Need a triple in Paris where we won't kill each other after a week
 

Hello All, First time on Europe board (I'm an Asia board junkie). However, although I loved my recent trips to China and India, I am craving Paris.

My sister, niece (19) and I are going to Paris for a week from May 29-June 5. We want to share one room. I have tentatively made a reservation as Hotel du Louvre http://www.hoteldulouvre.com/ which seems to be a fabulous location. I have booked a junior suite. However, I know that rooms are really small no matter what they are called. Oh, for the days I stayed at the Crillon mooching off my parents...but I digress..

Questions.
1) Has anyone stayed in a junior suite at the Hotel du Louvre? Can three people who like each other on arrival spend a week and not kill each other? Yes, we will be out and about continually and do not plan on spending time in the room other than sleep, but still do not want to be literally on top of one another. (yes, I know this is Paris, just know there is incredible expertise on this board and you might have "secret finds")

2) Does anyone have a better suggestion for a great location and a great room? Regarding our budget. The Hotel du Lovure Junior suite via expedia is $425/night plus $95 for the extra person, so our budget is around $500-550/night. (a bit of sticker shock after Asia ;-), but so looking forward to Paris after so many years being away.)

I am reading all the Paris threads and your terrific suggestions for walking tours and restaurants. Can't wait!

Merci, and I appreciate your suggestions.

If you can spend that much money, you could get a fabulous apartment where you would have all the room you need.

I agree, if your budget allows it, try for at least a two room scenario. You could get a double and a single and take turns in the single (total 2 nights for 2 of you, one person gets 3 nights total - flip a coin). Two separate rooms gives you 2 bathrooms - and it's the bathroom where 3 women are most likely to collide. And everyone gets a chance to 'escape' sharing at least part of the time. Downside is that to fit the same dollar/euro budget you would need to pick a slightly more modest hotel.

Why do you want to share ? For that price you could get 3 quite decent rooms.

I'd certainly look at apartments instead. And you could get a large, gorgeous one and have a lot of change from your $500.

Slowtrav.com is dedicated to travelers who stay in apartments and other non-hotel lodgings, and has dozens of reviews of Paris apartments.

Wow, I hadn't even thought of an apartment, Duh..! (as I said, I've been Asia traveling lately and that isn't really an option)

I'll take a look at the reviews. Any specific apartments that anyone has rented?

With your budget I'd opt for separate rooms. That way you get more then one bathroom - 3 women 1 bathroom might be a little crowded :-) If nothing else go for 2 rooms (you can ask for ajoining or at least on the same floor).

I would not go for an apt. unless you like making your own beds and not having fresh towels everyday .. while that is great for some (and we have rented apartments in other cities) it is not for everyone.

BH.....You can get a rate of 380E for a Junior Suite for the 3 of you.That includes the extra person charge and breakfast for 2 of you.I stayed in a room with 2 twins and did not see a Junior Suite.I thought the breakfast buffet was wonderful.The rate above does require full prepayment and is non refundable but changeable.I hope this helps.

Beachboi, where did you see that 380E rate? I didn't see that anywhere.

Thanks!

Never mind Beachboi, found it. Many thanks. Goodness, I've already saved huge due to this board. Great company :-)

I have stayed in three different apartments in Paris, but all have been much less expensive than your budget. The three places I have rented from are:

www.rentparis.com
www.paris-sleeps.com
www.private-paris.com

The last one was a two bedroom apartment in the Latin Quarter. The other two were one bedroom apartments, one in the Latin Quarter and one in the Marais. The most I have paid was about $200 per night off season.

There are many threads here about Paris apartments. Try a search on this site. Some more upscale apartments have been suggested at

www.parisperfect.com

Wow- with that budget I would definitely spring for an apartment, or 2 hotel rooms, or even 3 single rooms in a 3-star kind of place. Seems crazy (to me) for 3 women to share 1 bathroom while paying $550/night!

I just found two absolutely breathtaking apartments on www.parisperfect.com that rent for $571/night. I've written for availability.

We do want to do at least moderate luxe. I frankly didn't think about apartments having always stayed in hotels. However, since we are there for a week, an apartment might be nice. They have washers and dryers and wireless internet, so could be fun, especially since another niece is in school in Paris and could stay with us.

Again, many, many thanks!

Here are a few more that have higher end apartments in paris.

regentsuites.com
chezvous.com
rentvillas.com
franceforrent.com

Many people use VRBO. com - all types of apartments.

I'm with Lori - "I would not go for an apt. unless you like making your own beds and not having fresh towels everyday".

For just 1 week I would not bother with an apartment if it were me .. also remember most apartments have only 1 bathroom. Paris apartments are small, I have relatives in Paris (7th Arr) and pictures can be deceiving. I know ParisPerfect are very nice apartments, my cousin actually owned one that was sold to that company to be used as a rental, however they are smaller then what you may be used to in the U.S.

I was gonna be quiet, but fine I cannot.
With 3 (4 now?) young women in 1 suite with only 1 bathroom, I'd find that difficult no matter what the budget.
And while some of these apartments are truly magnificient, there are no "services" to speak of... no room service, concierge, room service...no mints on your pillow, clean sheets, etc.
Just to throw in another monkey-wrench, how about some of the apartments in Hotels?

We're actually only three women (not all so young ;-) . The 4th already has a place in Paris with a family. She would only stay with us if we had an apartment with room.

OK, I am completely open.

Budget: Max $500/night Needs: good location, nice room (s), three women.

BTW, the Paris Perfect apartments are all taken anyway, so, back to the drawing board. Some other apartments that I looked at have complaints about cleanliness that would not be acceptable.

I have now cancelled my original room at Hotel du Lourve as it was much more expensive than other rates that were available(thanks to Beachboi's sleuthing) At the very least if we decide to stay there, I will get it for nearly $1000 less (score!)for the week. I have also sent a note to them asking about ajoining rooms.

Now, starting from scratch and will let you know how I do. I have been reading all the threads on hotels and have some good leads.

I sincerely appreciate all your insights--they are invaluable. If anyone needs to know hotels in India or China, I'm your gal. :-)

My favorite hotel, the Hotel Relais du Louvre... has a nice apartment on its top floor - it has an elevator.
Maybe?

Try the Hôtel Mansart (just off the Place Vendôme); it has a number of good-sized adjoining rooms, which would give you 2 bathrooms. And they're large too.

I listened to all and have found a solution. Without your help, I wouldn't have even known certain things existed.

I decided that a hotel was best (the towel and sheet warning resonated). I also decided that I wanted to be in the 1st.

So after looking around for a while, I found an "apartment" at four star Hotel Mayfair (which has had some mixed reviews, but for the most part good reviews--including here in the fodors forums). It appears that an "apartment" at this hotel is considered two ajoining rooms, but that is great.

I found an Internet special on their site that discounted the $500/night "apartment" rate down to $350. They don't even require pre payment other than a one night. So, two rooms at Hotel Mayfair is costing a total of $350.

You folks have saved me a bundle!

I'll toast you in Paris :-)

Merci Beaucoup!!

Just be sure the Mayfair "apartment" provides 2 full bathrooms. Not to appear sexist, but especially with three or possibly four females - yikes. For your budget there should be no problem finding an apartment with 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. If you look at VRBO.com you can sort by number of bathrooms. The sheets and towels thing is not really an issue, by the way. Most apartments in your range have a washer dryer and you can just throw things in as you leave to tour, or for a fee the local laundry will do them up for you. Don't care to make your bed? So what - you are on vacation! The capper for me, though, is being able to sit with my morning coffee even before getting in a presentable state.

I loved staying in an apt. (www.private-paris.com) in Paris for many reasons. I stayed three nights in a hotel first, paid more per night and had about a foot around the edge of the bed and a bathroom that was smaller than the ones on cruise ships.

I love having a washer and dryer so I can pack light, love having a fridge for milk and juice, and love having lots more space than a hotel room offers. Have fun!

Seamus, you are a wise, wise person. The "apartment" has only one bathroom. OK, back, once again to the drawing board. Oh, the variables!

There is a great, modern Philippe Stark decorated two bedroom/two bathrom apartment on Ave de Tourville in the 7th, about 8 blocks from Bon Marché department store. It has great fabulous views overlooking the Rodin Museum. It is expensive, but still within the ever-expanding Paris "budget" of $500-$550/night :-)

BostonHarbour - if you are keen to stay in the 1st, you might consider the Hotel Regina (http://www.regina-hotel.com/). The location and Parisian charm cannot be beat. The hotel has large suites and apartments. While the prices on the website are over the budget you've mentioned, it might be worth a call to the hotel to negotiate a lower rate (the apartments are apparently often unbooked, so the hotel might be open to working with you).

As an aside, in looking at your posts it appears that we were in India at the same time, and possibly both at Udaivilas for New Years - small world!

Thanks for the compliment, BH. Not sure it's wisdom as much as the lesson finally sinking in after MANY "learning opportunities", combined with a heightened attention to creature comfort in my early senescence.
You may want to also check craigslist for Paris under vacation rentals. While you can sort only by number of bedrooms but not by number of baths, many of the posts will link you to agencies that have other properties available.

I'm all set with accomodations and wanted to make sure you all knew how grateful I am for all your generous help.

I decided to get an 2 bedroom/2bath apartment from ParisPerfect.com, a company which I had never heard of until you let me know. It is a fabulous apartment across the street from the Invalides, within a block or two from three metro stops. The reviews of the the company in the Europe forum threads have been uniformly positive and made sending a large check out much less worrisome. ParisPerfect is a dream to work with. I'll let you know how it goes.

One last question (famous last words). I would like to splurg one night for a great dinner while we are in Paris What would be a fun, great place for us to go? We are four women, two of whom are striking 21 year olds who love dressing in a very "hip" manner (even that description dates me) and would like to be in a "happening" environment rather than a staid Michelin restaurant. Their Mom and aunt will try our best to be both chic and invisable.

I'm looking at a budget of not to exceed $600-$700 for the four of us. Anyone know of something that would fit the bill? In other words, a restaurant where at the end of the night they would say "My aunt is SO cool, you wouldn't believe this fabulous place she found ;-)"

I can't help you with the hip restaurant but there was a very recent thread asking for the newest hip Paris restaurant. Do a search for it using the search this forum box above.

Also, start a brand new thread with your question in the title as it will grab the attention of all the young and hip who may know the answer to your question! I am very envious and I am soooo glad you decided to go with an apt.

The newest hip restaurant is Gaya.

BostonHarbor, I would like to know how your trip and your stay in the Parisperfect apartment went!

Thanks!

Jenblase, see:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...e=BostonHarbor

for her report.

We have stayed at the Excelsior Hotel a few times and have loved it. We try not to spend too much on rooms and more on eating and wine. It is a very nice place in the 5th and I think is only 120 for a triple? It does not include breakfast but there is a place across the street where you can get a great breakfast for 4.50E.