Paris Quad for Aug-Please help me decide
 

Ok. For our trip next Aug (family of 4: 2 adults and 2 children ages 7 and 9), please help me decide which Paris hotel to stay.

We will be coming in and out of Gare du Nord so an important consideration for me was to be located directly on one of the RER lines that go into the station to avoid connections with luggage and kids. I have now e-mailed over 20 plus hotels and I think I am down to 2. I checked apartments but they require either a 3 or 5 night minimum stay, and we are there for only 2 nights.

Important points:
1. Direct RER to Gare du Nord
2. Price approx 150 E or less
3. Family friendly Quad. When I researched other places for 2 rooms (ex. Bonaparte), it was coming out to be more.
4. Would be nice to have a mini-kitchen but Citadines, and Henry was pricing out over
5. Fun location to be with kids
6. Air conditioning since we are traveling in August, 2008

So the 2 I narrowed down to are the Lyon Mulhouse in Bastille; they quoted me 140E and Hotel des Mines at 174E. Both do not include breakfast. I also called Novotel Halles and they are pricing high since it’s early but I think I would rather stay in a non-chain hotel. Also, Hotel Delambre quoted 150E for a mini-suite room.

Based on what I read, Latin Q seems like the best area-central and fun with kids.

Please offer any opinions here. Thanks.

Hi P,

1. With 2 kids and luggage, I think that I would take a cab rather than the RER.

The Bonaparte lists a triple at 170E plus 3E for a "baby bed". This is w/bkfst - about 5E pp. You don't have to take bkfst.

Have you called to see if you can get a cot?

Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67
[email protected]
www.hotelbonaparte.fr


((I))

Thanks Ira.

I didn’t call but I e-mailed them back, and they said they can’t accommodate 4 in one room. I will e-mail them again and specifically ask if 1 cot can be placed in the room for my 6 y.o. If not, any opinions on the other hotels?

For some reason I had this saved in my bookmarks..someone must have mentioned it. It seems to fir your criteria . No included breakfast but there are numerous options nearby

http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/h75005montblanc.htm

Hi P,

I'm not familiar with your 2 hotels.

There is athread on the HdNimes
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34835338

Good luck.

((I))

I wouldn't think a seven year old could sleep in a baby bed myself. The Bonaparte isn't that cheap for a 2* hotel due to its location, which isn't near the RER B anyway, if that is a criterion.

That is a very tall order, a quad for 150 euro with AC in central Paris. However, August is fortunate as a lot of hotels have discounts in August of 10-25 pct or so. It's still a pretty low price nowadays, the 170 euro is more likely. I think you did a good job in finding some right on the RER line at that rate.

I do think the Latin Qtr is a good idea for you. You're only there a couple days, so it would be convenient and the kids will probably like it. It is also cheaper than St Germain where the Bonaparte is.

However, since you've already found two after emailing 20+, I'd go with the Hotel des Mines myself. Are you including HOtel Delambre in the possibilities? If so, that would be a good one, also, but I don't think it's near the RER line. I think the area of Lyon Mulhouse (and I've stayed right nearby) would be okay, but I just wonder what you'd actually get for 140 euro. It's not near the RER line either, though. The Hotel des Mines is almost right across from Luxembourg Gardens, also, and that would be good for the kids (it's not quite as good a location as a bit farther north in convenience, as it isn't that near a metro stop, but the RER is only a few blocks) and it is a pleasant area. Actually, I would prefer that to being near Notre Dame, but I know a lot of folks wouldn't and maybe in your case, I could see that.

You are definitely going to have to compromise at that budget. But I didn't see that the Hotel des Mines' website says they have AC. Are you sure about that? The quad in their photos looks okay. They do have a sister hotel with cheaper rates that looks okay, also, the Innova and it definitely says some of those rooms have AC. It's near Pasteur metro so maybe you don't think that's as good, but it's not a bad neighborhood, just a bit farther out. Not near the RER either, but I don't think any of these are but the Hotel des Mines.

I'm not clear on the possibilities if you say it must be on the RER B -- why do you have the Delambre and Lyon Mulhouse in there?

Scratch Hotel des Mines, as I couldn't find "air-conditioning" on their website. Did they say they had a/c?

The other two do mention airconditioning, although Delambre doesn't specifically say 'in the rooms'. Lyon-Mulhouse's website does specify that they renovated in 2006 and air-cond'd all the rooms. They have a quad that can sleep 4 people and at a good price. The location would be great (there is more to Paris than the Latin Quarter), so don't worry there. I'd book that one for sure, even if you were to keep looking, although I think it meets almost all your needs. A quad room with a mini-kitchen isn't going to happen, with a/c and a good location and for your price.

p.s. Lyon-Mulhouse is on Metro Line 5 (also 1, 8). You can transfer from RER-B at Gare du Nord to Line 5, get off at Bastille and walk a very short bit to the hotel. (as long as you go the correct direction!)

Thank you for all your replies. I had checked out Mont Blanc but they didn't reply yet. I sent them another e-mail.

For Mines, I e-mailed them specifically asking about AC and they said all rooms are air-conditioned.

For Lyon Mulhouse, I checked the metro map and the Bastille stop is directly on one of the lines leaving from Gare du Nord. Am I reading this wrong? I have a color coded metro map and it's line Orange.

So your pick then is Mines since it does have A/C.

Oh, and yes, hotel Delambre e-mailed me for a quad: 150E and includes breakfast for the kids for free, not adults. The reviews on trip advisor were mixed so I wasn't sure. But of the 3, Lyon Mulhouse, Mines, or Delambre, which would be your choice. Close to Metro and easy access to Gare du Nord is pretty high on my list.

So confusing with so many chices. Once I hear back from Mont Blanc, maybe that will get thrown in the mix as well.

Thanks.

You probably know this - but don't ask for a "cot" since that will be a crib/baby bed. Just clarify the quad actually sleeps 4, and not 3 plus an infant.

Thanks. Maybe that's why they did respond back inititally saying they can't fit 4. They offered 2 rooms but that puts me close to 250 so that was out.

I don't mind paying a bit more, but I think I found some resonable places. Just can't decide now. Arghhhh!

oh, okay, maybe the Mines added AC and hasn't updated their website yet.

I guess I was confused as you originally said you must be on the RER line that goes through Gare du Nord. Lyon Mulhouse is not on an RER line, and neither is Delambre. Lyon Mulhouse is within a block or so of the Bastille metro stop and that is on a metro line leading from the Gare du Nord. The Delambre is near a metro line, not RER, and if you use the line that Vavin is on (it's also close to Edgar Quinet), that is direct from Gare du Nord, but a pretty long trip. But you won't have to transfer so should be okay if it's not a crowded period (all metro trains can get very crowded during commuting hours, and some in mid-day also in the center).

yes, I'd choose Hotel des Mines over Lyon Mulhouse myself, then Delambre over Mulhouse. I don't know the relative merits of the hotels, though.

I'll change my vote for Hotel des Mines, given they do have A/C (and some TA reviews do mention it). Easier access to/from the RER and across from Jardin de Luxembourg. Bus line #38 goes by there, too.

Ok Thanks. I think the kids will like the parks around there as well (Lux Gardens). I'll reserve it fro now but if you think of something better, please let me know!

Thanks much!!!!

The only other hotel springing to mind that might be in your price range for that period is Hotel de la Bourdonnais in the 7th. Several Fodorites have stayed there and it does have rooms with two double beds that could accommodate your family.

Thanks. I did e-mail Bourdonnais several days back and have not heard, but this hotel is not on a direct Gare du Nord line.

Our family of four stayed at the Hotel de la Bourdonnais, in their quad room #503, which has a very nice direct view of the Eiffel Tower from its little balconies. We really liked this hotel for the price ($225/night two years ago, through Expedia). It's a charming boutique type hotel. The bathroom could use a facelift, because it has an older brown color scheme, but it wasn't bad at all.

I wrote a detailed trip report about it, and posted it here.

It does have A/C, a lift, a helpful front desk, a breakfast room (not provided free). It's situated next to a little 'grocery' store which has all the supplies you'd need with kids. It's in the 7th, which is less active, but it's right across from the Champs de Mars where the kids could run and play. And Rue Cler is a couple of blocks away, for fresh fruit, cheese, bread, etc.

We took a cab from there to Gare de Nord, and we'd ordered the cab through the hotel, which was probably more expensive. I think it was about 50EUR for the four of us.
:)>-

Thank you Maureen. I had read your report previously and e-mailed them; sounds wonderful So excited to go with the kids...hope they enjoy it! I think I'm going with Mines at this point.

Thanks again.

Thanks Christina and Travelnut for all your input.

Actually there is direct service to the Gare du Nord from a stop very close to the Bourdonnais, but it's by bus, not metro.

Thanks. Great info. Also, I heard back from Delambre; all rooms are air-cond. Still haven't heard from Bourd.

I realize you are on a budget, but if you take the bus/metro one way, it may convince you to just take a taxi the other. It won't be that expensive from Gare du Nord.

I would have no problem taking the RER with baggage from Gare du Nord on a direct line (say to where the Hotel des Mines is). I have taken the metro directly with luggage, also, as long as it was not a peak period, and I was at a station that wasn't too big. I really can't imagine taking the bus for a family of four with a lot of baggage (even minimal will be a lot for four people). I have seen people on buses with one suitcase, say 22", and that's all, during periods when it wasn't that crowded. But it would not be that easy to even do that at certain times, or perhaps even impossible (get on a bus with four people with baggage). Same for certain metro cars, of course, but I think the bus is worse.

Thanks. Yes, I hope to use the train as much as possible. If I need to to take a taxi, then we will. How much do you think it will cost to take a taxi from Gare du Nord to Hotel MInes?

around 11-15Euro, give or take a couple

Thanks Travelnut. 10-15E, not bad at all. Guess what, Hotel des Grands Hommes just sent me a special rate offer as well. How would you compare Mines versus this one?

I think it cold possibly take more than 15 euro, depends on traffic and time of day, of course. But it won't be too bad.

Grands Hommes is in a very good area next to the Pantheon -- I'd pick that as first choice of your list, if the rate is acceptable. I think it's a nicer hotel than Mines, also, but it is in a slightly more convenient or fun area. From there, you could even walk a few blocks to a metro stop whereas H des Mines isn't that close to one.

Thanks. I e-mailed Grand Hommes back and forth today and I would have to get 2 rooms and it would come out to approx 200E; they do have a summer 2008 special going but only 1 room is available at 90+ so I can't take that. Back to Hotel Mines. Thanks for all your help.

We are going to be in Paris with our3 granddaughters for 3 nights in July 08. I have searched so many sites I lost count. I also wanted to rent an apartment ---doesn't work for short stays. I purchased a book entitled Paris with Kids and I found a place called Hotel Marignan in the 5th (heart of the Latin Quarter)It seems to be like a family hostel. I think it is bare bones , however we just want to sleep in a clean place. There is a communal kitchen , which we like as it will save on meals and with a food sensitive child it helps .I must say that I have received some wonderful advice from fellow fodorites re travelling with sensitivities and certainly plan on following many suggestions
If you are interested this is the website:www.hotel-marignan.com
I wish you and your family a memorable trip!!!

Thanks. I had e-mailed Marignan but they said minimum of 4 nights. I just e-mailed them again to see if they can accomodate for only 2 nights.

Have fun on your trip in July!

Ok, So Marignan e-mailed me back and 2 nights for a quad at 145 with breakfast. Should I change to Marignan???????/They have a fridge and micro for use as well.

I don't see where their site says they have A/C.

I don't think they do. Ok I have to stop going crazy and just stick to Mines!

That Hotel Marignan is bare bones, like a hostel. I think they are 1*, maybe. Hotels at that level don't have AC. YOu are kind of all over the place at this point, from a 1* basic hostel to a very nice 3* hotel like the Grands Hommes. 90 euro a room, if it's fairly large, isn't bad for a hotel in that category, though. I pay about that for a double in summer in a nice hotel, but the room is not super large. That's okay with me if I'm alone, but that's a pretty good rate. Two rooms at 90 euro may actually be larger than a quad in those level of hotels.

As long as you are upping your budget some (if you are thinking of close to 200), why not ask the Grand Hotel St Michel what they have. They are right near the RER stop at Luxembourg Gardens, have AC, and I think they have family rooms
http://www.grand-hotel-st-michel.com

I know they have triples, and they list a suite as 180-250 euro. If that can fit four, it might be 180 or less in August, which is low hotel season.

Thanks Christina. Yes, I feel like I am jumping all over as well. I e-mailed Grand St. Michel to find out the prices. Just so hard to decide. I'll wait till I hear back and then finalize. THanks for all your input and advice. Love this forum!!!!

yeah, I know -- well, you've got lots of time, anyway, so you can look around. In fact, some hotels may not even want to take bookings for next AUgust right now. I found another:

The Hotel Claude Bernard has AC and quad rooms and is a good location in the Latin Qtr. You can walk to the Seine etc from there
www.paris-hotel-claude-bernard.com

They give discounts in August of around 25 pct, I think, and list their summer discount quad rate at 174-248 euro. If you could get lower end of that price, that would work. The only criterion it doesn't meet on your list is direct RER access from Gare du Nord. It's really maybe 3-4 blocks from the Cluny exit from the St Michel RER stop, kind of up hill a little. You could walk it if you really don't have much luggage, but might not want to. As we said, a taxi to that point won't be that much as it's closer than the H des Mines to the train station. It would be very convenient for metro and RER during your stay.

The HOtel des Mines isn't a bad choice, but you might like the location of the Claude Bernard better for fun.

Thanks. This place looks really nice; I e-mailed them to find out how much. Yeah, I have lots of time but I love the planning part. Gets stressful at times, but I love looking up all the different hotels. Then when I get there, it seems so familiar to see all the different places that I researched.

We'll see. I know someone on here said they stayed at the Claude Bernard in a family room and it was a corner room with a balcony, sounded pretty good. Also, I saw their summer discount rates include buffet breakfast, and for four people, that could be a good thing. So consider that in comparison, as that's worth at least 20 euro for four, and probably more as a buffet breakfast will have more for the kids to eat (probably cereal, yogurt, etc.).

Here is one post where someone talked about staying there, and I think with kids, although it isn't the one I'm thinking of. Still, I think it describes the situation pretty well
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...p;tid=35014775

Now I am really hoping CB gets back to me quick with a reasonable rate...I want to stay here!

Christina,

CB has still not responded, but Cluny Sorbonne got back to me with a rate of 150E. No A/C, but seems like a great location. Your thoughts? Thanks.