bonblair

I'm planning to visit France around May 2014. I am completely overwhelmed and feel like a foreigner sitting in my own home as I surf the net trying to make sense of it all. I don't understand 5th district, 7th district, etc. I feel like I should stay in a tourist-type area because I know nothing of France but I don't know how to make the distinction. I was just about to "throw in the towel" on this little adventure when I found this site. Perhaps there's a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm looking for suggestions on hotels comparable in features to a U.S. Marriott, Doubletree, etc. I would also like to know what I should expect to pay on average per night for a hotel (in USD), not too small, with a queen or king sized bed.

bilboburgler

Here is a map

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ar...2F%3B600%3B421

generally you will find European hotels smaller than US ones. Also a Queen size in Europe will be called a King sized.

Going abroad is like visiting another country, but keep going it is worth while.

sparkchaser

"Going abroad is like visiting another country"

ROFL

daniella82

The districts (arrondisment) are not linear but kind of loop around in a spiral with the 1st (Louvre district) being at the center, and looping outward. I have stayed in the 8th, the 9th, the 16th etc. The 1st/2nd is along the seine, close to Louvre, nice area, touristy and expensive (although Paris is expensive). The 8th/16th is arc de triomph/champs elysees area. 15th is eiffel tower. I really enjoy the 9th, the opera district, where I've stayed a few times. It's walking distance to a number of sites, but I've found some good hotel options here, and I like the area. But all the districts I've mentioned are fairly convenient to many of the tourist sites. Let me know if you have any further questions. Good luck!

bonblair

Thanks so much! I feel like I'm getting there. I forgot to mention that I would ideally like to be near Roland Garros -- plan to take in at least 2 days of the French Open.

MmePerdu

My sister came to Europe with me a few years ago. At that time she'd never been outside N. America and the culture shock was more than she could take and she ended up going home early. I say this because expectations are everything. Before you start putting together the particulars of this trip I think you need to educate yourself on some details of life outside the big, new, hyper-sanitized world of life & travel in the US. What you'll find when you get past the shock of small, old, character-filled is that you get more in the exchange than different. It's a whole new wonderful world out there.

I suggest that for the moment you go out of your way to watch French movies (not Woody Allen) with subtitles, look at loads of Paris hotel websites, find picture books with photos of life in France and anything else you can come up with to acclimate yourself so when you get down to it you'll appreciate what Paris has, not what it doesn't have.

Gretchen

You don't need to stay near Roland Garos--nor would you probably really want to. The metro (that's the "subway") sytem is excellent and will have you there in no time from wherever you stay.
you may not find hotels "comparable" to the chains in the US, even if named the same.
What is your desired budget--rather than have any of us tell you what a hotel room will cost?

Lexma90

It shouldn't be too difficult to get to Roland Garros from most places in Paris. And in the evening, and when you're not at the French Open you'll want to be convenient to everything else. I'd suggest staying elsewhere.

The 6th Arrondisement is also known as St. Germain; it's on the Left Bank, next to the Latin Quarter (generally, the 5th Arrondisement). DH and I really like the 6th, though some feel it's too touristy (we're in our 40s now, but stayed there in our 20s and 30s too). It's lively, with lots of cafes and restaurants. And close to many Paris sites and transportation. And while some people say it's touristy, there have been many evenings where we were sitting at outdoor cafes in St. Germain and couldn't hear anyone else speaking English.

In terms of rooms, quality and sizes, I don't know much about places that would be like Marriotts. I don't like those big corporate-style hotels, in the U.S. or elsewhere. Which features of a Marriott or Doubletree do you want? Ice machines? I've never looked for one of those in a European hotel, so have no idea whether any hotel has them. We primarily stay in smaller, locally-owned hotels / inns. Hotels have a star system, which relates more to which amenities are offered than quality. For example, 3 stars means they have to offer breakfast and have an elevator. We stay in 3 star places. For examples of that, and the pricing, we've stayed at both Hotel Le Regent (in the 6th) and Hotel Millesime; you can google them for prices and pictures.

Rooms are available as single (for one person), double, or less commonly, triples, quads or family rooms. A single will have a single bed (similar to a twin-sized bed); a double will have a bed that's probably closer to the size of an American queen-sized bed. It is not uncommon for a double bed to consistent of two single beds pushed together, with double-sized pads, sheets, etc. Of course you can book a double room but have only one person staying in it.

In France, hotels may offer breakfast, but you always have the option to have a lower room charge and eat breakfast at a cafe; it's cheaper to do that. Though if you want a bigger, more American-style breakfast, you're more likely to see that at a hotel breakfast.

Underhill

I recommend that you invest in a copy of the Michelin Green Guide to Paris, or the Eyewitness Guide. That will give you a better sense of how the city is laid out and what there is to be seen in each arrondissement. There are also suggested sightseeing itineraries.

ziggypop

bonblair,
you have 11 months to familiarize yourself with France. Relax, get a couple of guide books, a copy of Polly Platt's French or Foe, some wine and well aged cheese and read the books. Read some of the trip reports on this site and 'listen' to some of the answers given to the questions that are asked, you will be fine.

KTtravel

I know many people on this board don't care for Rick Steves but his guidebooks are very helpful for a first time traveler abroad. I would pick up a copy of his Paris guidebook at your library or a local bookstore. The Eyewitness Guide mentioned above has great pictures which should give you a nice feel for what you may encounter.

What features do you typically like in a hotel room? Mention those and you'll get lots of suggestions here.

Don't throw in the towel! You have plenty of time to plan and prepare and can have a wonderful trip.

Southam

The European rival to the hotel chains you mention, and the rest of them too, is Accor, with many different brand names ranging from automated motels to up-market luxury (although not to the higest of high-ends.) Their brands stress consistency, although that may reduce character and atmosphere to blandness. You can browse their Paris properties here: http://www.accorhotels.com/hotel-dir...aris-hotel.htm

DebitNM

There is a Marriott on Champs Elysee but it is pricey. There are several other Marriott brands, but don't consider the Courtyards, too far out.

http://www.marriott.com/hotel-search...france.travel/

But really, as you explore more, learn more and get more comfortable, you will likely find that you are going to want a local hotel to really experience Paris.

bdsbeautyblog

You've had plenty of good advice here - persevere with planning your trip!

I'll just point out that the Eiffel Tower is NOT in the 15th. You can walk to it from there easily (I just did it today) but don't expect to stay near the Convention metro and have the Tour right on your doorstep or anything

daniella82

Sorry! 7th, you're right bds, adjacent to 15th, where there are some hotels I've researched

leuk2

I would also recommend Rick Steves book . It gives you an overview of Paris,how things work, like the metro etc. the different areas. We don't pay much attention to his hotel or restaurant recommendations. Check-out hotels on tripadvisor. Don't expect a U.S. style hotel . they are much smaller. What you want is clean and quiet in a good location. You won't be spending much time in the hotel apart from sleeping. We prefer the 5th,6th or 7th arrondisement.

gailscout

Our first encounter with Europe was 13 years ago in Paris and while initially it can be overwhelming, we are here to help you. My husband and I have traveled each year now once or twice to various countries in the UK and Europe. We just completed 6 weeks there in 6 countries and are already planning our next trip to Paris and London in October.

Do watch Rick Steves, Rudy Maxa, Travelscope and Burt Wolf on either DVD or PBS to get ideas of what various cities look like as well as survival techniques and helpful hints. While many travel books tell you what is in each city or town that may be of interest to a tourist, Rick Steves gives more of a personal opinion of what is important to see, especially for first time visitors.

I've been to Roland Garros and easy to get there via the metro from the 5th, 6th and 7th arrondissement. Then just a short walk to the stadium. Anywhere else besides Paris?