P67742

Yes, I specified 2 adults and 2 kids ages 7 and 9.

P67742

I called and spoke to a rep. The rate is valid, however the hotel does not have AC. He did say that none of the Novotel's in Paris had AC but they have this forced air system in place that keeps the temp somewhat controlled.

Christina

The hotel quality is probably just as good as the others you've been considering -- like the HOtel des Mines. So it's really just the area and the AC thing. I've stayed not far from there, and you will do okay there. Gare de Lyon is one of my favorite train stations, actually, at least in terms of architecture, but it is convenient to the metro line as it's right on line 1 and a couple RER lines, also, including line D direct from Gare du Nord.

I'm not clear on the bedding. If you think the singles are pullout sofas, how can that be? YOu'd have to have two sofabeds. It does sound like a very good deal, and including breakfast, also. As long as the reviews are decent, it should be okay. Having an indoor pool is quite a perk in Paris, so if your kids will like that, it sounds like a good deal for you.

Hard to say if that AC will work. I've been in French hotels that claimed they had AC and you couldn't even tell it. It's also just one metro stop away from Bercy, where there is a large park (nothing like the pretty ones such as Luxembourg gardens, though), and some shops and food places. YOu all might enjoy walking around there.


I know that is a lot of money, but I think it should be okay. I wouldn't worry too much about it not being right in the middle of the Latin Qtr or whatever -- you'll be out in Paris during the day, and it's not in a horrible area, so I don't think it will matter that much that your hotel itself isn't right there. As I said, you may even find your own fun of some things around there you wouldn't otherwise (eg, Bercy village and park, and the park above the aquaduct just down the street (Pomenade Plantee). Other parts of Paris are just a short metro ride away, or even bus ride.

Travelnut

The TA reviewers for that Novotel mention that the 'sofa' separates into 2 made-up single beds.

WillTravel

I haven't looked through the reviews, but you could see if any of them mention anything about the rooms being hot and stuffy. In addition to TripAdvisor, there are a bunch of reviews here:
http://tinyurl.com/yws273

P67742

Thank you all. I ended up changing the reservation to Novotel. So happy that you all gave me such great positive feedback. The weird thing is that the website states they have AC but when I spoke to the Novotel rep, he said no. In any case, it's a huge savings and I'm so happy I did all this research and booked early. Thank you to everyone who helped! Oh and even DH said to go with Novotel....HA!

Christina

Hope that works out for me, I'm sure you'll enjoy the visit.

It's hard to tell about the AC thing. Sometimes, I've noticed French hotels use the same word (climatisation) for air conditioning that is really cold air, and for some fan/circulation system, which is what it sounds like they have. Sometimes I think maybe they have AC but just don't turn it on very much or it doesn't work. Hard to say, as I stayed in a hotel in Montpellier once that said it had AC, and I couldn't tell it. I even complained about it to make sure I knew how to operate it, but it just blew warm air out of a vent, so I think it was just a fan. Not even as good as a regular table or floor fan would be. It was about 90-95 degrees when I was staying there, so if they really had it, that's when you'd put it on, for sure.

P67742

I didn't see any complaints about the temp in any of the reviews so I think it will be OK. My in-laws stayed at the Novotel Les Halles last Aug and they said it was just fine, and they like it real cold. At the time they went, the temps were not extremely hot, but it was hot. I will definitely let you know when I get back-still a long time away!