Digbydog

We have stayed at the Clement twice in the past, each time with two rooms. Both times, it was extremely hot in Paris, and both times one of the rooms we had (not attic room) was rather hot. Like Cathinjetownn, I wonder whether the attic room might be warm if you happen to have hot weather..

suze

<but $3000 was stolen from the safe in the room>

That would not be a concern for me since I wouldn't have anything for anyone to steal.

susan001

True. I never use the safes, as I have nothing to put in them

susan001

Digby-- I have written to the Clement asking if they have a first floor room or another room facing the street, rather than the attic.

Cathinjoetown

susan,

Good idea.

Christina

I think the problem is you just have to be realistic about what you get for a budget hotel. And lots of people think the Bonaparte is shabby, I have heard that repeatedly, so I suspect the issue that a lot of people obviously would judge it that way. Ira doesn't, but I have heard that numerous times over many years.

susan001

I've added another possibility: Hotel des Grandes-Ecoles. Has anyone stayed at this one? It looks quite nice and has a garden setting. Near the Pantheon.

adrienne

I have stayed there and would have recommended this hotel but you said you wanted to be in St-Germain. Hotel des Grandes-Ecoles is a very nice place with a garden and tables to sit at. You can bring back take out foods and eat dinner there or have your breakfast in the garden. The largest rooms are in the building across from reception.

susan001

Thanks, Adrienne. I just marked my Paris map with these hotel locations; Clement is the most central. I will write to Grandes-Ecoles and see what rate they submit. It's less central but the environment looks quite nice and the fact that one can bring take-out food and eat in the garden there is a plus.

adrienne

<< Clement is the most central >>

It's no more central than the Bonaparte. They're very close to each other.

Digbydog

We stayed at Hotel des Grands Ecoles on our honeymoon many years ago and loved it. I have a friend who stayed there recently and loved it. However, I like the location of the Clement much better. You don't say when you are going, but Grands Ecoles does not have A/C.

Avalon2

Chaeck the hotels on Rue jacob we have stayed at The Millesime, the D'anglterre. the des Marroniers and at \the verneuil around the corner they are all excellent the danube is our favorie now as we love the staff and the rooms are larger. You'd have to check the current prices though as we now have an apt!!

susan001

Thank you Digbydog & Avalon. I'll definitely explore these options. And you are right, Adrienne. I guess the Clement is slightly more central, though.

I'm going in September. Hopefully AC won't be an issue then.

susan001

I had settled on the Dauphine, based on positive reviews, the location, and LateDayTraveler's experience (fellow English teacher). It's over budget, but I guess I wanted something charming. (Quoted rate 221 E per night, street side - quite a bit less than website says, and this is why I write.)

Then, the Clement wrote back this morning saying they could give me a renovated street side room for 160 E. So... I'm back to considering this (on first floor or high floor).

Thanks to everyone for suggestions. This will be my first time solo in Paris (I was there in '05 with a tour). I want the hotel to be convenient and charming.

Cathinjoetown

I have stayed at the Dauphine (3 years ago) and the Clément last month.. I thought the Dauphine was nice but honestly not 61€ nicer than the Clément. In particular, I much preferred the lounge and breakfast room and quality of the breakfast at the Clément.. As far as location, you can't go wrong with either. They are very, very similar.

Guenmai

"susan001 on Apr 1, 13 at 3:18pm
" I just marked my Paris map with these hotel locations; Clement is the most central." The Clement and Bonaparte are about a 5-minute walk from each other. The Clement though is one block south of Blvd. St. Germain.

Happy Travels!

susan001

Thank you so much, Cathinjoetown & Guenmai. The one comment I read about Clement gave me pause. A traveler stated there is a soup kitchen right next to the Clement and due to this, some undesirable types on the street near the entrance. Cath, did you notice this? I may cancel with the Dauphine and book the other.

Thanks again, to everyone who commented here.

Cathinjoetown

Yes, there is soup kitchen on the same street and a few (10-20) people queue up at lunch. I don't think it is open at night. I never thought about mentioning it because I didn't consider it threatening at all. It is very small and looks like a restaurant front.

Guenmai

Yeah, the soup kitchen is next door. However, its presence has never been an issue for me. I have never had any problems with the people at the soup kitchen and I travel alone and am out and about all day.

I'm used to being in skid row types of areas here in L.A., where the soup kitchen is located. Trust me, rue Clement is far from skid row.

Happy Travels!

adrienne

Susan - you're way over thinking the hotel choice. You can have homeless people any place; the soup kitchen will not draw them. I remember a homeless man and his mattress moving around St-Germain, sleeping at different locations each night.