Thanks to this forum, i have reservations for October at the Madison (205e w/ breakfast), but just got an email from La Perle for 185e for a superior double room. As far as I can tell, there isn't much info on la perle. Any thoughts on it v. madison?

The location of the Madison is great, and the rooms tend to be a little larger than others in its class. Michelin doesn't rate La Perle (or its sister hotel Le Ste-Beuve); so I can't compare them in that guide. If this is your first trip to Paris, I'd go for the Madison just because it's so well located--and the rate you got is very good, too, for that popular hotel. Perhaps someone else who's stayed at La Perle will have more to say.

I have not been to either hotel but have done some research. Based on each hotel's websites, I do not like La Perle as I find that the value is not there. The rooms look small and the furnishings and decor have no appeal. The Madison, on the other hand, is known to have large rooms provided you book a twin and not a standard. Also the location of the Madison is prime whereas La Perle, while its location is convenient enough, is closer to the Luxembourg Gardens. Of course, the Madison's furnishings look alot better too.

La Perle is on rue des Canettes, a very small, very busy, very noisy street between blvd St-Germain and Place St-Sulpice. It's just around the corner from the Madison, which looks to be a much better choice for the price.

On the other hand, there are a number of small restaurants in the area of rue des Canettes, rue Guisarde, and rue Princesse. Their popularity accounts in part for the noise and business.

I stayed at Madison two weeks ago. It is, indeed, in a perfect location. A 4-line Metro stop is directly in front, and may nice cafe's on the Germain.

It is a easy walk to Notre Dame and St Chapelle. The front desk staff was incredibly courteous as well.

The only negative was the bed: it was very firm, too much for my liking. But our room (125) faced the church and was indeed large.

I recommend it, just be aware of the stiff bedding.

i am leaning toward the madison, but our room has a courtyard view (no boulevard views were available) and is a standard. THe hotel said it was 15 sq. meters, same size as the room at La Perle. is madison still the better choice?

The standard size is a typical Parisian hotel room size. Anyway, I still think the Madison is the better choice-you do get buffet breakfasts included. I don't think at the La Perle breakfast is included in your rate, correct?

Breakfast is not included at La Perle, so that's something for the madison. i will probably stay at the madison because there is not much info on la perle, but i will check it out when we are there in october and report back, mostly because i am curious about it.

Although I have plenty of time to decide, the Madison is also one I'm considering. From previous messages here, I had planned to have breakfast somewhere 'other' than my hotel. Is breakfast included at the Madison whether you eat it or not? It sounds like it's not a long walk to the Seine. Is it very far to walk to the Luxembourg Gardens?

I have stayed on the tiny rue des Cannettes and it is TERRIBLE! There is a very famous Paris disco almost directly across the street from La Perle and it doesn't shut down until almost 6 am. The entire street is noisy and it's noise you just can't get away from. Even ear plugs didn't help. I'd advise avoid it at all costs.

Breakfast is included in the rates at Le Madison. It is about a 10 minute walk to the Seine. And not a bad walk to the Gardens either. One good thing about Paris; it's flat.

Breakfast, whether or not you take it, is in included in the rates.

I had heard that rue des cannettes is noisy, but la perle says they have soundproof rooms. but given crepes a go go's experience, i am definitely sticking with the madison. breakfast is included in the rate -- you can't separate it out.

Good decision Smitty. But don't miss this area for the restaurants as someone pointed out above. I love the area, just not for sleeping!

I just got confirmation back from the Madison on my reservation, and they bumped the price up to 220e for the same standard, courtyard room because it is October. That doesn't seem like such a good deal, considering I could stay at the Artus (w/breakfast) or the Luxemboug Parc for 230e or the Bel Ami for 240e. i understand october is a popular month, but the bait and switch (sending me info with one price and then upping it when I confirmed) was not cool. So now i am rethinking the whole plan and may go with one of the others i just mentioned. any thoughts?

Have you looked at the Millesime on Rue Jacob. They have a 199E special that includes breakfast , airport shuttle, wine, river cruise, etc .
http://www.millesimehotel.com/bewax/US/promo.html

We've always chosen their superior rooms which are a really nice size but the standard doesn't look much smaller, at least in the pictures. Even their Millesime room is less than 220E.

Great location , too and very nice staff.

The Luxembourg Parc and the Perle are owned by the same group. Have stayed at the Luxembourg Parc and highly recommend it. Beautifully done rooms and bathrooms (with a real showerhead). Located just down the street from St. Sulpice and across street from the gardens.

The News segment of the Madison site is showing a 15€ surcharge for September and October--not nice. I wonder whether other hotels are now doing the same thing rather than having separate rates for low/mid/high-season rates.

At least the breakfast at the Madison is buffet style.

Smitty,

Have you checked Orbitz for specials at the Madison?

The Lusembourg Parc looks very good--I hope someone stays there and posts a report.

If the surcharge is not so expensive maybe it would be better than if they raise their rates for high season in some cases?

Just wanted to correct Underhill's first post: La Perle's sister hotel is actually the Luxembourg Parc, not the Sainte-Beuve.

Also the Sainte-Beuve is most definitely listed in the Michelin guide.

Hope this helps,
Andre