Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Urgent- Pleaseee HELP - Spain, Italy or France for Xmass and New years

Urgent- Pleaseee HELP - Spain, Italy or France for Xmass and New years

Old Dec 12th, 2016, 11:45 PM
  #221  
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It's extremely late to try to get a reservation for the holidays at Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower.

Since the OP is staying just a few blocks from the Montparnasse Tower, it would be better to try to get a reservation at Le Ciel, as St Cirq suggested. Your hotel can help with that.

Your hotel is sort of close to Rodin Museum, Les Invalides, Eiffel Tower and Luxembourg gardens. You'll have to take taxis or the bus to get anywhere else.
fuzzbucket is offline  
Old Dec 12th, 2016, 11:53 PM
  #222  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,631
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
It is pretty late for a booking at Le Ciel too - but certainly more likely than at Jules Verne. Book it NOW . . .
janisj is online now  
Old Dec 13th, 2016, 03:26 AM
  #223  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I had already tried to book the eiffell tower dinnerand there r late times available but honestly the christmas prices were a little crazy ..

I was hoping to b able to b walking distance to Eiffel , Louvre, amd Notre Damn


But wasnt sure where or what hotel to get for that
Or if they r even near each other.

I was told eiffell is best at Dusk ..

What do u think?
Better at night or during the day in your opinion.. Since we can only go once?
Lilly2016 is offline  
Old Dec 13th, 2016, 03:51 AM
  #224  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,609
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
"Or if they r even near each other."

Didn't you look at maps.google.com?
thursdaysd is offline  
Old Dec 13th, 2016, 06:13 AM
  #225  
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Today, the Eiffel Tower is closed - with no advance notice - due to a strike. No word on how long this will last.

Being inside or on the top platform of the Eiffel Tower at night will only allow you to see some pretty city lights - actually, mostly cars stuck in traffic.

If you go during the daytime, you can actually see how Paris is laid out, see several monuments, and so forth.

You won't be able to walk comfortably to any of the places you mentioned, especially in cold weather.
fuzzbucket is offline  
Old Dec 13th, 2016, 07:27 AM
  #226  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,993
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Get your hotel, then worry about getting to places. They are not near each other, so no hotel will make it possible to walk to all. You need to pin down the hotel if you have not done it already. In winter, with your Mom, unless she is up for the metro, just count on using taxis.
Sassafrass is offline  
Old Dec 13th, 2016, 07:53 AM
  #227  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,067
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Why does everyone think 'seeing' the Eiffel Tower involves going up in it? I'd been to Paris about 5 times before I ever bothered to go 'in' it. And I've been back about ten more times and haven't bothered to repeat that. With very limited time (and money) I think it's a waste of both to wait in line and spend money to go up in the tower. It can be viewed magnificently from numerous places - including the area right around the base, Champs de Mars, the bridge in front of it (Pont d'Lena), Pont Alexander (a bridge slightly further alway, gorgeous bridge in and of itself), Trocedaro Jardin (right across the river).

Dusk is a magical time to see it.

http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/image/164232998
isabel is offline  
Old Dec 13th, 2016, 07:57 AM
  #228  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
>

I think you need to study a map of Paris.

>

You've been told a lot of things, some of which are completely untrue. I can't think of a single reason it would be best at dusk, especially at this time of year. I suppose it'd be fine if you want to gaze out on rush hour traffic. I have always gone in daytime. You're going to be able to see it lit up at night from all kinds of places in the city anyway. No need to be ON it at night.
StCirq is offline  
Old Dec 14th, 2016, 04:58 AM
  #229  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
RE the eiffel tower at Dusk.. it was research that was done on this site..

people had said if you go near dusk and see the sunset, that is the best time..?

as far as going up on it... i suspect it provides breathtaking views and well it's just something i would like to do..

Re hotel location - again based on research here ST Germain neighborhood was recommended and I put that as my search criteria and the Legend hotel came up..?

I would really like to stay in a Safe area with mom (less pick picketers as I have seen people write are in certain neighborhoods).

It would also be good to be able to walk out of the hotel and be close to restaurants and shops and one or two of the sites I wanted to see.
Lilly2016 is offline  
Old Dec 14th, 2016, 05:48 AM
  #230  
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I keep swearing not to add to the thread but I can't help myself!

I think what you're missing is that the trip up to the top of the Eiffel Tower is not that pleasant. We were in Paris around the same time of year you're going, I knew I would not want to do it because I'm pretty claustrophobic. But even my husband who doesn't mind small spaces, slow elevators etc. took a look at the situation and decided not to go up although he too had wanted to do it for a long time. There are many vantage points in Paris from which you can see the city, the town , the tower itself and I'm not sure what your mom is going to do while you're spending your time going up and down.

And in terms of being in a safe area, your hotel seems fine – but in case you haven't figured it out, Paris is a big city. There is no hotel that's going to be in your "all the sites" you want to see. You will have to spend money on taxis or maybe buses if your mom is up to it.

And pick pockets center around tourist areas – the foot of the Eiffel Tower is one space, and crowded metro trains are the others. The general advice on many other threads will be helpful – don't carry more cards or cash the need to for the day, keep your wallet in a safe place and not in the back of a backpack, be aware of your surroundings,, be careful in metro stations etc. etc. etc. You seem a little naïve to be negotiating the streets of any big city by yourself so again I'm going to echo others and recommend Taxi's to get around.
newtome is offline  
Old Dec 14th, 2016, 06:02 AM
  #231  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,609
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
" i suspect it provides breathtaking views and well it's just something i would like to do"

No more breathtaking than any other high place in Paris. And I would say interesting rather than breathtaking.

Why do you want to do it? Just because it is on the top ten lists for Paris is not a particularly good reason, it just means it will be crowded.
thursdaysd is offline  
Old Dec 14th, 2016, 06:06 AM
  #232  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,609
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
All of central Paris (and London) is safe in the US sense. All tourist attractions and transport in Paris attract scam artists and pickpockets. When your guidebooks arrive, read what is written about scams and pickpockets and precautions to take.

Find the sites you want to see on a MAP. (That guidebook will have one.) Look at where they are in relationship to each other, to your hotel, and to metro stations.

Do you have a smart phone?
thursdaysd is offline  
Old Dec 14th, 2016, 06:34 AM
  #233  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,631
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
I would just forget about going up the ET . . . . even w/ pre-booked tickets it is still a slog/crowded and at this time of year it is very likely weather will screw up your plans entirely.

Go up the Tour Montparnasse -- better view. Even if you don't dine there (I would sure try) there is an observation deck.

Sunset/dusk at the ET would be OK-ish . . . IF you could see the sun which isn't guaranteed.
janisj is online now  
Old Dec 14th, 2016, 06:42 AM
  #234  
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Try to book a room at Grand Hotel des Balcons, in the 75006 Postal Code area http://www.balcons.com/?wadsrc=dl_BLTrip
If you hurry, you can get a good rate on www.booking.com Then you should email the hotel directly to confirm the rate.

This is a very convenient central area, you can walk to many things you want to see from here.

Get a move on if you want to change hotels...
fuzzbucket is offline  
Old Dec 14th, 2016, 10:24 AM
  #235  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
ok we may forget about going up on the ET

I don't want to necessarily be near ALL the sites I wanted to see...

I just didn't want to be in a remote or suburb area,, that I can Not walk to shops or restaurants right outside the hotel.

From researching here ST. Germain area was recommended...

The Legend hotel i booked informed me they are 15 min walk to ET and ND.

this is what it says about the location on the website?

LOCATION
The Legend Hotel is ideally located on the lively rue de Rennes in Paris's sixth arrondissement. Within easy walking distance of the hotel: Saint Germain, Luxembourg Gardens, Boulevard Saint Michel, Châtelet & Notre-Dame.

but on the map i do not see it being In St. Germain area?

do you recommend i change?
Lilly2016 is offline  
Old Dec 14th, 2016, 10:53 AM
  #236  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It IS in the 6ème (St-Germain) area. It is NOT, IMO, a 15-minute walk to the Tour Eiffel unless you are a hoofer (and I've walked that route hundreds of times). It's a relatively easy walk to Notre Dame. My DH and I walk very fast, so it's hard to tell what might be an easy walk for you and your mom, or not.

It's a fine area, a fine street, plenty of cafés and shops and restaurants around, albeit expensive ones because it is a rather lush neighborhood of Paris, but don't let that put you off.

>

Well, you just CAN'T be, so that's good.

Just note that you are going to be in the thicket of touristy Paris, which is fine. Just be absolutely sure to keep your valuables safe and don't talk to anyone who approaches you with any offerings. Your guidebooks should provide more detail.
StCirq is offline  
Old Dec 14th, 2016, 11:09 AM
  #237  
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 10,265
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Did you look at Google map and then street view of your hotel? Looks fine to me; you can see Tour Montparnasse right down the road. I probably wouldn't bother trying to change at this late date but ofcourse it's up to you.

My sister and I went to the top of the Tour Eiffel years ago, over Christmas. We froze our butts off. My mom was much younger then, but when we asked her if she wanted to go up to the to with us, she said, "I'll see you back at the hotel." And jumped in a taxi.
Leely2 is offline  
Old Dec 14th, 2016, 11:35 AM
  #238  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
no we are slow walkers... lol ..and i don't necessarily need to Walk to the sites.. like is said, i just don't want to be in a remote area..

I wanted to be able to walk to shops and restaurants... and if they are too expensive in that area.. do you have other suggestions?

There is literally tons of hotels still available

it took me less than an hour to research the London one and book it, but this Paris one has been really challenging...

I am a bit hesitant with boutique hotels. mom and I both have bad backs so we like Firm more newer mattresses, I also do not like run down hotels.. appreciate Clean well maintained ones. Thus, I feel like the boutique ones maybe more risky?? at least that is how it is around here.

in the states we usually stay at the Hyatts, Hiltons or Westins, or Ritz.
Lilly2016 is offline  
Old Dec 14th, 2016, 11:35 AM
  #239  
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Personally, I'd switch hotels.

You aren't in the "suburbs" at the Legend, but the location of the Grand Hotel des Balcons will give you more of what you're looking for. It's much closer to the river, Notre Dame, loads of cafes, shopping...really, the heart of Saint Germain.

Taking taxis from the Legend will cost you more money, since you probably won't be walking or taking the Metro.
fuzzbucket is offline  
Old Dec 14th, 2016, 11:39 AM
  #240  
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Want a Best Western in Saint Germain? Here you go...
http://www.hotel-paris-univers.com/en/index.html
fuzzbucket is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -