Paris surprise - can I make this work?
May 15th, 2004, 01:37 PM
#62
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Rich,
Go for it. I wish I had started planning earlier. The planning was actually very fun, although I tend to enjoy that sort of thing, whereas my husband doesn't. He likes to just take off and see what happens. I would have liked to have had more time to read about the history of the area before I went. I also would have liked to see some of the regional movies recommended on this site. I had a chance to watch Amelie, which I enjoyed. I did that in private because I thought he'd get suspicious if all of a sudden I started bringing home french movies with subtitles. We will play catch up now.
Go for it. I wish I had started planning earlier. The planning was actually very fun, although I tend to enjoy that sort of thing, whereas my husband doesn't. He likes to just take off and see what happens. I would have liked to have had more time to read about the history of the area before I went. I also would have liked to see some of the regional movies recommended on this site. I had a chance to watch Amelie, which I enjoyed. I did that in private because I thought he'd get suspicious if all of a sudden I started bringing home french movies with subtitles. We will play catch up now.
May 15th, 2004, 06:35 PM
#64
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what a great story! what a surprise and in the perfect month for paris!!i can't wait for him to get on here and plan your birthday!!!!! for anyone who is getting ideas from this, you might like to know there is a clever little book titled 100 places to go before i die ( or is it 1,000?) well, whatever it is, i am leaving it laying around before my next milestone birthday!!i saw the book at costco today and there are some very interesting places.
May 16th, 2004, 07:11 PM
#68
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Norskie,
We were very happy with the Hotel Le Regent. The rooms are small. We were in room 41 which is one of their larger rooms and it still is small compared to most hotels. That said, we would stay there again happily. We were there 7 nights and encountered about 5 different desk clerks at different times. They were all very friendly and courteous. They also all spoke English. One of the night clerks, Elias, was especially witty and fun.
Upon arrival, our room wasn't ready so we stored our luggage and headed out. It was nice when we returned to find our luggage already up in our room.
For us, the location was ideal. We could throw open three large windows which had sills adorned with red geraniums, and look down on the start of the rue Buci street action. The hotel is actually on rue Dauphine but near a corner where 5 very small streets intersect. There are cafes on two of the corners, and we did our people watching from both of the cafes and also from our window. The Seine and the Point Neuf bridge are about a block away, as is the metro St. Michel or Odeon.
The room had cable tv, a safe, a mini-fridge that you can put your own stuff in, bath robes, a small table with a chair and a small writing desk with a chair. The bathroom was a nice size with a tub and shower combination, a hair dryer, a magnifying mirror, shampoo, soap and oh yes ..... washcloths. The beds were two twins that they have pushed together and we found them to be quite comfortable. The hot water was instant and there also was air conditioning.
We never tried the hotel's breakfast. The Paul bakery is right down the street on rue Buci, and after our first try of their pastries, we ate breakfast there every morning. It is a very charming place, wood floors, fireplace, lace curtains...
The windows were double paned and did a good job of keeping most noise out. I did wake Friday night to the sound of singing and a drum. I got up and peeked out the window. The streets were empty except for a small parade of late night celebrants presumably making their way home. I know some people would hate this, but I enjoyed watching them stumble along. The next night, or should I say early morning, I heard the drum again, but this time I just smiled and went back to sleep.
The Fodor recommendations for this hotel rang true.
Ira - I'll try to get my trip report together.
We were very happy with the Hotel Le Regent. The rooms are small. We were in room 41 which is one of their larger rooms and it still is small compared to most hotels. That said, we would stay there again happily. We were there 7 nights and encountered about 5 different desk clerks at different times. They were all very friendly and courteous. They also all spoke English. One of the night clerks, Elias, was especially witty and fun.
Upon arrival, our room wasn't ready so we stored our luggage and headed out. It was nice when we returned to find our luggage already up in our room.
For us, the location was ideal. We could throw open three large windows which had sills adorned with red geraniums, and look down on the start of the rue Buci street action. The hotel is actually on rue Dauphine but near a corner where 5 very small streets intersect. There are cafes on two of the corners, and we did our people watching from both of the cafes and also from our window. The Seine and the Point Neuf bridge are about a block away, as is the metro St. Michel or Odeon.
The room had cable tv, a safe, a mini-fridge that you can put your own stuff in, bath robes, a small table with a chair and a small writing desk with a chair. The bathroom was a nice size with a tub and shower combination, a hair dryer, a magnifying mirror, shampoo, soap and oh yes ..... washcloths. The beds were two twins that they have pushed together and we found them to be quite comfortable. The hot water was instant and there also was air conditioning.
We never tried the hotel's breakfast. The Paul bakery is right down the street on rue Buci, and after our first try of their pastries, we ate breakfast there every morning. It is a very charming place, wood floors, fireplace, lace curtains...
The windows were double paned and did a good job of keeping most noise out. I did wake Friday night to the sound of singing and a drum. I got up and peeked out the window. The streets were empty except for a small parade of late night celebrants presumably making their way home. I know some people would hate this, but I enjoyed watching them stumble along. The next night, or should I say early morning, I heard the drum again, but this time I just smiled and went back to sleep.
The Fodor recommendations for this hotel rang true.
Ira - I'll try to get my trip report together.
May 17th, 2004, 02:35 AM
#69
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Welcome home - I am so glad that you were able to pull this off! Wish your husband a happy belated birthday & start working on that report - I want details as I am going through severe Paris withdrawal!
May 17th, 2004, 11:45 AM
#70
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Welcome back Lisa, I'm glad to hear that you had a nice vacation.
I've enjoyed this thread, all the good advice and info - I've saved it and hope to make good use of it soon(ish)...
Please post your trip report when you have the chance.
I've enjoyed this thread, all the good advice and info - I've saved it and hope to make good use of it soon(ish)...
Please post your trip report when you have the chance.
May 17th, 2004, 01:37 PM
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Thanks for sharing with us the ending to the story. It is nice to hear that all your planning paid off. I told several co-workers about your story a few months ago and was glad to be able to give them the good news.
Can't wait for the full report.
Can't wait for the full report.
May 18th, 2004, 03:58 PM
#73
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lisa8314
I just may be able to pull it off. . . Planing is not so much an issue since I lived in Paris in the 70's and have visited many times since, with and without LB ( Lovely Bride ).
The challenge will be the suprise aspect. We usually spend a month or so in Europe each year, but did not do last year. I have promised to take her to Moscow (she has been there when I lived there, but only in the winter) . . I really would like for her to see it in the summer/fall.
The rub will be getting her visa without her knowledge, and frankly I am not sure I can pull that part off. I may have to 'fess up to the Moscow part of the trip and suprise her with Paris.
We used to meet there when we were first married ( not so long ago) and living on different continents, and she loved it.
Wish me luck . . Rich
