My mother and I are going to Paris for the first week of September. I have been there twice, but this is her first time. We are trying to decide between 4 hotels in the 5th, and would appreciate any and all info on them: <BR>1)Hotel Europe St. Severin (I've stayed there in my past trips but am concerned that it may be too loud at night for my mother) <BR>2) Hotel Parc St. Severin <BR>3) Hotel Jardin des Plantes <BR>4) Hotel des Grandes Ecoles <BR>My mother is also concerned about having air conditioning. I know its fairly unusual in the 2-3 star hotels. Anyone been there during that time of year? Is AC necessary? I've only been in the spring and early summer in the past. <BR>Thanks for any experiences you can pass along. <BR>

You could run into a warm spell in Sept. We did in May and really wished we'd had A/C. You might try the Hotel de Fleurie 32-34 rue Gregoire de Tours, Paris 75006. It is a 3 star, 29 rms; about 700 ff double; near the Odeon metro; has A/C; serves a nice buffet breakfast at 50 ff. e-mail address is [email protected]

I can't comment personally on those hotels, but I <BR>was curious as to your selection: two very budget <BR>hotels (Jardin des Plantes and Grandes Ecoles) and <BR>one extremely expensive one (Parc St Severin)-- <BR>are you aware what their rates are? I think they are <BR>one of the most expensive 3-star hotels in Paris. <BR>Anyway, I've been there in early Sept, and barring some <BR>unusual El Nino weather activity, I can't imagine <BR>that you would need A/C. The weather in the day <BR>is fine, and may be warm, but it's not going to be <BR>hot at night, which is when you would need it. I <BR>even used sweaters at night during Sept. in Paris. <BR>I have rarely been in Paris EVER when A/C was needed, <BR>and I've gone a lot in July. I only remember once <BR>in 1994, I think, when all of Europe suffered a <BR>terrible heat wave in July when it was really <BR>unbearable (95+ Far.).

We stayed in the Grandes Ecoles in August a couple of years ago and loved it - it's such a lovely part of a truly French experience, with the charming public areas and garden. It's not air-conditioned, but it was very comfortable and breezy with the big windows opening out onto the courtyard.

i recommend hotel des jardins du luxembourg. it is located on quiet alley, lots of shops and restaurants within walking distance. rer-train station and luxembourg park 2 blocks away. rooms are not very big, but hotel is charming and service is good for french hotel. have stayed there 5 times, going again in early october. <BR>

Alisa, my husband and I stayed at the Timhotel Jardin des Plantes three weeks ago. It was not our first choice, but our visit clashed with the beginning of the World Cup so we had to compromise! The location was a bit away from the center of town, which we liked -- less touristy: near several metro stops and opposite the botanical gardens. It was an easy walk to the Seine, Ile St. Louis etc. and because you're in Latin Quarter/student area there are lots of restaurants and cafes around. Our room was small but adequate, and clean: ditto the private bath. (Other rooms were larger, but we booked late for a short stay.) Price was reasonable. Breakfast in the cafe was the standard offering, and staff were mostly congenial and helpful. Mme would not cash my Amex travelers check (even though it was in francs), so I used it to pay for the room instead! One nice feature was the rooftop terrace where you could sit and enjoy the sunshine, with roses and lavender scenting the air. The weather was mostly warm and sunny while we were there, but we didn't feel any need for A/C -- just threw open the windows. <BR> <BR>We did wonder briefly where we were going when we got in the taxi at Gare du Nord and our taxi driver had to look up the location on her map! Otherwise, finding it was uneventful. I made the booking on the phone, and faxed a confirmation. <BR> <BR>We took a look at the Hotel des Grandes Ecoles, and it looked very appealing. I'll definitely try there for our next visit!

We stayed at Jardin des Plantes on our first visit to Paris several years ago. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why it had been so highly recommended by so many guide books. The rooms were incredibly small, much smaller than any of the other three where we have since stayed, none of which you would call large. The men on the desk were helpful and polite, but one woman (probably the one previously referred to) was unbelievably rude -- to me. To my husband she was charming as could be. The first time she saw us together was when we were checking out, and I wish you could have seen the look on her face. Again, she was awkwardly trying to ooze charm and said she hoped to see us again. Of course I was thinking, "Fat chance." On another bulletin board I read a similar comment, undoubtedly about this same woman. I decided some time ago that on our next trip to Paris we are definitely going to consider the Hotel des Grandes Ecoles as I have seen many positive, actually raves, about this hotel and never anything negative.

<BR>Both the Jardin De Plantes and the Hotel des Grandes Ecoles were highly recommended to me by several friends who have visited Paris. However, when my husband and I went in October 1997, they were both booked. We stayed at the Residence St. Chrisophe in the Latin Quarter. The rooms were what you would expect from a 2-3 star hotel, but were noisy. We looked a the Grandes Ecoles and concluded that this hotel would be the place to stay next year. By the way, the Latin Quarter is a great area to stay. Very neighborhood like, numerous restaurants and cafes, and within walking distance to many of the major and not so major sights. Bon voyage!!!

We are just back from the Ste. Christophe....and liked it very much!!!! The bath was comparable to what you'd find at the Drake in Chicago -- all marble, reasonably sized, w/hair dryer AND an outside window....And for just slightly more money than we paid for a shared-bath, dreary (tho highly recommended) B&B in London!

My 17 year old son and I will be arriving at the airport (Degaulle) at about 9:30 PM and leaving about 4PM the next afternoon. Can I find a decent hotel near the airport, perhaps allowing a small day excursion?

Anyone else have suggestions for hotels?

<BR>My favorite small hotel in Paris is the <BR>Hotel Montana at 12 rue St Roch on the <BR>right bank. It is less than 2 blocks from the <BR>Tuilleries metro stop. I have stayed there <BR>several times, most recently 2 years ago. <BR>The location is incredibly convenient--it is the <BR>hotel's best feature. The lobby and elevator are small but charming. The rooms are (were) not <BR>especially charming but functional in decor. <BR>However, perfectly clean and well kept, and of <BR>pretty good size. Bathrooms not especially large or luxurious, but again, functional and clean.

HI! I'm looking for an inexpensive hotel in Paris for the first two weeks of October for my boyfriend and I. I'd like a hotel that has room service and a bathroom w/shower in the room. My price range is about $50-$80/night. Does anyone have any good suggestions? I'm about to pick up the book, Cheap Sleeps In Paris by Sandra Gustafson, but I also thought I'd check here as well. Thanks for your help. <BR> <BR> <BR>Kim