Underhill

Someone--I think it was francophile03--recently posted that the hotel told her air conditioning would be available "about the beginning of June." So it might not be ready to go when you arrive. An alternative might be the Hotel du Louvre, right across from one of the entrances to the museum.

If you do go to the Musée d'Orsay, it's useful to know that at the far left end of the first floor (as you go in through the newish entrance lobby) is an escalator that goes to all floors. You can also ask an attendant to use the elevator.

francophile03

Underhill is correct, the person is me. Here is the Brighton's exact response about the a/c question I emailed to them last weekend:

"Unfortunately we do not have yet the air conditioned now, but we will have it on July."

Just FYI about the Brighton, I found out also that there is no tearoom available in the hotel; the room is used for the breakfast service only. I think some sites have old information and are advertising that there is a tearoom available there.

And I am not really sure if a garden view room is the best. All I read is that the best rooms are the rooms that have the sweeping views which are streetside. Also be sure to ask if the room is renovated.

Wags

I've got to jump into this discussion about the Brighton. If possible, book an upper floor room in the front. It overlooks the Tuilleries, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. The view at night is absolutely beautiful. It is in walking distance to many popular sights- Place de Concorde, The Champs Elysses, the Seine, etc. If air conditioning is not yet installed, ask at the desk for fans. They will be happy to supply them. Don't worry if the room has not been renovated. If you want a touch of old Paris these rooms have it. There is a Metro station right across the street. Angelina's is a few doors down the block. All in all, we love it!

tpl

Hi Irene1,

We got back from Paris last week. We have been there several times over the past few years, but this trip was a little different because I was recovering from surgery on both knees. As a result, I noticed things I never had before, one of which was the number of stairs in the Louvre -- not just between floors, but within each floor. Not a huge number, but enough that I had to bow out after a little while, (and I really love this museum!). Just thought I'd mention it, though I have no idea how mobile your mother-in-law is.

There are elevators in a few places, but they don't necessarily link you to where you need to go. There are wheelchair lifts on the stairs (but I was on crutches). You can get a very detailed floorplan when you enter to help plan your strategy for getting around.

Anyway, have a wonderful time on your trip.

Irene1

Based on what I have read here, I am not sure whether or not to stay at the Brighton. Do those of you who have stayed there think it will be uncomfortable Memorial Day weekend without air conditioning?

Wags

We were at the Brighton last year in May. In fact we checked in on May,23rd. We were there for 5 nights. It was very comfortable for 3 nights and then we needed fans, which were provided. It is not easy to predict the weather but we have been to Paris 7 times in May and have never been uncomfortable. However,a few days after we left last year the terrible heat wave hit Europe. So if air-conditioning means a lot to you I would not take any chances and book a hotel that has it.

Irene1

Wags, do you recall how hot it was in Paris when you used the fans? According to the 10 day forecast the high when we will be there will be about 70 degrees. I just don't know if that is hot enough to make the rooms hot.

Wags

It was in the high 70s. The rooms have floor to ceiling french doors that open wide. There is usually a breeze. However, at that time the air was a little too heavy and we asked for fans.

Christina

Both the Orsay and Louvre are fully accessible (some of the few that are in Paris), and both have wheelchairs available for use which could help if she really gets tired. I know my mother didn't like it, but when she got to be 85, she accepted the fact that she just couldn't be on her feet that long for long distances and would accept one of those simpler wheelchairs (such as in airports).

Francophile, I imagine that email about AC being "on july" was a slight mistranslation of the preposition "en" from French to English, and they mean they would have it in July. I do that kind of thing myself when going between two languages.

francophile03

I guess that's what it means. I was not so clear and had asked if the a/c would be on in July only or from July through September for example. The hotel responded simply: "it will be for ever."
So I believe the a/c will become available from July.

Irene1

I just wanted to update everyone who was kind enough to respond to my original question about where to stay with my mother-in-law. We ended up staying at the Hotel Clarion St. James-Albany which is a few doors down from the Brighton. I had planned to stay at the Brighton but got scared off by the lack of air conditioning. In retrospect, it was the right thing to do because my mother-in-law, who is 80, really wanted the room to be cool. The location was fabulous and the hotel was fine for our purposes. Although the upstairs hallways were a bit shabby, one of our rooms was beautiful and very spacious (especially for Paris). Unfortunately, the other room was very cramped and I could hear everything in the room next door. I had emailed ahead explaining the mother-in-law situation and my guess is that they upgraded one of the rooms. For anyone who wants to exercise in Paris, the fitness facility in the hotel was excellent.

Our couple of days in Paris were wonderful, even if the weather was a bit rainy. We saw the Joan Miro exhibit at the Pompidou which I recommend if you like modern art. We also had a great dinner at a restaurant called Petite Zinc in the 6th.

There was a lot of discussion here about the Brighton Hotel which I did check out. It is crawling with workmen right now but their project seems close to completion and my guess is that it will be nice once it is done.

Again, thanks to everyone for the advice along the way.

SuzieC

As my trips to Europe are far to few and therefore VERY precious to me, I want to immerse myself with Europeans.
I want to rub shoulders...I'm an American and I love us...but I want to learn...things. I enjoy the small talk with a european rather than well, another American. That's all I meant.

Madison

I just got back from my vacation in London and Paris. While in Paris I stayed at The Brighton for the second time. First time I was in Room 218 that hadn't been renovated but still a very nice room with a wonderful view of the Louvre, D'Orsay, Tuileries and Eiffel Tower. I requested it this time and was promised either that room or 318. When I got there they gave me 318 which was horrible for 160 Euros. I called down to the desk and nicely said I wasn't happy with the room and they said they could move me the next day to another room like the one I requested or to a suite for $233 a night right away. I ended up taking the suite and they didn't charge me the additional amount. It was a beautiful, huge room with spectacular views.

At this time they are renovating the Tea Room which was disappointing and for now they have put the breakfast crowd into another room. But it is a temporary situation.

For me it is the perfect location. The only downside being if you have a room with a view it's going to be noisy unless you keep your windows shut. But it's a small price to pay. On my last night there I heard a commotion outside and looked to see what was going on. It was the Friday night rollerbladers going down the Rue de Rivoli. Thousands of them. It was a sight to behold. A few days earlier it was a national holiday and I looked out my window to see the Eiffel Tower, not only all lit up but with lights twinkling like a Christmas tree.

Irene1

Madison, I'm glad you had a good stay in Paris. Rue de Rivoli is a perfect location if you are a museum goer. It seems that with many of the hotels in Paris the rooms vary a great deal.

By the way, the lighting of the Eiffel Tower that you saw actually happens every night on the hour for about ten minutes or so starting at 9 or 10 and ending at midnight (I think). I think they started the lighting for the year 2000 but it was so popular that they have continued it. It really is a spectacular sight. What a wonderful city.

francophile03

Madison, do you know anything about the top floor Tuileries view rooms by any chance? Or do you know if that would be a pretty good floor for the room? The Brighton wrote on my reservation that the room (renovated) will be on the 5th floor; I think it's on the top floor.

Thanks.

Madison

Fracophile - If you're on the 5th floor you are going to have a spectacular view of everything. the views are great from the 2nd and 3rd floors, however I don't have a clue as to what those rooms are like. You may want to ask if the ceilings are low or high because the roof slopes. I hope you enjoy your stay.

francophile03

Thanks Madison! Gosh, a sloping roof-like in an attic...I hope it's ok-I really don't care for low ceilings as it's sort of claustrophobic. I guess I can ask the hotel. They're probably getting tired of my questions.

Madison

You're entitled to know. Maybe you'll get someone different this time. Or you can disguise your voice. I'm like you, I don't like low ceilings. My rooms at the Brighton have always had high ceilings. I hope it all works out for you. Did you contact the hotel directly or go through Benetol booking?

WillTravel

Get a spouse or child to phone .

francophile03

I contacted the hotel directly but via email. I find it easier and cheaper that way-just my opinion.
I'll check with them. I guess it won't be so bad as I haven't seen any negative comments about low ceilings-yet. I had originally told them that due to New Year's Eve celebrations on the street below I was concerned about the noise to the room so they say they'll give me one on the 5th floor. Otherwise, I guess I would have gotten one on a lower floor.