I'm looking to book a 5-day trip to Paris (for late May) very soon. As I want a really nice room, with a good location, etc, I'm mostly considering the two InterContinental hotels: The "Paris" and the "Le Grand."

I'm curious if some of you may have some comments to help me make my decision, or maybe dissuede me from choosing either of these. The location of the Paris seems amazing, and the interior seem stunning. however, I've read quite a few posts of issues with the hotel, ranging from excessive noise, to unbearable smokiness (we're both non-smokers -- will we be uncomfortable?), to obnoxious and inconsiderate staff, to clost-sized rooms. Are these inherent problems with this hotel, or are these gross exaggerations.

Overall, I seem to see more favorable reviews of the newly renovated Le Grand (other than the occasional complaint of excessive noise). However, based on the little I know, the location is not quite as exquisite, the building itself seems less beutiful (inside and out), though the amenities and staff may be a bit better.

If anyone can offer any comments / suggestions / advice on either of these places -- particularly in comparison with each other -- I'd greatly appreciate it. Also, if you think they're both big mistakes, please let me know. Again, I'll be booking the trip very soon -- I appreciate your thoughts.

I can't help you with the hotel choice, but this post reminded me that one of the highlights of my two days in Paris last week was tea at the Café de la Paix (in the Grand Intercontinental). I don't know how many times I must have walked right by it without paying any attention, and boy was I missing an experience! It's one of the most beautiful places I've been in Paris, and so comfortable and welcoming. We were seated in a large room with piano and chandeliers and bowls and bowls of orchids at the back of the café. The place was full of families and older couples and young lovers, and you got the feeling no one would mind if you just sank into a cushiony seat and spent the entire day there. The tea/coffee/pastry selections were delicious and only 7-8 euros apiece, which considering we dallied there almost two hours was a bargain. I'm definitely going back there on my next trip.

Hi
I've only seen public areas in both hotels, but I'd vote for the Grand.
I like the location much better, it's less hectic, and the hotel itself (pre-renovation) has (had) more charm and Parisian feeling to me. Ask for a room facing the rear or courtyard (in either hotel) if noise is a concern.

The Inter-Continental, on Castiglione, is a foreign businessmen's hangout. No flair, no French feel at all. Rooms are small and if they put you on the west side, the AC may not do the job. But the location is superb and big discounts from the rack rate are possible. A better bet is the Lotti, next door. Large rooms available on the Castiglione street side. We also like the Hotel Cambon, a four star a few blocks away. JP

Most of the larger hotels offer non-smoking rooms, if not entire floors. Ask when you reserve.

Hi odonnela,
It has been quite awhile ('97) since I stayed at Le Grand so things can change. However, the location has not. It was a very good location because there is a subway stop very close and that will take you anywhere. Also, it was not that far to walk to many important sights. When we looked out of the window of our room we saw Garnier's grand operal house. I really liked this hotel. They have a fabulous mirrored ballroom (unless they did away with it in a remodel). I was fortunate to have a private dinner and dance there. I would certainly consider staying there again.

I was lucky enough to stay 10 days at The Paris about 10 years ago and I would have to disagree that there is no French feel for it. On this website you can see the loveliness of it's ballrooms, and I still remember how special it felt to have tea in the courtyard. http://www.cosmopolis.ch/travel/hote...al_paris_2.htm
We were not businessmen, we were two 20-year old girls on a trip hosted by my friend's parents and at no point did we encounter and obnoxious staff. The location was wonderful, and there is something priceless about opening your windows to a view of the Tuileries gardens. At least to me, it spoke Paris. Unfortunately, my own means have never permitted me to stay at such luxurious accommodations on any trip to Paris since!

We stayed at Le Grand just a few weeks ago, and I would echo the sentiments already expressed. I loved the location across from the Opera and near the Galleries Lafayette and Printemps. The Madeleine area is barely a 10-minute walk. Yes, the beautiful ballroom is still there post-renovation, and all the public spaces are pretty spectacular including the Cafe de la Paix as alluded to by StCirq.

Our room was in the Opera wing but facing the interior courtyard instead of the Opera which intially disappointed me. But Elaine is absolutely right - the interior rooms are extremely quiet and we slept well. I can't vouch for the rooms facing the street, as this is a highly trafficked area day and night.

The rooms are quite comfortable and the bathrooms modern, although I don't understand the concept of a shower door that covers only half of the shower stall - the floor can get awfully wet.

Everyone at the hotel was very gracious, and I would - and will - stay there again on our next trip to Paris.

odonnela,
Here's another thought. Are you a member of the InterContinental Six Continents Club?
If not and you decide to stay at either, I would recommend joining. I believe that the initial cost is $100/yr - then around $35/year thereafter. You will get a free upgrade to a superior room that will more than cover the $100. There are a bunch of additional amenities in the room - fruit baskets, free movies, newspapers, late checkout, etc. plus you get a certificate for a future free week-end night stay anywhere in the world.
When we were in New York two years ago, I had booked a $149/night internet rate. With the upgrade, we had a fantastic room, 14th floor overlooking Central Park. Unbelievable!
JoeG

Also the Intercontinenal Hotels website has a few offers/specials so you may be able to take advantage of them considering their effective dates. I've been reading about these two hotels and it appears that the Le Grand Intercontinental is a bit more lavish than the Paris Intercontinental. Le Grand IC just finished a refurbishing also. On the website Le Grand's rates are higher than the Paris IC too.

We stayed at Le Grand last September and I would recommend it. We had a room facing the Opera. No excessive noise.

The breakfast buffet at Cafe de la Paix was excellent!!

Wow -- thanks for all of the comments -- they're greatly appreciated. So far, it seems that the opinion is almost unanimous -- the forum seems to overwhelmingly prefer the Le Grand over the Paris. I haven't been to either (yet), so I'm inclined to go with others' more informed opinions. On map, however, the location of the InterContinental Paris seems tough to beat (right on the Jardin des Tuileries, near the Louvre and Champs-Elysees) -- even the entrance and reception seem really grand. But it seems everyone favors the Le Grand. Does ANYONE disagree? Thanks.

On the subject of the Intercontinental Hotels Six Continents Club...I just got a renewal e amil and they are charging $100 to renew now. It was a great deal at $35 but $100 is steep.