostly suite's; the hotel used to be an apartment complex, I think. It's in a reasonably central location.

If you'll settle for a good 3*, I know that the Hôtel Mansart--just off the very central Place Vendôme--has adjoining rooms.

..re budget in london..$300 will not be 4* unless you try priceline (and i dont know if quads possible to book through priceline..but i am sure someone else does)

Both hotels I mentioned are 3*

from an earlier thread (June 29th?) there was a discussion about this.
StCirq wrotes that 2 rooms connected are "chambres communicantes". Google that phrase and you'll find hotels.

IF I were in your birkenstocks, I'd probably search for a lovely apartment.

My favorite hotel (a 3*) in the 1eme, Hotel Relais du Louvre has an apartment... but it is more than $300 a night...but talk about central location!? Oy vey!

Hi,

So I guess it will be hard to get a 4 Star for under 300. We are thinking of maybe staying at the Hyatt CDG and taking the train into the city every morning. Its really nice and its 360 us dollars a night for 2 rooms. Its 4 stars. Anyway of even getting 1 room in paris that would hold 4 people thats 4 stars for 360? Sorry for all the questions
Matt

Staying at the airport and taking the RER into the city every morning doesn't sound the least bit appealing to me. You'll be jammed in with the commuters for 40 minutes each way and will completely miss out on the "getting the feel of the neighborhood" experience.
The Hôtel Duquesne-Eiffel, a 3*, has lovely chambres communicantes as well as at least one quad for well under $300 a night.

Naaaah, you don't want to stay at a Hyatt at the Airport!...

try this, you'll find the prices and the amenities you're looking for:

http://www.4star-paris-hotels.com/po...tels-index.htm

I'm sure you can find a very nice 3* within your range. I agree that you should stay in the city. Do you prefer the larger american chain type hotels? There are many small, but very charming 3* hotels that many people on this board can recommend. I have also read some good things about renting apartments for a family which is another possibility you may consider.

I dont care if its a small hotel or large american hotel. I just have trouble finding any.

Matt

Matt-
Take a look at this site. It indicates which hotels have quad rooms. Also has some apartments, which might solve your problem.

http://www.smallandeleganthotels.com/

Staying by CDG is a terrible idea. Your kids will resent you for it and it will truly ruin your trip. Your plans are far enough off that you can find something if you are patient and keep looking. 3*s are totally fine for Paris, and you will find that you will spend very little time in your room in Paris or in London. Location is key.

Don't stay by the airport and fight the commute into town. Stay in town and enjoy it.

You've been given several suggestions and I'll add one more web site. Try http://www.france.com and click on the Hotel button at the top of the page right under the search window. Choose the number of stars you want and do a search. I know, for instance, that the Hotel Clement has a junior suite but suspect you want something more American. There are photos of the hotels and the rooms and there are wonderful reviews by people who have stayed there.

Have a great trip.((@))

Yea,

CDG idea is out of the picture now. I have going over some the websites and a lot of them dont have reservations up for may. Should I just call hotels directly? I really dont care how american it is? I just dont to stay some Motel 6 like place in paris. It just needs to clean and comfortable? Any more suggestions of actual 3 or 4 star hotels I should call is great. You guys have helped so much already.

Matt

One questions

Every hotel says no avilability, I find it hard to belive they are all sold out. Should I just call them? It gets exspensive calling all of them

Matt

Try this:
http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/h7...nds_hommes.htm

The site indicates that you can get a promotional rate at 45% discount until May 31. Fill out the online booking request for a "familiale" room.

I can't believe that you are finding no availability for next May. Which hotels have you emailed requests to?

If the problem is no quad rooms available, can you split up into 2 rooms? You should still be able to hit your budget with a nice 3 star in a good area.

If you want to try to contact hotels directly rather than through booking sites, and want the names of some possibilities, just type Paris hotels into the search box at the top of the screen and you'll get tons of recommendations, reports, reviews, etc.

Have you looked through the Fodors hotel listings for both London and Paris? That should help you decide which ones interest you and you can email, phone or fax them directly.

I have tried using online reservations and most say no availbility. I have sent some email requests but just sent them so no respone. We are considering the Hotel Elysees Ceramic, anyone know much about it.

Matt

Its so overwelming since there are so many hotels! I really have no clue whats best. I noticed websites like expedia or orbitz dont have anything listed for next may. Do you think if I book somthing now to have that I will find better deals later on? We are going May 20-24

Matt

Many booking sites do not offer rooms so far in advance, and give you the 'no availability' message. They aren't full - you are just too early.

When do you think they will start selling them online. I also have a question. Im some of the hotels room pictures I swear it looks like it has 2 doubles but on its site it says rooms only hold 2 or 3 people. I want to book somthing for now to have but when will more be avilable?

Matt

When booking a quad, I suggest you do it directly with the hotel. Usually by email is fine, and maybe a call or fax for the credit card info. I always ask what the bed configuration will be (my 2 kids don't like to share a double bed). Also, many hotels don't mention quads on their websites or on booking site, but in many cases have 1 or 2 available. There are many nice 3* hotels that are nothing like a motel 6. I've even stayed in 2*s in Europe that were delightful. The star system in Europe is not based on quality, it's based on amenities (liek hotel restaurant, room service, etc.).

Just to check, I tried to get a room at the Hotel des Grands Hommes across from the Pantheon in the 5th arrondissement for 4 days in mid-May. They don't have a quad, but do have rooms. Here's what they offer:

>>As we don't have family rooms in our hotel we would like to propose you 2 rooms in the same floor near by one and other.

Please choose between the following types of room:

Double or twin room, Superior Class: decorated in the Empire style, these
rooms overlooking the place du Panthéon combine classic elegance and 19th
Century charm. They are equipped with a safe, cable television with Internet
access, a minibar and are air-conditioned.

Normal rate: 223 Euros per room per night Buffet breakfast: 10 Euros
Special rate for the period requested: €181.00 per room per night

Double or twin room, Standard Class: decorated in the Empire style, these
rooms overlooking an interior courtyard combine classic elegance and 19th
Century charm. They are equipped with a safe, cable television with Internet
access, a minibar and are air-conditioned.

Normal rate: 213 Euros per room per night Buffet breakfast: 10 Euros
Special rate for the period requested: €171.00 per room per night<<

If this works for you, it's a very nice hotel in a convenient area. If you're overwhelmed by the number of hotels available, you may want to work with a travel agent, who will help you for a reasonable fee. Don't make yourself crazy; this is supposed to be a vacation, not hard work.

It is overwelming but I plan all of our trips. I am actually 15 and do all the planning for my parents. They love it since I am expearienced traveler I know what to look for. First time to france though so its overwelming. But I am managing. Thanks so much everyone.

Matt

Here are a few hotels we are considering. Which do you guys think is the best? They listed from cheapest to most exspensive: Hotel Elysees Ceramic; Résidence des Arts; Hotel des Grands Hommes. Thats what i got so far

Matt

Why not stay at a Citadines property in each city. They are apartments that will have either one or two bedrooms. The one bedroom has a sleeper sofa. Their web site is www.citadines.com You don't have to cook everyday, but you can save a good bit of money by just having a few things for breakfast, lunch or for a quick and easy dinner on those days where you just need to kick back and relax in the evening.

I cant tell if these 2 hotels are different? Which looks better if they are?
www.hoteldesgrandshommes.com
www.paris-hotel-grandshommes.com

Matt

Matt-

It's the same hotel. Good for you for helping the family out.

By the way, be sure to ask for a twin bedded room rather than a double if you're going to share with a sibling.

While Citadine apartments may be a good idea for families, they are pretty standard modern spaces, without any of the charm many people look for in European hotels.

Do you know about www.tripadvisor.com? You can find user reviews of a great many hotels all over the world. Take a look at the ones you're considering to help make your final decision. Good luck.

Good work msett! Give yourself a pat on the back. I'm impressed, mayeb I should put my 15 year old to work on our next vacation.

Heres a simila rthread:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34507501

Don't be turned off by the Best Western suggestions, they are not like the Best Westerns in the states. Do a search in the search box on "paris and hotel and famil", do the same for london. You'll find lots of suggestions.

I have friends who on their first trip to Paris last fall stayed, three to a room at the Villa Pantheon. They were thrilled with the hotel and I believe it is well within your price range. YOu could inquire about a quad room or adjoining doubles. Much praised at www.tripadvisor.com

Also
Relais du Louvre gets great comments here and at tripadvisor.com

We just stayed a the St. James and Albany across from Tulleries. Get a family suite and you'll have plenty of room for you and your two kids (as my wife and I did!) The location was perfect for walking almost everywhere. If it fits your budget (I got a good price on expedia, but I've heard I could have done better--) then do it. The hotel has real air conditioning and a newly remodeled pool. Also nice if you are with kids.

You may be trying to make arrangements too early! There are so many hotels in both Paris and London that are smaller and more personal, and frankly, they don't like to book that far in advance. At least that's been my experience. I'm not so concerned about planning so far in advance. In fact, our first trip was done on fairly short notice and we had no problems at all. Last year, the hotel I'd cofirmed reservations with six months ahead of time appeared to have LOST my reservation 10 days before we left. I panicked and begun a whilrwind search via www.parishotels and a couple of other sites. Low and behold I ended up with about three suitable choices (this too, was for a late May trip!) and guess what, the original hotel emailed me back as they suddenly HAD a room for us.

You may want to up your budget a bit for London, and lower it for Paris. How old are the kids -- are they old enough to trust in their own room? It is unlikely that you will find adjoining rooms, but possible.