Poor Hotel Choice?
 

My 14 year old daughter and I are visiting Paris in August this year. Our travel agent has suggested the Citadines Opera Drouot (Grand-Boulevards). Any feedback on whether or not this is a wise decision?

Is a studio apartment what you wanted?
You'll be fine...and its a lovely walk towards the Seine...for the rate there are other apartments...and for that matter, other Citidines (St. Germaine de Pres...for one.)

Wise choice? What's wise is your taking your daughter to Paris!!

Thanks SuzieC. Daughter thought "living in Paris" would be totally cool. Someone suggested that 9th district might be out of the way.

It is not disastrous, but I also agree that I think some folks would more enjoy a stay elsewhere. It's not that far out at all, just not the same ambience as some other areas like the Latin Qtr or St-Germain. That is more of a business district. It is NOT in the 9th, actually, but the 2nd arr near the auction house (18 rue Favart). The Grands Blvds metro stop is also not the closest to it, the Richelieu Drouot metro stop is. It's not very far from the Opera Garnier and the large dept stores, though, and many people like staying around that area and find it convenient. It should be okay.

In fact, there are Citadines all over Paris, some in better locations, so you can get the same thing elsewhere. Citadines is a modern chain hotel type place with kitchenettes to become studios. That one does have AC, however, and they don't all have AC, so I'm guessing it could be good value for that reason in comparison to ones in more popular areas like St Germain.

ON the other hand, there are many hotel discounts in August, and you could get a nice hotel with AC in August, perhaps more charming and a different area. What are you paying? I just note that their web site offers a rate of 210 euro per night for a "large" double studio (25 m2), but they charge more if your agent is taking a commission. I personally would not pay 200 euro for that type of accommodation, but that's because I like something with a little more style and cozier. It looks comfortable enough.

I still don't think that a good rate, and if you are only there a few days, a nice charming hotel may be more suitable and enjoyable. If your daughter is seduced by the idea that we are going to have an "apartment" and be like Parisians, that is really just like a modern chain hotel, but with kitchenette. It does have AC, however, which is nice.

Peggyb, by "living in Paris" do you mean having an apartment rather than staying in a hotel? If so, Citadines is probably a good choice if it's for only a few days. Most other apartments are available only by the week, with some exceptions. As for the location, it's in an area that's heavily business-oriented, actually in the 2nd arrondissement, on the border with the 9th.

I would suggest that the Citadines St-Germain, which is right on the Seine across from the Ile de la Cité might be lots more fun for your daughter as well as more convenient for the major tourist sights.

It's my understanding that at least at some Citadines, a lot of things that might be considered basic have extra charges attached: maid service, changes of linen, etc.
It would help to know what requirements your agent based the recommendation on: length of stay, budget, any special needs for a kitchenette, etc.

I have never found a kitchenette handy when traveling, although I have found a fridge handy. What would you need to cook, and would it really be worth the extra cost compared to buying those things individually?

sometimes people traveling with small children (not in this case) or with someone who has some dietary restrictions, or just someone who likes to be able to buy provisions for light meals, find that a kitchen comes in handy