paris-where to stay
 

I am trying to decide on a hotel in paris for my husband and myself. I have narrowed it down to hotel des grandes ecoles in the latin quarter or hotel Relais bosquet, in the Eiffel tower area. I have heard the latin quarter can be noisy, but this hotel is on a side street, build around a courtyard.Any opinions about the 2 areas would be helpful. thanks Diane

We stayed at the Relais Bosquet in 2010. We had the Rick Steves Paris Guide book which got us free breakfast each morning. I don't know if that offer is still in his book, but if it is, then it's a great deal.

The hotel was clean & quiet. We arrived in the late morning and they allowed us to check in right away. We were able to clean up and take a nap before sightseeing on our first day.

The hotel is very close to all the popular Paris sights. There is a small grocery store and a bakery right next door, so that made in-room picnic dinners easy.

There is also a laundromat within easy walking distance of the hotel.

While we were staying there DH became quite ill. The hotel arranged for a private doctor to see him - twice. And then we got to go to the ER via ambulance. The hotel staff were wonderful.

DH was fine and we were able to continue our trip. I would stay at the Relais again.

They're both fine locations but it depends what you want. You'll be more centrally located and just a few minutes walking distance from many of the major sites near the Latin QSuarter and the Seine, including the Seine itself, from the first hotel. Also better public transport connections near Hôtel des Grandes Ecoles. While that location is near nightlife areas you aren't in the nightlife area on that street.

It's pretty quiet at night in the other neighborhood but during the day time there is enough in the way of stores, cafes, restaurants, bars, services, amenities. You'd be within a couple of blocks or rue Cler and rue Saint-Dominique. The former street is a pretty well known market street which you may know about. The latter is less well known but a really great street for all kinds of the aforementioned amenities, and I like it. But this area is not as centrally located as the other location (though public transport connections are still adequate) and at night the area gets pretty quiet, but maybe you like that.

So decide between "central and lively" or "a bit less central and quieter", keeping in mind they're both nice neighborhoods. I know nothing about the hotels themselves so that might be something else to consider. .

Have you checked availability for your dates at both? I know Hotel des Grandes Ecoles is popular, has been in guides for years and that might be the input you need to make your decision.

IMHO the Latin Quarter s much more lively and closer to many things to see/do. The area around the Eiffel Tower tends to be quieter and you may have to take the Metro more versus working.

Both are fine areas. I have stayed at the Relais Bosquet and was very happy with the location and service.

Many posters here recommend the Hotel des Grandes Ecoles. I haven't stayed there but have stayed near there and really enjoyed nearby Rue Moufettard.

I am not sure if the Hotel des Grandes Eccles has air conditioning. That may or may not be important to you depending on the time of year you visit.

I think you will likely be happy with either hotel. If there is a big difference in price, that might help guide your decision.

Hotel des Grandes Ecoles is in the area most people think of when they imagine what Paris is like - small streets, Medieval architecture, small shops, plenty of cafes and easy walking to many places most people want to see, including museums. Transportation options are very good here, either by Metro or Bus. I find this area less expensive in regard to restaurants.

Relais Bosquet is in an area of huge, stone Haussmannien buildings and there is a military school complex close by. Besides the Rodin museum, the Eiffel Tower and rue Cler (which isn't much of a much), there isn't anything nearby that would be convenient to walk to. Bus and Metro options are good here. The area is quiet, especially at night, and it can be easy to find yourself in a "dry stretch" where there are no cafes - important if you need a toilet. This area can be more expensive, especially restaurants.

I'd choose HDGE and visit the area around the Eiffel Tower, instead.

I'd also go for Grandes Ecoles. It's a good place to be for the Seine and Ile de la Cite, and Luxembourg is nearby as well, via the Pantheon (walk up the hill from Rue des Ecoles and you're practically there) I also like that IMA is down the road, with a small ecosystem of specialist bookshops and salons de thé around it.


I've always liked Rue des Ecoles for its specialist stores. Good cafes and brasseries too, and in the sidestreets many interesting, small shops and restaurants.

wow. thank you all for the great insight, this was very helpful. will see f i can even get a reservation at the grande, as they book 4 months in advance and our trip is not until may. that may make the decision.

also since you were all so great with your responses...we are planning to attend the french open and are trying to figure out the best way to get tickets, without spending a fortune. any ideas on that? thanks again!

You might want to start another thread about getting tickets to the French Open, since it will probably not be seen by people having information about that.

We asked for a quiet room at the Hotel des Grand Ecoles and got one in the back overlooking the garden. It was very quiet unless you're disturbed by some one practicing the piano. I loved this hotel and I like the neighborhood also.

I was also interested in these two hotels for past trips to Paris, but ended up staying elsewhere each time. Admittedly, the Grande Ecoles looks charming, with that lovely garden, and is quite popular. But after reading many reviews on Trip Advisor I had my doubts about staying there. No A/C would be a deal breaker for me unless you are going during the winter. No mini-bar/refrig also a negative, and they don't allow you to take any food into your room - a definite deal breaker for me, a solo traveler. Also, there were many reports of rude staff, messed up reservations, etc.
Anyway, do plenty of research before booking there! Location is good, of course.

On the other hand, the Relais Bosquet gets mostly rave reviews about staff, amenities, room comfort, breakfast, etc. and many people love staying in the 7th.
I never have, as I seem to always go back to St. Germain or Montparnasse. I was planning on staying at the Relais Bosquet for an October trip, but had to cancel the trip due to some health issues. But I hope to be going in the Spring and stay there.
Quiet nights appeal to me at this point. Younger people would prefer the liveliness of the Latin Quarter, I'm sure, so night life could be an important consideration.

Anyway, I'm sure that whatever area or hotel you decide on will be just fine- it'll be Paris, after all!

I've heard reports about certain hotels "not allowing food in the room" - and I've never paid any attention to these rules.

There's no need to broadcast your intentions.

All you have to do is be neat and discreet about it, store your food in a bag in your suitcase, and take out your trash when you leave the room, tossing it in a bin on the street. If you need forks, plates, etc, you can buy them at any supermarket.