Travel agent recommendation-Los Angeles, California
Dec 29th, 2005, 06:06 AM
#21
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Hi M
>I want to spend 8-9 days in Paris.
>My hotel budget is $90-$110 per day.
>I want to go between Sept-October 2006
We always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. About $110 sngl w/bkfst
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://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-l95uyr
This hotel, though not as conveniently located, is less expensive, and has been recommended on this forum:
http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/h75012lux.htm
For what to do in Paris, look up the miniguide under "Destinations".
Also see: Paris Superthread
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34519236
Degas’s Paris Walks
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34712768
>I would like to spend 14 to 15 days in Italy.
First-timers often do the Big 3. two weeks is perfect.
I suggest: Fly into Venice (3-4 nights), train to Florence (4 nights with a daytrip to Siena), train to Rome (6-5 nights with a daytrip to Orvieto), fly home.
In florence, I can highly recommend the B&B Peterson. www.bedinflorence.com
See my trip report for details about Florence:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044
For Venice, see
http://www.veniceby.com/campaniel/pages/booking.htm
http://www.hotelbernardi.com/en/hotel.html
Also see Helpful Information: Italy 2
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34568596
>I'm flying from Los Angeles.
Check open-jaw flights at www.kayak.com
You should see lower fares about the first of February.
Hope this helps get you started.
>I want to spend 8-9 days in Paris.
>My hotel budget is $90-$110 per day.
>I want to go between Sept-October 2006
We always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. About $110 sngl w/bkfst
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://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-l95uyr
This hotel, though not as conveniently located, is less expensive, and has been recommended on this forum:
http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/h75012lux.htm
For what to do in Paris, look up the miniguide under "Destinations".
Also see: Paris Superthread
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34519236
Degas’s Paris Walks
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34712768
>I would like to spend 14 to 15 days in Italy.
First-timers often do the Big 3. two weeks is perfect.
I suggest: Fly into Venice (3-4 nights), train to Florence (4 nights with a daytrip to Siena), train to Rome (6-5 nights with a daytrip to Orvieto), fly home.
In florence, I can highly recommend the B&B Peterson. www.bedinflorence.com
See my trip report for details about Florence:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044
For Venice, see
http://www.veniceby.com/campaniel/pages/booking.htm
http://www.hotelbernardi.com/en/hotel.html
Also see Helpful Information: Italy 2
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34568596
>I'm flying from Los Angeles.
Check open-jaw flights at www.kayak.com
You should see lower fares about the first of February.
Hope this helps get you started.
Dec 29th, 2005, 06:16 AM
#23
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mcc....I live in LA, my TA is in Dallas.So I cant help there.TA's are interested in commissions.Most of the hotels sought here and other travel forums would not support most TA's...Since most airlines dont pay TA's commissions anymore, the TA has to charge a fee.They have limited resources available to them, at their choice.The airline GDS system they subscribe too and tour companies that pay them commissions.So most likely if you are looking for a hotel that is not listed in their GDS system or not on a package offered by a tour company, most likely they arent going to offer it to you.My TA is very shall we say blunt and to the point.Someone dropping in to his office looking for a trip to Europe are sized up in a matter of very small minutes.If the conversation goes toward independent hotels, B/B's, hostels, he tells them he can book their airline ticket and they can get their own hotels.Some woule be travellers resist
quot;Well, I thought that's what you do!" Aint so...time is of the essence.
quot;Well, I thought that's what you do!" Aint so...time is of the essence.
Dec 29th, 2005, 07:25 AM
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If you do still want a travel agent, I've used the Continental Shop in Santa Monica (it's on Wilshire Blvd., I think). They are a fun little shop specializing in all things British and they have a travel office in the back. Very nice people, and many of their employees come from England.
Dec 29th, 2005, 07:31 AM
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OK, I'm getting more than a little annoyed here by all the Travel Agent bashing going on. And while I grant you there are some mediocre agents who are less than knowledgeable, there are still many more in this industry who have forgotten more about travel than you will ever know. There are excellent agents out there...you just haven't searched them out.
I have said many times on this site that there's lots of ways to plan travel; I mean that. Obviously there are many of you who don't. Some of you feel that the only way to travel is to plan it yourself. Wonderful, that's great. There have always been people like you, and there will always be. Good, keep traveling, that's what's important. Regarding the internet, it's actually been a boon to us. People who come into agencies are more educated and less likely to ask inane questions like: "I don't know where I want to go, I don't know when I want to go, and how much is it going to cost me?" But the fact is that some people don't want to do all the work themselves and need more help than others. Some people like person to person interaction. That's why Travel Agents are important; we provide that and more.
I'm going to hit on janisj now - she said- "There are always the odd exceptions - but generally TAs don't know destinations". I disagree with her because I know that at least 1700 of the agents who work for my company (out of 2200) know destinations because I taught them in the last 7 years...London, Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice, Hawaii, Spain, Hong Kong, Disneyworld, Tahiti, Eastern Europe, Australia and California. 3 to 7 hour intensive classes on each of these destinations every single month for the last 7 years that are mandatory classes for all our agents. And they have to pass tests on these or they can't stay with the company! And I'm not the only person in my company who trains destinations. I leave Caribbean, Mexico, Las Vegas, the rest of Florida and Sabre to the other experts. (and the only reason I haven't trained the other agents is because they were here before I started with the company and have already attended the classes.) My company is not unusual. Other travel companies have excellent training departments as well. We do NOT put people in our offices who are ignorant of destinations, Sabre or cruises. THAT would be suicide. We've been in business for over 50 years and that says something. We know what we're doing.
And janisj - this is REALLY over the top - you said "But they DO NOT know about museums, sites, restaurants, etc. in most cities.They don't know the best ways to get around w/i a country/continent. They don't know much about budget airlines. Nor that point-to-point train tickets are usually cheaper than a rail pass. Nor when the market days or special festivals are.
In fact the normal TA can - almost guaranteed - end up costing you more and seeing less than planning it yourself."
I CANNOT believe your generalizations. I won't even go into the ignorance you show by saying all of this. How many travel agents have you actually spoken to? How many have you questioned intently? How are YOU SUCH an expert on this subject that you can blanketly state all these things?
And by the way, your last sentence is another problem. My company price matches, so we are NEVER more expensive.
We take care of our clients, too. I said in another posting here about how proud I was that my company sent (at our own expense) 5 chartered aircraft to Cancun after the hurricane this year to pick up our clients that the scheduled airlines had abandoned. I never mentioned who I worked for and can't, as that would be advertising...which is forbidden on this site. But I can tell you this: we are very good at what we do and we take care of our clients.
May you all travel safe no matter how you plan it...
I have said many times on this site that there's lots of ways to plan travel; I mean that. Obviously there are many of you who don't. Some of you feel that the only way to travel is to plan it yourself. Wonderful, that's great. There have always been people like you, and there will always be. Good, keep traveling, that's what's important. Regarding the internet, it's actually been a boon to us. People who come into agencies are more educated and less likely to ask inane questions like: "I don't know where I want to go, I don't know when I want to go, and how much is it going to cost me?" But the fact is that some people don't want to do all the work themselves and need more help than others. Some people like person to person interaction. That's why Travel Agents are important; we provide that and more.
I'm going to hit on janisj now - she said- "There are always the odd exceptions - but generally TAs don't know destinations". I disagree with her because I know that at least 1700 of the agents who work for my company (out of 2200) know destinations because I taught them in the last 7 years...London, Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice, Hawaii, Spain, Hong Kong, Disneyworld, Tahiti, Eastern Europe, Australia and California. 3 to 7 hour intensive classes on each of these destinations every single month for the last 7 years that are mandatory classes for all our agents. And they have to pass tests on these or they can't stay with the company! And I'm not the only person in my company who trains destinations. I leave Caribbean, Mexico, Las Vegas, the rest of Florida and Sabre to the other experts. (and the only reason I haven't trained the other agents is because they were here before I started with the company and have already attended the classes.) My company is not unusual. Other travel companies have excellent training departments as well. We do NOT put people in our offices who are ignorant of destinations, Sabre or cruises. THAT would be suicide. We've been in business for over 50 years and that says something. We know what we're doing.
And janisj - this is REALLY over the top - you said "But they DO NOT know about museums, sites, restaurants, etc. in most cities.They don't know the best ways to get around w/i a country/continent. They don't know much about budget airlines. Nor that point-to-point train tickets are usually cheaper than a rail pass. Nor when the market days or special festivals are.
In fact the normal TA can - almost guaranteed - end up costing you more and seeing less than planning it yourself."
I CANNOT believe your generalizations. I won't even go into the ignorance you show by saying all of this. How many travel agents have you actually spoken to? How many have you questioned intently? How are YOU SUCH an expert on this subject that you can blanketly state all these things?
And by the way, your last sentence is another problem. My company price matches, so we are NEVER more expensive.
We take care of our clients, too. I said in another posting here about how proud I was that my company sent (at our own expense) 5 chartered aircraft to Cancun after the hurricane this year to pick up our clients that the scheduled airlines had abandoned. I never mentioned who I worked for and can't, as that would be advertising...which is forbidden on this site. But I can tell you this: we are very good at what we do and we take care of our clients.
May you all travel safe no matter how you plan it...
Dec 29th, 2005, 08:49 AM
#26
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If you want an expert, get in touch with Terra and Hendricks in Davis, CA. Carroll Terra speaks fluent French and knows Paris inside out from having lived there, and she's a terrific travel agent.
Dec 29th, 2005, 09:16 AM
#27
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When I was starting to plan our honeymoon last year, I thought I'd try a travel agent to see if it would be helpful. I had done some preliminary research into the Caribbean just to figure out the islands that would be conducive to our type of vacation.
When I went to meet with the first travel agent, she pushed big all-inclusives, and knew nothing about smaller (but more luxury properties like Jumby Bay) places. Clearly, there is some financial incentive for travel agents to push more marketed properties.
I went to a second, and last, travel agent. She was really misinformed and I found myself correcting her. She didn't know anything about the British Virgin Islands!
Both TA's quoted me prices much higher than those I found myself on the internet.
To me, there may be a demographic that travel agents appeal to, and I think that it is mostly elderly people who are not internet savvy and perhaps people that are not into traveling and like a more obvious vacation.
But in my personal experiences, there would be no reason that I would ever try to use a travel agent again.
When I went to meet with the first travel agent, she pushed big all-inclusives, and knew nothing about smaller (but more luxury properties like Jumby Bay) places. Clearly, there is some financial incentive for travel agents to push more marketed properties.
I went to a second, and last, travel agent. She was really misinformed and I found myself correcting her. She didn't know anything about the British Virgin Islands!
Both TA's quoted me prices much higher than those I found myself on the internet.
To me, there may be a demographic that travel agents appeal to, and I think that it is mostly elderly people who are not internet savvy and perhaps people that are not into traveling and like a more obvious vacation.
But in my personal experiences, there would be no reason that I would ever try to use a travel agent again.
Dec 29th, 2005, 10:29 AM
#28
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Hi K,
Thanks for the alternate viewpoint.
Could you leave an eml address, even an [email protected] in case someone would like to consult with you?
Thanks for the alternate viewpoint.
Could you leave an eml address, even an [email protected] in case someone would like to consult with you?
Dec 29th, 2005, 10:39 AM
#29
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mah1980, you tried two agents and based on your two poor choices, you will never contact another TA again. You're going to write off every TA in the US based on 2 experiences...oh yeah, that makes lots of sense 
.
It's like saying I ate (poorly prepared) chicken twice, so I'm never going to eat chicken again, because it's all bad.
You obviously have every right to plan your trips the way you want. By all means, since you enjoy doing it on your own, do what you like. But your observation of the demographic of who travel agents appeal to is in error. Young, middle aged, old, educated, lacking education, rich, poor, middle class, married, divorced, single, gay, lesbian: they're all our clients. I can't tell you the number of people who've said to me that they're experienced travelers who are internet savvy, but they prefer speaking to someone face to face. Granted, they want to speak to someone who knows what they're talking about, but it's the personal interaction they're looking for.
.It's like saying I ate (poorly prepared) chicken twice, so I'm never going to eat chicken again, because it's all bad.
You obviously have every right to plan your trips the way you want. By all means, since you enjoy doing it on your own, do what you like. But your observation of the demographic of who travel agents appeal to is in error. Young, middle aged, old, educated, lacking education, rich, poor, middle class, married, divorced, single, gay, lesbian: they're all our clients. I can't tell you the number of people who've said to me that they're experienced travelers who are internet savvy, but they prefer speaking to someone face to face. Granted, they want to speak to someone who knows what they're talking about, but it's the personal interaction they're looking for.
Dec 29th, 2005, 10:50 AM
#31
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I'm not saying that there are no well-informed travel agents. But in my social group no one has had good experiences with travel agents. Perhaps that could be a function of living in a smaller sized city, whereas the travel agents in LA or NYC might be much better.
However, the efficiency of the internet presents some problems for the travel agent industry in trying to lure guests to book with them rather than through some other source.
Virginia has a good point about trying to get a TA to match a cheaper rate and then having the added protection of a TA in the event that a trip goes awry.
There aren't many full service travel agencies here in New Orleans that go that much beyond cruises and trips to Mexico. That's fine, but I don't want to go on the same exact trip as every tom, dick, and harry.
However, the efficiency of the internet presents some problems for the travel agent industry in trying to lure guests to book with them rather than through some other source.
Virginia has a good point about trying to get a TA to match a cheaper rate and then having the added protection of a TA in the event that a trip goes awry.
There aren't many full service travel agencies here in New Orleans that go that much beyond cruises and trips to Mexico. That's fine, but I don't want to go on the same exact trip as every tom, dick, and harry.
Dec 29th, 2005, 10:52 AM
#32
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I used to have a doctor who was full blooded Italian, came to US as a child. He would return to Italy every year and every time used a travel agent. I asked him why he didn't just book things himself and he looked at me like I was crazy. "myself?"
Dec 29th, 2005, 03:55 PM
#33
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Actually, the previous agent bashers in this thread are missing out. Yes, there are a great deal of mediocre agents in the industry, in part due to no licensing requirements, and unattractive salary levels.However, like anything else if it is important to you, take the time to look around, ask references, and track one down. A good agent is worth his/her weight in gold, and would routinely run circles around do-it-youselfers, in all areas, including finding you the very best fares, and all aspects of custom trip planning, yes including museums gt
(what a ridiculous statement that was from a previous poster)If you enjoy your own trip planning that is fine, no problem. But many, many people do not have the time, and when they find a good agent hold on for dear life. Agents now charge fees for custom planning. Mine starts at $200 and goes up from there. My clients get that back and much more in savings and enjoyment of their vacation. My guess is that those that refuse to use an agent do not wish to part with their money to do so. That is fine. That is what the internet is there for
gt(what a ridiculous statement that was from a previous poster)If you enjoy your own trip planning that is fine, no problem. But many, many people do not have the time, and when they find a good agent hold on for dear life. Agents now charge fees for custom planning. Mine starts at $200 and goes up from there. My clients get that back and much more in savings and enjoyment of their vacation. My guess is that those that refuse to use an agent do not wish to part with their money to do so. That is fine. That is what the internet is there for
Dec 29th, 2005, 05:09 PM
#34
kamahinaohoku, I appreciate your passion and you are very likey one of the exceptions I mentioned. But your post really just proves my point.
"<i> . . .London, Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice, Hawaii, Spain, Hong Kong Disneyworld, Tahiti, Eastern Europe, Australia and California. 3 to 7 hour intensive classes on each of these destinations . . . </i>"
That simply underscores that they are generalists and do not know the destinations in any sort of depth. They cannot possibly learn the details in a few hours - and then have to remember hundreds of things about hundreds of places they have not visited.
That is one reason 50 to 80 people come to every talk I give about travel to the UK. They just can't get the "inside info" or expertise they need from most TAs.
"<i> . . .London, Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice, Hawaii, Spain, Hong Kong Disneyworld, Tahiti, Eastern Europe, Australia and California. 3 to 7 hour intensive classes on each of these destinations . . . </i>"
That simply underscores that they are generalists and do not know the destinations in any sort of depth. They cannot possibly learn the details in a few hours - and then have to remember hundreds of things about hundreds of places they have not visited.
That is one reason 50 to 80 people come to every talk I give about travel to the UK. They just can't get the "inside info" or expertise they need from most TAs.
Dec 29th, 2005, 05:25 PM
#35
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I don't want to bash travel agents - I have a couple of good friends who are really good travel agents, but I have to say that the generalizations are true.
I signed up for the France Specialist program of the French Government Tourist Office a year ago or so, under which anyone who can pass the test is consdered a France Specialist (which is something travel agents do to get more business) - the test is a total joke! Not to mention that the maps of France and the regions they divide the country into make absolutely no sense whatsoever. Here's a typical question:
Which of the following destinations is not in France?
Lyon
Geneva
Marseille
Nice
3- to 7-hour intensive classes is a really poor substitute for time spent in country, IMO. And frankly it's not that much time. Hell, I've spent thousands and thousands of hours in Paris alone. I think there are people on this board who are far more knowledgable than any travel agent regarding Paris and who won't charge for their services.
I signed up for the France Specialist program of the French Government Tourist Office a year ago or so, under which anyone who can pass the test is consdered a France Specialist (which is something travel agents do to get more business) - the test is a total joke! Not to mention that the maps of France and the regions they divide the country into make absolutely no sense whatsoever. Here's a typical question:
Which of the following destinations is not in France?
Lyon
Geneva
Marseille
Nice
3- to 7-hour intensive classes is a really poor substitute for time spent in country, IMO. And frankly it's not that much time. Hell, I've spent thousands and thousands of hours in Paris alone. I think there are people on this board who are far more knowledgable than any travel agent regarding Paris and who won't charge for their services.
Dec 30th, 2005, 07:10 AM
#36
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Ok ok people! you have convinced me! I will battle it alone! 
I just hope I can do it. I will be traveling with someone to both places, and she is not much of a researcher. She is a fly by the seat of your pants girl....I'm far from that. I would like to have a structured plan, and sort of know what to do and where I'm going. I dont want to get to a Foreign place and wing it..that seems ill prepared if you ask me. I'm a Virgo, so we can be organized and plan-aholic people. lol
For those of you wondering....I'm 30, and I have purchased some travel books on Paris and Italy (Rick Stevens, Let's Go, and Fodors of course).
Dutyfree- to answer your questions; my interest consists of all the major sites, musuems, the architecture, the people, shopping! (of course), and the food. Basically I want to get a taste of everything.
Aggiemom- Thanks for your advice I will do that.
LTR- I'm located near West Los Angeles. I would love if you shared your Paris info with me.
Ira - Thanks for all the good information. I had printed out those threads months ago. There's good advice and info in those!
I want to be centrally located. I would love to be next to the E Tower. I know my hotel budget is low, but I'm young and I'm not going Paris or Italy to look at the beautiful hotel. I want a nice place to sleep, and shower with a nice view. I can go up in price if need be. Is apartment rental more expensive than hotels? Are B&B resonable? I want o see Disneyland Paris.....is it easy to get to?
I have been searching....printing out threads...highlighting...reading. It is just putting it all together that is the frustrating part.
I guess I have alot more planning yet to do....lol
Thanks all!
~cupcake
I just hope I can do it. I will be traveling with someone to both places, and she is not much of a researcher. She is a fly by the seat of your pants girl....I'm far from that. I would like to have a structured plan, and sort of know what to do and where I'm going. I dont want to get to a Foreign place and wing it..that seems ill prepared if you ask me. I'm a Virgo, so we can be organized and plan-aholic people. lol
For those of you wondering....I'm 30, and I have purchased some travel books on Paris and Italy (Rick Stevens, Let's Go, and Fodors of course).
Dutyfree- to answer your questions; my interest consists of all the major sites, musuems, the architecture, the people, shopping! (of course), and the food. Basically I want to get a taste of everything.
Aggiemom- Thanks for your advice I will do that.
LTR- I'm located near West Los Angeles. I would love if you shared your Paris info with me.
Ira - Thanks for all the good information. I had printed out those threads months ago. There's good advice and info in those!
I want to be centrally located. I would love to be next to the E Tower. I know my hotel budget is low, but I'm young and I'm not going Paris or Italy to look at the beautiful hotel. I want a nice place to sleep, and shower with a nice view. I can go up in price if need be. Is apartment rental more expensive than hotels? Are B&B resonable? I want o see Disneyland Paris.....is it easy to get to?
I have been searching....printing out threads...highlighting...reading. It is just putting it all together that is the frustrating part.
I guess I have alot more planning yet to do....lol
Thanks all!
~cupcake
Dec 30th, 2005, 07:20 AM
#37
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cupcake:
If you want to be near the Eiffel Tower (you can't be "next to it", check out the Hôtel de France, 102 boulevard de la Tour Maubourg. Rooms start at about 72€. You can save money by not having breakfast there (I think they charge about 6&euro and instead heading down the Avenue Bosquet or to the rue Cler for a coffee and croissant from a café.
If you want to be near the Eiffel Tower (you can't be "next to it"
, check out the Hôtel de France, 102 boulevard de la Tour Maubourg. Rooms start at about 72€. You can save money by not having breakfast there (I think they charge about 6&euro and instead heading down the Avenue Bosquet or to the rue Cler for a coffee and croissant from a café.
Dec 30th, 2005, 07:21 AM
#38
Well, The Eiffel Tower is in the 7th arrondisement... so that's a start! Look for a hotel with that address or with a description that says view of the Tower from your room.
I have been to Paris only once, and went with very little preparation. We had a hotel reserved in the Latin Quarter (5th), and picked up free maps and brochures after we arrived. We simply planned our activities for each day over breakfast, then set out walking. I found Paris an especially easy city to do without detailed pre-planning needed.
Basics are you need: passport, plane ticket, hotel reservations, small suitcase packed, cash and cards. That is about it really. Don't stress. Have fun.
I have been to Paris only once, and went with very little preparation. We had a hotel reserved in the Latin Quarter (5th), and picked up free maps and brochures after we arrived. We simply planned our activities for each day over breakfast, then set out walking. I found Paris an especially easy city to do without detailed pre-planning needed.
Basics are you need: passport, plane ticket, hotel reservations, small suitcase packed, cash and cards. That is about it really. Don't stress. Have fun.
Dec 30th, 2005, 10:01 AM
#39
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Sure you can do it, you seem to have made a good start. I usually do bash travel agents because I've never met one yet who was very good at independent travel -- I think they are okay for business travel where they don't have to do much, and probably for cruises and luxury resorts, some unusual destinations if they are experts (Vietname, Egypt, etc), etc. I don't think they are of much use to budget travelers nowadays except folks who really can't do it by themself. There are some folks like that who would be better off even with the limited stuff they do, even if it wasn't the greatest hotel, etc., because they'd be lost on their own. I know there are some good ones, they are just hard to find, and it is very easy to become one without any knowledge of a place. While I did appreciate the passion of the agent above, and perhaps she and her company are good, I also groaned at the idea of someone becoming knowledgeable and expert on a place by taking a class of a couple hours.
Anyway, back to MsCupcake -- there are lots of hotels in your price range, and StCirq's is a good one for your budget. There are several others around that range in that area (you really would not want to be right next to the Eiffel Tower, although you can be at the Hilton, as you can't see it that well from there). There are some more budget hotels not too far from it, as the Hilton is not budget. The Rick Steves books mentions several hotels in that area as he likes it (around rue Cler, which is not far).
However, forget B&Bs for Paris. That is a good idea for the UK and Ireland where they are more common, or rural areas. B&Bs are not a good option for large urban capitals. Apt. rental is usually more expensive than a budget hotel; I strongly do not recommend it in your case, especially because you are a neophyte at this and haven't been to Paris. There are lots of disadvantages to them, aside from cost, involving prepayment, arrangements far in advance, etc., and you will have no one to ask questions of about the area, buses, directcions, etc, or to call a taxi (even a desk clerk in a modest hotel should perform these functions for you).
It is pretty easy to get to Disneyland Paris as there is a RER (light rail commuter) train that goes right there from Paris. I think it's about 45-60 minutes. Read a little more in your guidebooks (RS, etc) about public transport, including RER, and it is the RER A4 line to Marne-la-Vallee Chessy (Parc Disneyland) stop at the end of the line. YOu can get on that train in central Paris at the Gare de Lyon rail station or Chatelet/Les Halles metro/rail hub station.
Anyway, back to MsCupcake -- there are lots of hotels in your price range, and StCirq's is a good one for your budget. There are several others around that range in that area (you really would not want to be right next to the Eiffel Tower, although you can be at the Hilton, as you can't see it that well from there). There are some more budget hotels not too far from it, as the Hilton is not budget. The Rick Steves books mentions several hotels in that area as he likes it (around rue Cler, which is not far).
However, forget B&Bs for Paris. That is a good idea for the UK and Ireland where they are more common, or rural areas. B&Bs are not a good option for large urban capitals. Apt. rental is usually more expensive than a budget hotel; I strongly do not recommend it in your case, especially because you are a neophyte at this and haven't been to Paris. There are lots of disadvantages to them, aside from cost, involving prepayment, arrangements far in advance, etc., and you will have no one to ask questions of about the area, buses, directcions, etc, or to call a taxi (even a desk clerk in a modest hotel should perform these functions for you).
It is pretty easy to get to Disneyland Paris as there is a RER (light rail commuter) train that goes right there from Paris. I think it's about 45-60 minutes. Read a little more in your guidebooks (RS, etc) about public transport, including RER, and it is the RER A4 line to Marne-la-Vallee Chessy (Parc Disneyland) stop at the end of the line. YOu can get on that train in central Paris at the Gare de Lyon rail station or Chatelet/Les Halles metro/rail hub station.
Jan 5th, 2006, 10:14 AM
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oh since no one seems to thrilled about me staying near the Eiffel Tower. What arrondisement should I stay in that is near all the sites that a first timer like me would wan to see? I wanted to do a day in Nice....Is it worth it? How far/long does it take to get from Paris to Nice?
