Underhill

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.

BostonHarbor

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!!

Seamus

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.

amwosu

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!

BostonHarbor

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

WinterTravel

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!

Seamus

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.

BostonHarbor

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 ;-)"

amwosu

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.

coccinelle

The newest hip restaurant is Gaya.

jenblase

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

Thanks!

lmlweb

Jenblase, see:

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

for her report.

jay

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.