I am looking for a hotel in the Marais that will be available right after Christmas. It isn't as easy as it sounds. Has anyone heard of the Hotel St. Louis Marais on rue Charles V or the Hotel de la Place des Vosge on rue Biracque? They are both 2* but sound ok. Thanks

Gee, Cindy, I have to admit I have never heard of the Marias. Perhaps you could enlighten me. <BR> <BR>Stupid

"Stupid", Cindy asked if someone knew about two specific hotels in the Marais ... not whether or not someone knew about the Marais. <BR> <BR>Cindy, would it be possible to list where you already tried and found the hotels booked? That might help narrow down the possible feedback. The only place that I've stayed in the Marais is the Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais, but you already may have checked there. <BR>

Cindy, A couple years ago when our usual Paris hotel was closed for renovation, we checked out the Hotel Saint-Louis Marais and its companion hotel the Hotel Saint-Louis on the Ile St. Louis. Both were quite nice, we chose the Hotel Saint-Louis because of its location on the Ile.

Heather: <BR>I have tried the caron de beaumarchais, hotel de la bretonnerie. (I've stayed there before, very nice) I have confirmation at the Hotel Beaubourg (also stayed there, nice people, my room was very spare) and at Hotel St. Louis Marais. Of course I will have to make a decision and choose one or the other. As for stupid, he or she can't even spell marais, much less read the posting correctly. thanks

Consider moving a little to the east to the Bastille. Try the Lyon Mulhouse.

Marais means "swamp" doesn't it?

Cindy: <BR> <BR>We've stayed at the Caron de Beaumarchais, regarded by many (us included) as very nice. It was well done, though we had a room facing a dark interior courtyard about the size of a good walk-in closet. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Still, I wish the room had been bigger, or, at least we'd had a balcony. <BR>The Hotel St. Louis Marais is (I recall)the sister of the Hotel St. Louis on the Ile St. Loius, where we also stayed, this spring. The hotel (on the Ile) was very recently redone, very nicely. Caveat: the management has a horrendous reputation for disregarding confirmed reservations. <BR> <BR>The Marais is a great neighborhood. On the edge. Lively street life, especially on weekends. Convenient to a lot of good museums, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and sites.

Sort of on the fringe of the Marais, but we've enjoyed the Hotel Mercure Monty, see http://www.mercure-monty.com <BR>Some nice art deco spaces, top floors can have a peekaboo view of Sacre Coeur, great buffet breakfast. Short walks to the main part of the Marais, also to Printemps, the Opera, and plenty of other cool places.

Hi Cindy. The first time my husband and I visited Paris in Jan, 2000 we stayed at the Hotel Place de Vosages. At the time I believe it was about 660FF for a double. We did not get the breakfast which was a little expensive at the time for what you would get, I felt. The rooms were clean, but old and a little in need of renovation. The bathroom was fairly nice sized and we always had hot water and clean towels. I liked very much where we were located. We read that the hotel staff can be unfriendly, but they were very nice to us. It seemed to be a very bare bones operation. The next time we visited, we stayed on rue Dauphine at Le Regent in the 6th. It was about 100FF more than the Place. It was much, much nicer. But of course, I do not know if you are having difficulty getting reservations...sounds like you are. Personally, if this is your first visit to Paris, I think you will be disappointed with this hotel. But if you are in a bind, do not be afraid to stay there.

We stayed at the Grand Hotel Jeanne D'Arc last May. The prices are good and the rooms are clean. The bathrooms were good and shower large. The staff does speak English if needed. At the time we stayed there it was under $100 per night. The area was great just next to a wonderful courtyard and fun restaurants/cafes. Fax 33148873731 <BR> <BR>

Thanks for all the replies. I'm leaning toward the Saint Louis Marais, however, not feeling too great about ignored confirmed reservations. Anyone else know about this hotel?

Hi There Cindy: <BR> <BR>My husband Gilles & I just got back from Paris and we stayed at the Places des Voges and loved it It was 660 francs about 89/90 US which I did not think unreasonable. <BR> <BR>Our room was smallish (but most European hotels seem to be smaller) and very very clean. The staff was friendly, it was a nice neighborhood with lots of intriguing shops. We popped around the corner one night and got a bottle of wine, went back to the room, opened the windows that looked out on the street and watched the passing parade. It was great! <BR>The bathroom is modern and also very clean, shower was hard to figure out. My husband took a bath instead and I finally figured it out. HINT: Pull out the bottom of the faucet in a downward motion. Breakfast is available in the am...skip it if you are in a rush to start the day. Have a great time!!!

L. Goussard: <BR>I had the same experience with the shower at the de la Bretonnerie. How did you make your reservations? Did you call the hotel?

I was in Paris last Christmas. My fiend and I spent some time looking for hotels. We actually inspected some of the rooms. The Hotel de la Place des Vosge was one of my favorites. As I recall, very small and quaint--good size bathroom. I intend to stay then on my return trip.

Another vote for the Grand Hotel Jeanne d'Arc. Very nice and in great location right in heart of Marais. The rooms are pleasant and baths are good. Excellent staff. Reasonably priced as well.

Thanks for all the information on hotels in the Marais. How do most of you go about making your reservations? Do you call the hotel direct? I speak basic french and wonder how I would do at this. Please advise.

Cindy: <BR> <BR>Hi there, in answer to your question...my husband called the hotel direct the night before to make reservations, but he is French. However, those I spoke to at the hotel did speak English. You should be fine/ Good Luck!

Hi, Cindy, we go to Paris every year and we always call and make our reservations on the phone-they always have English speaking people at the desk,at least during the days.The Marais is wonderful, there are so many good restaurants,shops and museums you will find it hard to leave the area and venture out into the rest of Paris.The Places Des Vosges is so beautiful, and peaceful, the last time we were there, an opera singer was practicing, and her windows were open, we sat there in the park and just listened.Just one of many perfect moments Paris offers.Have a wonderful time-it is a magical city~