Hello -- We're going on our first trip to Paris at the end of May and have hotel reservations at Hotel de Fleurie for the first five nights and on the waiting list for the last night. Should we book another hotel for the last night (a Sunday) or take our chances on a room at our hotel opening up (they said they'd help us find another room if nothing opened up). We don't want to end up unhappy on our last night in Paris. Advice please. Thank you!

We have been considering staying t the Fleurie ,please let us know how it was when you return. THANKS

I have no personal experience with the Hôtel de Fleurie, but if they've offered to help you out with the last night's reservation, I'd trust them to do so. Most hotels have a sort of private network within which they operate, and they'll phone around until they find you a room, if you need one. Chances are, a room will become available at the hotel itself, and of course they'll give it to you instead of to someone else who inquires. Just check every day at the desk and be persistent but friendly, and they'll take care of you. Bonne chance!

I have encountered this in the United States often, and in ALMOST very case (sometimes a convention may make it tough), I have prevailed in moving "off" the waiting list. I have never actually made a reservation in Europe in this exact situation. I have double booked as a protection, and then cancelled, when a waiting list cleared me (before I ever left home even). <BR> <BR>In your situation, I would simply make it VERY clear upon arrival that you seek confirmation as sson as possible, and state that you would like to check out after night three (or even two) if such a confirmation is not possible. And with their volunteering to help ypou find anpother choice, it sounds like they really want to be helpful. Did you ask if a convention has rooms blocked? <BR> <BR>Cybercafe usage is so plentiful in Paris, that I suspect you will be no worse off - - and maybe cost yourself an hour, at worst, if you need to actually find yourself a different hotel for nights 4, 5 and 6. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Jen, Why not take advantage of this situation to try another hotel of your chosing? Perhaps you could spend a little more for one night and experience a hotel you would not book for a week. There are so many hotel choices in the area of your hotel, you could easily walk to another. I would be very excited about this! <BR> <BR>linda

Jen, if they offered you help in finding something they will. The hotels usually have other hotels they work with closely in the area and help out. Although, I would clear the situation asap when you arrive. End of May will be packed as Ascension and Whitsuntide weekends come up!

Jen, the French Open starts at the end of May. Personally, I would not count on a room being miraculously available on the spot. Having worked at a hotel in a resort (Fla Keys), I know the staff always tried to help, but there were times when not one room was available within a hundred miles. Having said that, just last week I canceled my room at Le Muguet (double, May 24-30) since I'm no longer traveling alone and wanted a livelier area. If those dates include your Sunday, give them a try. You can reach them through www.parishotels.com.