Special Birthday
 

I am taking my daughter to London and Paris for a surprise 16th birthday in April. I really need a good recommendation for a small English sytle charming hotel in London and a charming hotel in Paris. Unfortunely price IS an issue. Any ideas would be most welcome. Thank you in advance.

Cindy, have you done a search on this forum Paris hotels London hotels <BR>charming hotels <BR> <BR>There are a lot of recommendations from a lot of folks, and they usually give the $/ff per night in their info. It might give you an idea what to expect for prices, locations, etc. <BR> <BR>You also might consider an 'at home' experience in each city; that is, staying as a 'guest' of a Londoner or Parisian in their home (originally what B&Bs were - private homes with a room or two to let for a few nights, and including breakfast). <BR> <BR>You're a great mom to do this for her; want to adopt another daughter? I'm housebroken and I don't eat much.

Cindy a consideration for Paris may be Hotel du Champs de Mars (web site www.adx.fr/hotel-du-champ-de-mars.) we stayed there in September it was 410FF without breakfast for a double with a bath (about $65). It is just off Rue Cler a pedestrian area and within walking distance of the Eifel tower. Rooms are small but nicely decorated (see web). There are small cafes near by along with markets for picnics. Have a wonderful trip!

My wife and I stayed four nites at the Grand Hotel Leveque which is right on Rue Cler. Small room but very modern washroom, clean, friendly service and very reasonable rates. Convenient to Metro and nice walk to Eiffel Tower. Rue Cler is a nice pedestrian street with little shops who's food look like works of art. Have fun !

Hello Cindy, my Mom and I stayed at two hotels to be able to enjoy the 7th Arr and the 5/6th Arr. Here's an exerpt of my notes: <BR> <BR>"I stayed at Grand Hotel des Balcons in the 6th arr and it was great. Good location, just a few minute walk to the Odeon metro and near the theatre. Our rooms (beginning of the trip and the end) were very nice. We had a private bathroom and the hotel supplies washcloths! The rooms facing the street are larger than on the back side. Room #30 on the ground level was a good size room. No hair dryers. We paid $83/night. <BR> <BR>We also stayed at Hotel Leveque in the 7th Arr. on rue Cler. Rue Cler is a great street filled with pastry shops, meat shops, fruits and vegetable markets; such a lively place during the day. The hotel was also nice (paid $67/night). Our room came with a private bathroom, twin beds, tv, and hair dryer. We were on the court side so it was pretty quiet at night. I saw one room facing the street and it was also nice. However, I don't know if I'd like to be on the street side when everyone on rue Cler starts to set up their shops and the trucks roll in to bring supplies." <BR> <BR>In my opinion, the 7th Arr. is more of a residential area which can become very quiet in the evenings. The 5th/6th Arr. is a lot more active. I'm sure you two won't be out till the wee hours, but I would recommend Balcons. <BR> <BR>We also enjoyed several good restaurants, which you can read on my travel page at http://sites.netscape.net/monicapileggi/homepage along with some photos from our trip. <BR> <BR>Paris is WONDERFUL. Have a great time! <BR> <BR> <BR>

Thank you for your replies. I'm working on this as I write. Have any of you ever heard of the Claverly in Knightsbridge? <BR>Cindy

In Paris, you may wish to consider the Latin Quarter. I personally have not stayed in this area but have stayed in the Luxembourg Quarter and at the Grand Hotel Leveque in the 7th Arrondisement. From the age of your daughter, I have a feeling she might like the Latin Quarter; I am sure if you do a search, you will find many recommendations.

Dear Cindy, What a great idea. I did the same thing last April/May for my daughter's sixteenth birthday. We had a blast in Paris. We stayed at the Hotel du Danube on the rue Jacob in the 6th. A double room is about $120./night. We absolutely loved the area and the night life was grand. Very safe area even into the wee hours. We strolled back to the hotel from the Cafe Flore one evening about 2:00am. Very warm and balmy-still lots of activity on the streets and in restaurants. I have found several less expensive hotels in the same area which I plan to stay at when I return this coming April. If you want more info just email me. You and your daughter will have a wonderful time as we did. Such a special way to celebrate a landmark birthday.