In the midst of planning for a first time trip to Paris in early December, and came across a very good Starwood deal for the Westin Trianon Palace in Versaille. It seems like a top end property and using a combination of points and cash we could stay there for $60 a night for 5 nights. We would probably book another couple of nights in Paris itself, but wondering if the deal outweighs the inconvenience of being 11 miles out from the center. Is it relatively easy to get in and out via train, etc.? Would appreciate all input. Thanks in advance!

A poor way to save money. Reminds me of the Scot who took longer steps in order to save shoe leather and ripped his pants in the process. You will spend most of your visit on the metro, hardly a cheery prospect.

I don't have a problem staying in a hotel or B&B that is a little out of center if it's fabulous (and especially reasonably priced!) We have done it this year and last - at a bed and breakfast in London, staying in the 12th at the Hotel de la Porte Doree in Paris, the Hotel Kempinski Aiport in Munich last year. These are all places that weren't right in the tourist corrider, and I'd go to all of them again.

The Westin you mentioned has some moderately bad reviews on Trip Advisor, and it is also far out. I'd personally not stay there, even for free. You can find something in Paris at a comparable rate. That Westin appears not to have the Heavenly Beds, and it sounds a bit on the shabby side. Not someplace I'd take a trip to. I loved the Hotel de la Porte Doree, and it was reasonable - it was not a 4 star hotel, but I loved it nonetheless. There are many properties in Paris that you could stay at without having to stay in a not-as-nice Westin, not that close to Paris.

Ooops - not IN Paris, somewhat close.

Do some more research, you can do better. I spend more time researching hotels than anything else with a trip.

Paris is one of the most charming destinations in the world. You can not experience it from Versaille.

Search out budget lodging in Paris. It is a much better option.

It's not only a pain in the backside to get in and out, it's not cheap. Stay in Paris.

What kind of Starwood deal could you get for the Westin in Paris..?

Naw, you'll be really sorry you didn't stay in Paris. It's a hassle going in and out a half-hour each way, and you just lose out on the whole staying in Paris experience. Save the points for something else and stay in Paris and enjoy.

Dont do it. You would have a long commute every day. Use your points elsewhere.

IMHO, I'd save the Westin points for home (you can stay in an American hotel anytime, but not a Parisian one).

Hi S,

One more voice suggesting that that is not a good idea.

You will spend about 1 hr on the trains each way.

The Trianon Palace is worth the stay. I myself stayed there for a couple of days, while I explored the palace of Versailles. The property is beautiful and the only complaint I have about the stay, is not with the hotel, but w/a taxi that took us on a joyride, even though I told him I knew he was ripping us off, he acted like he didn't speak english.

So, stay a day or 2 there, but not the entire time.