Reservation at Jules Verne
 

Should I attempt to make my own reservation at Jules Verne during the week before Thanksgiving (given that I don't speak French and have had no experience in securing reservations at Parisian restaurants), or should I ask the concierge at the Hotel Raphael to see if there are any available reservations during our stay? Is it inappropriate to ask for assistance from the concierge prior to our arrival? Thanks so much!

I think asking your hotel is the most practical way. I've done this at 2* hotels without concierge, as well.

~Liz

You can also make reservations online at www.reservethebest.com That's what I did and it worked wonderfully.

Grasshopper: Thank you for the website recommendation. Now I can make as many reservations as I want, and I can preview the menu.

Just pick up the phone and call during our morning, their afternoon.

Make reservations as soon as possible. I, too, recommend picking up the phone and making the call directly with the restaurant.

I'm a big believer in having the hotel do it. You are much more likely to get a better table and/or better treatment, particularly if that hotel often sends people.

If you managed Jules Verne, who would you give the better table to -- a tourist from another country who will surely never be back again? Or to someone sent by a local hotel that will surely report back to that hotel if they receive outstanding service and a great table? I know whom I'd give the better table to.

Can I suggest that you make your reservation for as early as they allow. While 12:15 might be a bit early for lunch in Paris, it might be the only way to insure that you get a window table. At the urging of a colleague I'm glad I switched my reservation. Had we kept our original 1:00 reservation, we might very well have been stuck at one of the banquette tables. In those seats, one of you will have your back to the view.

Let me just add that the nicer you dress, the better the chance of securing a window table. My husband and I were on time for our lunch reservation, which we made via phone 2 months in advance. The person we spoke to over the phone spoke English. Husband wore a jacket, no tie, dark blue chinos, button down shirt, loafers. I wore a skirt, silk blouse, flats. We were seated at a lovely window table.

We saw a couple of tables with folks in blue jeans and/or gym shoes. Those tables were right next to the exit from the kitchen.

Enjoy!!

Will just add that the staff at Jules Verne speak perfect English, so don't be put off telephoning there to reserve a table.