Looks like OP has made up her mind, but just wanted to add that we stayed at the Le Meridien and enjoyed it. We were with a 4 year old, and we had no problem walking through the area...maybe not super quaint, but we were not concerned for our safety or anything like that. We liked going to the train station for breakfast each morning, inexpensive and fast.

"We were with a 4 year old, and we had no problem walking through the area...maybe not super quaint, but we were not concerned for our safety or anything like that. We liked going to the train station for breakfast each morning, inexpensive and fast"

Based on my experience, that's a perfect description.

Thanks everyone for your continuing input. I am still monitoring for more advice! When I begin planning a trip I like to have all hotel reservations completed asap. That is why I like no cancellation penalty hotels. Once I get all the trip details lined up (which I have for this trip - yahoo!), then I can watch for better hotel deals. So, I'll keep all of your tips in mind & watch the prices & as we get closer, I'll take a look at the discounters.

Thanks, Julie