Struggling Graduate Students Want Memorable Paris Honeymoon
Dec 17th, 2006, 09:24 AM
#21
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degas, please tell the honeymooners-to- be that we are mostly a helpful lot here on Fodors.
Be sure to tell them also that mentioning that this is their honeymoon will only endear them to the French, who love Lovers, almost as much as some good wine and fois gras
, speaking of which- when can we start recommending restaurants?
Be sure to tell them also that mentioning that this is their honeymoon will only endear them to the French, who love Lovers, almost as much as some good wine and fois gras
, speaking of which- when can we start recommending restaurants?
Dec 17th, 2006, 10:32 AM
#24
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A couple of very good, really cheap hotels in Paris in great locations:
Hotel du College de France
https://secure.internet-agency.net/h...ccueil-us.html
Hotel de Nesle
http://www.hoteldenesleparis.com/pages/infos.html
Use tripadvisor.com for hotel reviews.
Hotel du College de France
https://secure.internet-agency.net/h...ccueil-us.html
Hotel de Nesle
http://www.hoteldenesleparis.com/pages/infos.html
Use tripadvisor.com for hotel reviews.
Dec 17th, 2006, 10:34 AM
#25
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^^^
I see one of those links didn't work - try this one:
http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/h75005college.htm
I see one of those links didn't work - try this one:
http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/h75005college.htm
Dec 17th, 2006, 11:02 AM
#26
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Wow. Is this an Eat the Rich thread or what? That's reverse snobbery: only those who will stay in a hostel every time are worthy of consideration...
That said, why not suggest to your young friends to just pick a hotel in their price range, buy a nice scented candle, a bottle of wine and two glasses, a packet of snacks (like nuts or crackers) and a small bouquet and vase and their room will be very memorable? Plus, they can bring home the vase and glasses as a souvenir of their honeymoon. Glasses and vases can be bought cheaply, and if they can't find it anywhere else, try Monoprix, the grocery store. It carries those things (including the candles) for a song!
That said, why not suggest to your young friends to just pick a hotel in their price range, buy a nice scented candle, a bottle of wine and two glasses, a packet of snacks (like nuts or crackers) and a small bouquet and vase and their room will be very memorable? Plus, they can bring home the vase and glasses as a souvenir of their honeymoon. Glasses and vases can be bought cheaply, and if they can't find it anywhere else, try Monoprix, the grocery store. It carries those things (including the candles) for a song!
Dec 17th, 2006, 11:11 AM
#28
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<i>I also looked at <u>Hotel de Notre Dame</u>, which seems like it fulfills the "quiet side street" criterion, but Le Regent looks like it offers closer proximity to cafes and restaurants. </i>
I've stayed at the de Notre Dame twice. There are tons of nearby restaurants and a pizzaria right across the street from the hotel. Guy Savoy's new rotisserie is on this little street. The hotel is no more than 100 yds from the Isles with all their restaurants, cafes, creperies. The Latin Quarter is directly behind the hotel. Also, the adjacent area toward Saint-Michel abounds with seafood and other restaurants
Degas: In September we stayed in their "attic" rooms. Good sized, nice baths, overlooking an interior courtyard. One takes the lift to the 4th floor, then up a short spiral of stairs. At top is a tiny landing with only 2 doors off it. Very private. One of the rooms is on the website (4th photo w/ little round table). It shows floral wallpaper, but I wouldn't have remembered it if not for the photo. The second room was similar, both had nice baths, all marble.
TV, but no internet and I don't remember a fridge. Breakfast is extra, but we went to a cafe around the corner on the quay. Metro is Maubert-Mutualite right around the corner on Blvd Saint-Germain. Lots of bus stops all around. I wouldn't call the staff "friendly", but they speak english and were efficient and helpful.
Good luck to them. I hope they can soon overcome hotel-paralysis and realize the hotel isn't going to make or break their stay in Paris.
I've stayed at the de Notre Dame twice. There are tons of nearby restaurants and a pizzaria right across the street from the hotel. Guy Savoy's new rotisserie is on this little street. The hotel is no more than 100 yds from the Isles with all their restaurants, cafes, creperies. The Latin Quarter is directly behind the hotel. Also, the adjacent area toward Saint-Michel abounds with seafood and other restaurants
Degas: In September we stayed in their "attic" rooms. Good sized, nice baths, overlooking an interior courtyard. One takes the lift to the 4th floor, then up a short spiral of stairs. At top is a tiny landing with only 2 doors off it. Very private. One of the rooms is on the website (4th photo w/ little round table). It shows floral wallpaper, but I wouldn't have remembered it if not for the photo. The second room was similar, both had nice baths, all marble.
TV, but no internet and I don't remember a fridge. Breakfast is extra, but we went to a cafe around the corner on the quay. Metro is Maubert-Mutualite right around the corner on Blvd Saint-Germain. Lots of bus stops all around. I wouldn't call the staff "friendly", but they speak english and were efficient and helpful.
Good luck to them. I hope they can soon overcome hotel-paralysis and realize the hotel isn't going to make or break their stay in Paris.
Dec 17th, 2006, 11:19 AM
#29
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Speaking of Monoprix, we were in an apt in the 7th and really enjoyed shopping for snacks etc to take back to the apt.
On rue Cler, there is a small hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower from some rooms, if anyone remembers the name, please remind me? lol
Anyway- I think it might be a great price for a good location, and that area is not too quiet at night.
For a good price, sometimes you have to give up something else, like not being right in the thick of things.
On rue Cler, there is a small hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower from some rooms, if anyone remembers the name, please remind me? lol
Anyway- I think it might be a great price for a good location, and that area is not too quiet at night.
For a good price, sometimes you have to give up something else, like not being right in the thick of things.
Dec 17th, 2006, 12:04 PM
#30
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I don't think it's unusual for graduate students to be willing to spend that for a hotel room for their honeymoon.
I've only stayed in one of those, but from my impression, the Regent would be the top choice in that list. I'm just wondering who is going to take responsibility for this decision. That list just looks like some of the Paris hotels that have been mentioned most recently on here, not a list that makes the most sense.
I just hope they are realistic about what to expect for that budget, but I was surprised to see the Balcons on there as I've never read anything that great about it. I mean I have read a few folks who like it and think it is a decent value for the money, but others who think it is pretty sparse, and I think it is sort of like a college dorm (maybe they'd like that), and the rooms can be very small and basic. It is a good location, of course.
If they can't decide and dread making a hotel mistake in their choice, I really don't think it's a good idea to just turn that over to strangers and let someone else choose. just my opinion, who is going to take the rap, though?
I've only stayed in one of those, but from my impression, the Regent would be the top choice in that list. I'm just wondering who is going to take responsibility for this decision. That list just looks like some of the Paris hotels that have been mentioned most recently on here, not a list that makes the most sense.
I just hope they are realistic about what to expect for that budget, but I was surprised to see the Balcons on there as I've never read anything that great about it. I mean I have read a few folks who like it and think it is a decent value for the money, but others who think it is pretty sparse, and I think it is sort of like a college dorm (maybe they'd like that), and the rooms can be very small and basic. It is a good location, of course.
If they can't decide and dread making a hotel mistake in their choice, I really don't think it's a good idea to just turn that over to strangers and let someone else choose. just my opinion, who is going to take the rap, though?
Dec 17th, 2006, 01:23 PM
#31
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Cristina: It's all my fault. I'm always saying how this site is a wonderful travel resource, and a great place to bounce ideas off experienced folks who have "been there and done that"! They will make the decision, and the inputs have helped them move closer to it.
JeanneB: They put the Hotel de Notre Dame on the orginal list based partly on a post you made about it on another post. Thanks for adding more details. Do they have a website?
Wliwl: du College de France does look pretty good.
JeanneB: They put the Hotel de Notre Dame on the orginal list based partly on a post you made about it on another post. Thanks for adding more details. Do they have a website?
Wliwl: du College de France does look pretty good.
Dec 17th, 2006, 03:26 PM
#32
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Glad to help. There are a few Fodorites who, like me, love the location of this hotel.
Hotel de Notre Dame
http://tinyurl.com/tyja5
Last time I booked, she couldn't email back to my "comcast" address. Thankfully I had given her my sister's "hotmail" address as well. I've had this happen before with French sites. To be safe, include a fax # as a back-up.
Here are some photos for an apartment ad on the same street. It has two views of the street, 1st & last. The photographer was standing on Quai de la Tournelle with his back to the river/Notre Dame.
http://tinyurl.com/yh5xqj
Hotel de Notre Dame
http://tinyurl.com/tyja5
Last time I booked, she couldn't email back to my "comcast" address. Thankfully I had given her my sister's "hotmail" address as well. I've had this happen before with French sites. To be safe, include a fax # as a back-up.
Here are some photos for an apartment ad on the same street. It has two views of the street, 1st & last. The photographer was standing on Quai de la Tournelle with his back to the river/Notre Dame.
http://tinyurl.com/yh5xqj
Dec 17th, 2006, 04:06 PM
#33
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Last May, I stayed at Hotel Eiffel Park in the 7th. By booking way ahead online, I got an internet rate that averaged €95/night.
Rooms are very nice, very new, with brand new bathrooms (plenty of hot water and pressure).
Hotel is small, located on a quiet side street. My room faced the street. Don't know if there's a courtyard. But, there's a lovely rooftop garden, where you can have your breakfast served if you like.
Housekeeping was meticulous. Staff was just fine. The 7th is chock full of wonderful, moderately priced restaurants. My favorites include Au Bon Accueil, Le P'Tit Troquet, Le Septieme Vin, L'Affriole, and the new Le Chamarre. Chez Pierriot and Le Petit Nicois, both very nice, are in the same block at the hotel.
Latour-Maubourg metro stop is right around the corner, along with bus routes to everywhere (including #80 and #63 which run until 12:20AM).
Rooms (no floral wallpaper or tacky decor) have mini-bars (honor system). And, TV's. I cleared out space in the fridge for water, cream for my coffee (I bought a one-cup pot at La Carpe), etc. There's a beautiful and comfortable cocktail lounge/common room and lovely indoor/outdoor breakfast room.
There's free wi-fi access in the lobby. Also an internet cafe nearby.
Despite everyone's presumptions, there's lots of nightlife in the 7th. Plenty of places with great music and a lively younger crowd: Malone's, Cafe Thomieux (a bar around the corner from their restaurant), Thaly's, O'Brien's (an Irish Pub), Cafe Roussillon, Cafe de l'Alma, and others.
Rooms are very nice, very new, with brand new bathrooms (plenty of hot water and pressure).
Hotel is small, located on a quiet side street. My room faced the street. Don't know if there's a courtyard. But, there's a lovely rooftop garden, where you can have your breakfast served if you like.
Housekeeping was meticulous. Staff was just fine. The 7th is chock full of wonderful, moderately priced restaurants. My favorites include Au Bon Accueil, Le P'Tit Troquet, Le Septieme Vin, L'Affriole, and the new Le Chamarre. Chez Pierriot and Le Petit Nicois, both very nice, are in the same block at the hotel.
Latour-Maubourg metro stop is right around the corner, along with bus routes to everywhere (including #80 and #63 which run until 12:20AM).
Rooms (no floral wallpaper or tacky decor) have mini-bars (honor system). And, TV's. I cleared out space in the fridge for water, cream for my coffee (I bought a one-cup pot at La Carpe), etc. There's a beautiful and comfortable cocktail lounge/common room and lovely indoor/outdoor breakfast room.
There's free wi-fi access in the lobby. Also an internet cafe nearby.
Despite everyone's presumptions, there's lots of nightlife in the 7th. Plenty of places with great music and a lively younger crowd: Malone's, Cafe Thomieux (a bar around the corner from their restaurant), Thaly's, O'Brien's (an Irish Pub), Cafe Roussillon, Cafe de l'Alma, and others.
Dec 17th, 2006, 06:20 PM
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Not a slam. But I would lean against 2 hotels in 8 days. Part of the magic is getting to know "your neighborhood", discovering "your special restaurants", etc. Any of the hotels discussed here sound like they would suit their needs just fine.
Dec 17th, 2006, 06:38 PM
#36
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I would like to recommend that the young couple check out the excellent website www.anamericaninparis.com
Dec 18th, 2006, 03:47 AM
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T'nut:
I'm glad you brought Hotel Luxembourg up again. I liked it from the first time I saw it, came home and checked their rates right away. They've always been too expensive for us (200+ euros). Their official website still shows 250 for a standard double.
http://tinyurl.com/y5kruh
But Parisby shows a top rate of 155. Do you know what accounts for this discrepancy? Have they dropped their rates and just not updated their website?
I'm glad you brought Hotel Luxembourg up again. I liked it from the first time I saw it, came home and checked their rates right away. They've always been too expensive for us (200+ euros). Their official website still shows 250 for a standard double.
http://tinyurl.com/y5kruh
But Parisby shows a top rate of 155. Do you know what accounts for this discrepancy? Have they dropped their rates and just not updated their website?
Dec 18th, 2006, 04:02 AM
#39
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I just did a "Quick Search" on Trip Advisor and it, too, came up with the much higher rates. Hmmmm. I wonder what the deal is with those low rates on Parisby? Could be a great deal if they can get that hotel for those rates. I love the idea of walking out the front door right into the park. Even the busy Rue Vaurigard wouldn't dissuade me if I got a good room at the rates cited.
BTW, it's apparently also referred to as the Hotel Luxembourg Parc.
BTW, it's apparently also referred to as the Hotel Luxembourg Parc.
Dec 18th, 2006, 04:02 AM
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Last year I stayed at Hotel Du Lys. The location was great. I went solo and was looking for a cheap but adequate place. I would stay there again but did not seem quite honeymoon ambiance.
I think that there was no TV in the room but maybe I was soooo tired after walking around for 18hrs a day that I never even thought of turning the TV on...there was definitely no fridge. And no view whatsoever.
BTW, the hotel no only has abundant floral wall paper but lobby also has a chinois print on it.
I think that there was no TV in the room but maybe I was soooo tired after walking around for 18hrs a day that I never even thought of turning the TV on...there was definitely no fridge. And no view whatsoever.
BTW, the hotel no only has abundant floral wall paper but lobby also has a chinois print on it.
