Hi. I'm planning a family trip to Paris in August after 4 days in London. After some research and fax inquiries to a few hotels including Madison, Relais St. Germain and L'Abbaye, I made a reservation with Le Regent on Rue Dauphine for a deluxe room with an extra bed for my 8 yo child based on price and location. All the others quoted rates well over 300 Euros.<BR><BR>When I told a friend who travels to France frequently on business, she warned that many smaller shops and restaurants are closed in August. I may be better off staying on the Right Bank for that period and with a child.<BR><BR>After more research, I came across an excellent internet rate for the Intercontinental in the 1er Arrondisement. It's even lower than what I got for Le Regent. However, it requires total payment at the time of booking and does not allow cancellation or changes. Therefore, I have the following questions:<BR><BR>- Does anyone have recent first experience with the Paris Intercontinental? How are their standard rooms (bathroom in particular) and services?<BR><BR>- Does the Left Bank have a rather deserted feel in August? Will I have difficulty finding small, nice cafes and restaurants open in August?<BR><BR>I have only been to Paris once a long long time ago as a teenager. Would appreciate some help.

We stayed at the Intercontinental last summer. It is "americanized" which means the airconditioning really works, the staff speaks very good English, and the buffet breakfast (included in the price of the room) is very large, very good (for a buffet) and very Americanized. Having said this, the staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable and after many days struggling with my French, it was a relief to go back to speaking English for a change. You can't beat the location, close to Tuileries, d'Orsay, Louvre, Fauborg St. Honore. My wife became an enthusiastic fan of Paris after our stay there. I think you will like it very much. Most of the "famous" restaurants will be closed in August, but you can call the concierge at the Intercontinental for well-informed advice in advance in English!

My husband and I stayed at the Intercontinental last summer. We agree with all that the above poster said.<BR>We really enjoyed our stay there. The bathrooms are very nice-have all the amenities. Have fun!

Zorro & robbie, glad to hear positive remarks on the Paris IC.<BR><BR>We'll be out doing the touristy stuff mostly this time ourselves and therefore wouldn't mind staying somewhere not very Parisien (especially since we don't speak or understand much French). <BR><BR>Thank you for your input.

This is a great spot for you--walking distance to good, value resaurants ( Souffle, Braserie Flottes-try the sandwiches, L'Ardoise etc). Short walk to Concorde metro, Tuilleries gardens, Louvre and Place Vendome. Try Le Rubis, an original zinc wine bar with good casual food at Place St. Honore. <BR>Don't blame us if you spend too much time and $ on rue St. Honore. Paris does NOT shut down in August, as you will find. The Michelin red guide has all the highly rated restaurants open at this time, by arr. and it includes many *, ** and *** spots. You will do just fine.<BR>