Paris Hotels- Le Meurice or Le Royal Monceau Raffles
 

My husband, 9 yo daughter and I are planning a spring 2 nights stay in Paris- first time visit. After extensive research, I have narrowed our hotel choices down to Meurice or Monceau. Would love opinions pro and con.TIA

It's a difficult choice. Both are excellent luxury properties, but if you want to be closer to the Tuileries Garden and the Louvre, then the Le Meruice should work well. And there is the extra draw of Alain Ducasse.

But there is nothing wrong with Laurent André and Hans Zahner at Le Royal Monceaus Raffles, both of whom trained under Alain Ducasse.

Such decisions are always difficult, but you may want to add a couple of more days. Two nights in Paris is never enough!

I have not stayed at either property, so I can't give you any hotel specific details or better room space per dollar, or which hotel may be more child friendly.

However, with only two nights in Paris, the location of Le Meurice would be much better to be within walking distance of major sights (Louvre, Orsay, Jardin des Tuileries), easier access to Le Marais, or to Jardin de Luxembourg for a picnic and some of the major Metro lines that cross Paris North-South and East-West.

Raffles has a fine location, but if it were me with a child for that short a period, I'd want to be a bit more central.

Le Meurice. We have stayed in the Westin which is right across the street from there. We have been to their cocktail lounge many times. It is a beautiful hotel in an excellent location. You can't go wrong with either, but I would choose Le Meurice just based on the centralized location.

Le Meurice for the location.

Frankly? I would not worry about "the location" because let's face it: if you can afford either of these properties you can also afford to take a taxi which makes ANY "location" a moot point.

Go for the hotel and the inside/service rather than where it is located.

Dukey....exactly.

I've stayed at Le Meurice several times and always loved it. The location is superb, and right next to Angelina's for the best hot chocolate. I stayed at the Mandarin Oriental last visit in Paris, very close to Meurice, comparable rooms and service, but lacked the old world charm of Le Meurice. Try to get a room high up overlooking the Tuillerie Gardens.

I'm so glad I asked because i was leaning towards Le Meurice. Thank you all!

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Shangrila Hotel?

The Shangri-La isn't bad choice, but Le Meurice and Le Royal Monceaus Raffles may be more suitable when considering a child. It's also a little further away from the Tuileries Garden and Louvre.

One day I was walking along the Rue de Rivoli and needing a restroom, went into Macdonald's. Trash was piled in the hallway and the line for the toilets was out the door so I walked on. About the time I got to the Meurice I was desperate and went in. The lobby was empty and I went up to a bellman and asked to be directed to the lady's room. Expecting to either be shown the exit or at very least, tolerated, he walked me to the restroom as if I actually belonged there, nothing but kindness. I had the beautiful room to myself so lingered and when I left, an impeccably suited gentleman was standing just outside the street entrance and wished me cordially on my way. I was so utterly impressed by the way I was treated by the staff members I encountered, an ordinary woman who was likely not someone who would stay there, that I determined if I was ever in a position to stay in a luxury hotel in Paris, Le Meurice it would be, without question.

As long as you are neat and presentable, you should have the same experience at any high end property in Europe. Not so in the States.

For such a short stay I would pick the Meurice for its very Parisian ambiance and great location. The Shangri-la is great for being near to the Eiffel Tower but not central to other important sites in the city.

MMeperdu i love that story. You all have been so nice and helpful.

With our child with us, the shangrila offers the best deal for a suite. If we stay at the other 2, we would likely need to book a junior suite (no separate area). With that in mind, what would you all recommend?

Mme Perdu, I have long said that if you are in need of the loo or a cup of tea, you should head for the best place in town. It's amazing that you can just walk in, use the "facilities, and generally make yourself at home in their nice comfy sofas, often for nothing or at most for the price of a cuppa.

Absolutely true, annhig, a very good lesson I won't forget. But let's keep it to ourselves, shall we?

absolutely, Mme P - I won't tell anyone if you don't.

MmePerdu,
I have used the ladies room several times at the Westin like that. I knew where the restroom was in the lobby (had visited a friend once who was staying there). I just walked in and went straight to the ladies room. No one even glanced at me.

Thank you to all who gave me advice- I wanted you to know that we stayed at Le Meurice and were thrilled. Our room was gorgoues and spacious and overlooked the Louvre, the Tuileries and the Eiffel Tower. What a thrill it was to return to our room each night and see the Tower all lit up. For first timers in Paris the location was perfect. The hotel was magnificent from start to finish. I think I would want to explore a different area next trip, but i felt truly fortunate to stay at such a wonderful hotel. What a treat it was to jog through the tuilerie gardens one morning and then past the fashion houses the other. Both incredible running routes!