Yes, I have heard of this rule before especially seems mentioned in Paris. I have not come across it myself. That said... as a person who does eat in her hotel room often, I have usually taken my own food-related trash out (all the way out of the hotel, the next time I take a walk) rule or not.

I have also seen this rule in Paris hotels, specifically Hotel Jean de Arc which is often recommended on this board. My sister and I did bring some drinks, bread and cheese up anyway but got concerned when the cheese ended up being a bit stinky. We ended up tying it to the outside of our window (it was cold out) so we didn't smell up the room, it was really funny. We were sure to be very neat and clean up any mess we made and they never gave us any problem about it. I agree on the taking your garbage out with you suggestion.

I'm amazed at how many of you ignore the rule. If I want to eat in my room (which I don't do anyway) I would not stay in that hotel. I wouldn't disregard the rule.

For nine days, definitely get an apartment!

You can find many links and reviews at slowtrav.com.

My friends and I are renting a 3 bedroom in the 5th in September that we found on vrbo.com. Check out that website, too.

Common sense is the reply. In the US many guests ask for pizza, etc in their rooms and that I am sure is not allowed in France. Not that I tried but my common sense tells me so. Instead, if you are discreet and bring something to eat, and clean properly, no one will know. I always bring water and with the water something I fancy, a couple of bananas, a piece of cheese, a couple of sandwiches.,a couple of yogourts..chocolate...etc Something for a late snack. Usually I put in a bag that does not show what is inside.
Very simple you can carry a folded plastic bag or shopping bag from any store.

Is the problem with us North Americans as Europeans IMO don't seem to snack as such and make meal time more of an event?
I wish everyone followed it as I get grossed out in some of the "good" hotel chains at home that have food stains on the carpet, bedspreads, etc. Haven't run into this in Europe.
Now if they would only keep the dogs and cats out of the hotels...

Well I've tried as hard as I possibly can to persuade the trip's financier (my Dad) to give some serious consideration to canceling our hotel reservation and trying to find an apartment to rent. He insists on taking a wait and see attitude, despite mixed reviews of the hotel and the no food rule. As you can imagine I'm frustrated by this and can't wait to say "I told you so" when we are sorely disappointed with the hotel.

I am glad that a discussion started about this rule existing in (at least) some Parisian hotels. I have not heard about this anywhere until now and I think many other Americans would appreciate being made aware of this rule before they visit. I know I would have chosen a different hotel from the beginning had I known this coming in.

I have never heard of such a rule. My DH and I have travelled to Paris for 14 years and stayed at hotels from $500/night to $1200/night and always have snacks in the room. Never a problem. We walk past reception with our grocery bag.

This rule was meant for my grandmother who used to take in an electic frying pan and proceed to cook bacon and eggs for breakfast!!

<<14 years and stayed at hotels from $500/night to $1200/night and always have snacks in the room>>
I don't think we're talking about the same kind of hotels! For those prices you ought to be able to have the Notre Damee footbal team up for the evening and nobody would say a word.

For $1200 a night they better not complain if I bring a dwarf, a bearded woman and a llama into the room!

Do not worry about it lanterjd. Bring what you want into your room. Staff does not x-ray your luggage or shopping bags. Just keep the room neat, as you would like to find it when you arrive.

If you have a K$ per night to spend on a bed as does GUfruf and 007 you order from the champagne and caviar room service.