Sofitel La Défense Grande Arche
Aug 21st, 2006, 12:08 PM
#21
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"And the difference in transit time is negligible regardless of which arrondissement you hang your hat in...."
I'm sorry, but I disagree with this generalization since there are various factors which affect transit time such as time of day, distance traveled, number of changes required, etc.
I guess I could say, "Case Closed!" but since I respect you right to remain incorrect...
I'm sorry, but I disagree with this generalization since there are various factors which affect transit time such as time of day, distance traveled, number of changes required, etc.
I guess I could say, "Case Closed!" but since I respect you right to remain incorrect...
Aug 21st, 2006, 02:02 PM
#23
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Bottom Line: I thought that since I was going to change planes in Paris while going to/from Rome, this would be a good opportunity to see Paris.
What I want: Queen or King Size bedding; Air conditioned; hotel with elevators; en-suite bathroom; a room bigger than a match box; within walking distance to restaurants and public transportation and Less Than $175 per night.
So, if I have to stay at the airport or in the La Defense area to get everything on my wish list, then I would do it. Naturally, I would prefer to stay in the heart of the city so are there any Accors or Sofitels that fit that bill? I'm at a disadvantage as I only know American hotels and the Marriott/Hilton cost a gazillion dollars per night.
Our main goal this trip was to visit Rome, Paris is just a last minute add/on so we are trying to add it in our budget.
Thanks for your help!!!
What I want: Queen or King Size bedding; Air conditioned; hotel with elevators; en-suite bathroom; a room bigger than a match box; within walking distance to restaurants and public transportation and Less Than $175 per night.
So, if I have to stay at the airport or in the La Defense area to get everything on my wish list, then I would do it. Naturally, I would prefer to stay in the heart of the city so are there any Accors or Sofitels that fit that bill? I'm at a disadvantage as I only know American hotels and the Marriott/Hilton cost a gazillion dollars per night.
Our main goal this trip was to visit Rome, Paris is just a last minute add/on so we are trying to add it in our budget.
Thanks for your help!!!
Aug 21st, 2006, 02:11 PM
#24
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The Sofitel La Défense at $140 is a bargain.
If you look at a geographical map of Paris, you will find that there isn't any point that's close to ALL of the sights. If you're close to the Invalides/Eiffel Tower, you'll be far from Notre Dame. If you're close to the Louvre, you'll be a good distance to Montmartre. Being close to a few sights is not, to me, the end-all of a visit to Paris. Maximum square meters and ameneties per dollar comes closer to my ideal.
At Grande Arche, you're 4 minutes from Étoile, which neighborhood is wall-to-wall restaurants and shops.
If you look at a geographical map of Paris, you will find that there isn't any point that's close to ALL of the sights. If you're close to the Invalides/Eiffel Tower, you'll be far from Notre Dame. If you're close to the Louvre, you'll be a good distance to Montmartre. Being close to a few sights is not, to me, the end-all of a visit to Paris. Maximum square meters and ameneties per dollar comes closer to my ideal.
At Grande Arche, you're 4 minutes from Étoile, which neighborhood is wall-to-wall restaurants and shops.
Aug 21st, 2006, 02:27 PM
#25
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Hi N2,
>Queen or King Size bedding; Air conditioned; hotel with elevators; en-suite bathroom; a room bigger than a match box; within walking distance to restaurants and public transportation and Less Than $175 per night.<
We always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. From 124E dbl w/bkfst. It is located near 3 metro stops. Has AC
Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67
www.hotelbonaparte.fr
For more info, enter "Hotel Bonaparte" in the "search this forum" box.
Photos are at http://tinyurl.com/ludgd
>Queen or King Size bedding; Air conditioned; hotel with elevators; en-suite bathroom; a room bigger than a match box; within walking distance to restaurants and public transportation and Less Than $175 per night.<
We always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. From 124E dbl w/bkfst. It is located near 3 metro stops. Has AC
Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67
www.hotelbonaparte.fr
For more info, enter "Hotel Bonaparte" in the "search this forum" box.
Photos are at http://tinyurl.com/ludgd
Aug 21st, 2006, 02:52 PM
#26
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Yes, it's different for the person who keeps recommending you stay out at La Defense because I think he claims to live in Paris so, of course, being closeby to the sights would be different for him than for a firsttime visitor's. How many times does one need to visit Montmarte anyway? As for staying by the Eiffel Tower you can walk it to Notre Dame if you wanted. Gee, you can even take the metro if you wanted. It would still be a better location than being in La Defense where you definitely will need public transportation all the time. Four minutes to Etoile may be that poster's Paris ideal with its tacky tourist trap restaurants and stores. But there are much nicer places to visit.
Aug 21st, 2006, 03:24 PM
#27
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"I <b>think</b> he <b>claims</b> to live in Paris...???!!!"
Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound?
"As for staying by the Eiffel Tower you can walk it to Notre Dame if you wanted." Hell, you can walk from the Eiffel Tower to Calais <i>if you wanted</i>. The question (in both cases) is: would you want to?
Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound?
"As for staying by the Eiffel Tower you can walk it to Notre Dame if you wanted." Hell, you can walk from the Eiffel Tower to Calais <i>if you wanted</i>. The question (in both cases) is: would you want to?
Aug 21st, 2006, 04:06 PM
#28
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One of the best things about visiting Paris is walking out of your hotel and seeing Paris in front of you. I live in the suburbs in Texas so the difference is huge. I love Paris. It is so beautiful. My last trip I stayed near the Invalides and it was so lovely to exit, glance left and see the gold dome. Don't have anything like that around here.
Yes you will have the grand arche to look at on the way to the city, but you may enjoy the city if you stay in it. And I've walked from Notre Dame to the Invalides, before and enjoyed it.
Yes you will have the grand arche to look at on the way to the city, but you may enjoy the city if you stay in it. And I've walked from Notre Dame to the Invalides, before and enjoyed it.
Aug 21st, 2006, 05:13 PM
#30
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Bettyboop has hit the nail on the head. If you enjoy walking, Paris is a great place to do so. Public transportation is very good there, but having the option to take strolls at night in the spring is very appealing!I bet you could find something closer in if you left the idea of a chain. There are so many lovely small hotels in Paris. Just a thought....
Aug 21st, 2006, 05:37 PM
#31
<b>Don't Stay there! </b>
I haven't stayed at la Defense - but I have been out there as recently as this past March. I would never <b>EVER</b> stay there unless the room was free. And even then I'd have to think long and hard about it.
La Defense is a most sterile, dreary, depressing area. I am really interested in modern architecture/design - and even then it is only worth an afternoon's visit. It would give me the creeps to sleep out there. In just about any central neighborhood will have great cafes/bistros on every block - not much of anything out at la Defense. In any central neighborhood you will be walking distance to many sites, the river and so on.
For a short and first Paris visit this would be a really horrible place to stay. CDG doesn't make sense either. Stay in the center - a down market 2 star hotel in the center would be 100000% better than a 4 star at la Defense.
Pay attention to posters who are explaining the pros/cons -- not those whose only interest is public transport.
I haven't stayed at la Defense - but I have been out there as recently as this past March. I would never <b>EVER</b> stay there unless the room was free. And even then I'd have to think long and hard about it.
La Defense is a most sterile, dreary, depressing area. I am really interested in modern architecture/design - and even then it is only worth an afternoon's visit. It would give me the creeps to sleep out there. In just about any central neighborhood will have great cafes/bistros on every block - not much of anything out at la Defense. In any central neighborhood you will be walking distance to many sites, the river and so on.
For a short and first Paris visit this would be a really horrible place to stay. CDG doesn't make sense either. Stay in the center - a down market 2 star hotel in the center would be 100000% better than a 4 star at la Defense.
Pay attention to posters who are explaining the pros/cons -- not those whose only interest is public transport.
Aug 21st, 2006, 05:43 PM
#32
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Thank you janisj. Two years ago my aunt could have gotten a free room for us at the Renaissance La Defense. I told her that I'd gladly pay for two rooms in St. Germain rather than stay for free in an area that's not only highly inconvenient (!) but charmless.
Aug 21st, 2006, 06:39 PM
#34
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There are 1440 minutes in a day. Who cares whether you use 1% of them or 2% of them getting from your hotel to the day's activities?
If you're seduced by "quaintness" or "charm" then by all means go for it. Just be very, very clear that the tariff on it is "space" and "newness" (yes, I know there are exceptions) and you don't have to pay it if you choose not to.
f3 - I am liked by people I like. Others need not apply.
If you're seduced by "quaintness" or "charm" then by all means go for it. Just be very, very clear that the tariff on it is "space" and "newness" (yes, I know there are exceptions) and you don't have to pay it if you choose not to.
f3 - I am liked by people I like. Others need not apply.
Aug 21st, 2006, 06:46 PM
#35
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Yes. I would prefer charm and convenience over inconvenience mostly.
"f3 - I am liked by people I like. Others need not apply."
I believe you, Ropesbierre. I'm certain you were just looking in the mirror when you said that.
"f3 - I am liked by people I like. Others need not apply."
I believe you, Ropesbierre. I'm certain you were just looking in the mirror when you said that.
Aug 21st, 2006, 08:06 PM
#36
Some people prefer to stay in the middle of a lovely neighborhood, be able to walk places, sit at a corner bistro, walk to the Louvre or Notre Dame or the Marais.
Others are more excited by the intricacies of RER/metro fares/schedules, and really don't care much about Paris itself. (Sort of the RER version of anorak wearing train spotters.)
Different strokes - I just know which camp I'm in . . . . .
Others are more excited by the intricacies of RER/metro fares/schedules, and really don't care much about Paris itself. (Sort of the RER version of anorak wearing train spotters.)
Different strokes - I just know which camp I'm in . . . . .
