I’ve never been to Paris (or France or Europe), and want to have the full Paris experience. I’m looking for a Small, very French (but English speaking) Hotel. When I walk outside I want there to be narrow pedestrian streets filled with Cafes, Galleries, Gift Shops, ….you get the picture. PLUS I need it to be centrally located, or near the Metro for easy access. Any Ideas?? <BR>-Rose <BR>

<BR> <BR>We like the Hotel de Fleurie in the 6th, just off St Germain. Good rooms and helpfull staff, particularly for first time visitor. It is pretty much in the heart of the Latin Quarter with lots of "real" Paris just outside. <BR> <BR>Website is: http://www.hotel-de-fleurie.tm.fr <BR>

I’ve never been to Philadelphia (or Pennsylvania or the United States), and want to have the full American experience. I’m looking for a Small, very American (but French speaking) Hotel. When I walk outside I want there to be big wide streets filled with Burger joints, Cineplex-48's, Gap stores... you get the picture. PLUS I need it to be centrally located, or have a big ol' SUV I can drive anywhere I want to go, for easy access. Any Ideas?? <BR> <BR>See how silly that sounds? <BR>

Fits your criteria (where we stay whenever we are in Paris): <BR>http://www.franceway.com/hotels/delhys/

Rose, I'd second Rich's mention of the Hotel de Fleurie in the St. Germain district. While I haven't stayed there, a woman who I'd helped with advice for her first trip to Paris last September stayed there, and wrote back to me on her return that she loved it, both the hotel and the area. <BR> <BR>I <I>have</I> stayed in the St.Germain district before, in another hotel -- the Hotel Deux Continents (which I could also recommend, website below) -- and love that area. Very centrally located, with lots of cafes and art galleries. <BR> <BR>http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/h75006continents.htm

I think Rose's request is very reasonable. She's got a vision of the experience she wants and that's a good start. I have the same kinds of "wants" when I book a Paris hotel. I like the area in St.Germaine near the Odeon Metro station.Blvd. St. Germaine couts a wide swath, but on either side are small pedestrian streets with great shops and restaurants.Also, almost all desk clerks speak some English(it's their business) and you could try to pick up a few French phrases before you go.

Hi <BR>my suggestion is the d'Aubusson, rue Dauphine, in the 6th. Fits every one of your criteria and then some. You didn't mention price though. <BR>If you do a search on this forum for <BR>Paris hotel you will find many suggestions at various prices that fit your criteria. Each of us have favorites because there is more than one charming and convenient hotel in Paris.

Jacques is right. It does sound silly. You have to get out of your room, away from your hotel, away from English, away from routine and cultural comfort to experience anything of Paris or the French. Still, I sympathize with you, Rose, because I understand how important Paris is in our imaginations, how much we hunger for it. I had dreamed of Paris for 33 years before I was finally able to go this March. On the way over, I had a sudden terrible bout of anxiety. What if Paris didn't match my expectations after all those years of building the city up in my imagination? What if the Paris I wanted was gone, buried under McDonalds and Disney? <BR> <BR>I didn't need to fear. It exceeded anything I could have imagined, so much so that we are returning to the greatest city in the world in two weeks. Don't worry about where you stay. Stay anywhere near a metro or bus line. You won't be spending much time in your room. All you need are open eyes, an open heart, and enough French to be polite. Know your numbers too. It's the least we can do.