Laidback

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but it pains me to see one of my friends panned by those that don't know her, or have only had a fleeting meeting. I first met Catherine Pelletier in 1994 when we stayed at the Muguet for 15 days. Each year since then we have been blessed by spending 2 months a year in Paris and every trip we have dinner with the Pelletier family, either at their lovely apt. or various top-end restaurants. This is a family that defies the common stereotype of the slothful Frenchman. She works usually about 70 hrs./week, and her handsome husband(think of George Clooney')started his own enterprise involving software. Catherine takes great pride in her hotel, it was run by her parents until her father's death. She plows most of the profits back into constant renovation and it shows. She insists on immaculate cleanliness, excellent toiletries, ironed linens and the largest, fluffiest towels of any other 2-star. How can one of the posters state so erroneously that only one room has a view? all of the street side rooms on the 5th and 6th floor have a view of the Eiffel tower, and several others have views of the gold dome of Les Invalides.

I beg fairness, and am pained to read hearsay which I personally know to be untrue. Granted,Catherine is a handsome, expensively dressed, well groomed lady,but definitely not a prima donna. She has built the Muguet up from a rather depressing residential hotel into probably the most popular 2-star in Paris which has an occupancy rate which is the envy of the other hoteliers.

Don't stay there if you so choose, but don't pass on untruths.

francophile03

Laidback, I'll be first to comment. You are right, I do not know your friend personally. I have read comments about people who have actually stayed at Hotel Muguet and did not like it. I, personally, did not like the fact that Mme. Pelletier would not reserve an Eiffel Tower view room for me although I was trying to book more than 6 months in advance. She gave a very vague reply by saying that that particular room cannot be promised. I can't understand if someone is booking way in advance why a specific room won't be available-unless it was being kept for a certain guest!
To give you an idea, I asked at another hotel for a particular room that was written up as being the best one. This hotel replied that it was already reserved. The second visit I asked again for that particular room (again 6 months in advance I was booking) and this time it was available and they reserved it for me.
I know it's your personal friend so you cannot be objective totally.

francophile03

I read in Great Sleeps the view rooms are #51, #52, #61, & #62. No. 63 has a view of the Invalides.

So if there are four ET view rooms why couldn't I get one reserved??

Laidback

Miss Emery,

I know the location of the Hotel Eber Mars, since it is only a couple of blocks from the apt. we use. It is on a lovely, tree-lined blvd. and is very close to the excellent transportation hub of Place de l'Ecole Militaire served by the #8 metro as well as bus#'s 28,80,82,87, and 92. I doubt that many people can tell you about the present condition, as it has recently been renovated...every time we walked by there was old carpet and shabby furniture piled up to be hauled away. The area is blessed with many restaurants of all categories; The Michelin Red Guide lists nearly as many "Bib Gourmands"(quality/price rapport) in the 7th as the preceding 6 arrondissements combined. Through the years we have stayed in the 1st,5th, 6th, and 13th, and revelled in them all, so don't get too hung up on the arrondissement as long as it is fairly central and is close to bus/metro lines. Paris is a city of neighborhoods, each having their distinctive charm. We have gravitated to staying in the 7th, but visit most of the others each trip. Relax and enjoy it.

Laidback

Hi Francophile,
thanks for the response. Your point is well taken that the "view" rooms can't be reserved, especially #51 which is my favorite. However if you will request it well in advance the chances are very good that it will be yours, as you have probably read from several previous posts. Incidentally, Sandra Gustafson, is right as far as she goes, but fails to note other rooms such as #54 which have a great Gold dome view. I like her reviews and find them more accurate than most. Catherine says that she inspects the hotel better than any of the other guide publishers including Michelin.

francophile03

Hi Laidback, what is considered reserving "well in advance" at the Muguet?

Laidback

Hello again FF,

That I do not know, but by any measure, your request 6 months ahead would qualify in my book. I haven't encountered the problem, but you have piqued my interest and I will ask. We haven't stayed there recently since we now rent an apt., but I still put my family there when they visit, and I always visit the family.

Another little bit of info: the hotel can neither sell nor serve wine, beer, or other alcohol containing beverages because of the proximity of the school across the street.

Laidback

Sorry, I meant to shorten "Francophile", but didn't do so well with "FF"

francophile03

It's ok, I'm sort of like a frequent flyer (FF).

Spygirl

And Miss Emery PLEASE read the recent post on the Bonaparte-with the cat peeing outside the door! I wouldn't stay there for ANYTHING!

Donaldus

Hi Miss Emery!!!
I could suggest you the hotel Saint Dominique because it is also on the 7th and because their prices are on the range that you want!!!You can check if it can be nice for you on their website: www.hotelsaintdominique.com

francophile03

miss_emery, if I had to choose between the St. Thomas d'Aquin and the St. Dominque, I would definitely pick the St. Thomas d'Aquin.

There are only two comments about the St. Dominique on tripadvisor.com and they both have more negative than positive comments to make. Although the more recent comment gave a favorable rating it's mainly because of the hotel's location.

miss_emery

So, the d'aquin had availablity! I'm excited because it looks like it will be right up our ally, and i like the idea of being near the 6th but stillin the 7th. I think i will still consider the eber mars when i see the pictures, but i am really happy with my choice for now.

francophile03

miss_emery, did the Thomas d'Aquin say if your room is streetfacing or at the rear? Just curious.

miss_emery

Francophile, they did not specify upon ther first confirmation, but I sent an email back to double-check and they confirmed that they had me down for a street-facing room. Thanks for the tip, and again, I'll be sure to let you know how it is!

Also, thanks for your report on the Hotel Eber Mars, Laidback. I think the place sounds like it has potential (maybe b/c the owner's other hotel in the 17th arrondissement looks so nice) - the only downfall is that there aren't any pictures to see, but i get that it seems to be a work in progress. I think we'll try to check it out when we're in the area, just to see for future refrence.