richardab

I just returned from Europe and while in Paris I stayed at the Hotel Jeanne d'Arc which I really did not like. My room didn't smell very nice and the linens are grey and threadbare with age. Yes, it was cheap and the location is terrific, but it was not very nice and I also have serious issues with their safety procedures.

You get what you pay for!

Here is my review of the hotel on my weblog-

http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartp...jeanne_da.html

SuzieC

I thoroughly enjoyed both your blog and your postings here...

Thanks for taking the time out of your trip to do that!

jody

I also have enjoyed your blog and am hoping for more pictures soon!

opaldog

I loved traveling vicariously thru your blog. I was more interested in the Paris portion of your trip because I prefer Paris to London and will be goin gin February. I am going to try Le Caveau on Ile St. Louis. I also look forward to your photos and your photo tips. Where are you going next?

richardab

Don't forget L'Endroit near the Bastille also!!!

jgray15

loved reading your blog...it was great. thanks!

Treesa

Hi, Richard. Your blog was most entertaining. I was drooling heavily while reading it since I'm a serious pate and pastries buff.

Sorry you chose not to dine at Lescure because of the communal tables. We had dinner there a year ago and even though the food was not memorable, the company was. Met a bona fide rocket scientist and his real estate broker wife. They were fascinating dinner companions.

richardab

I can't deal with communal!

Scarlett

LOL, I thought I could not deal with communal and yet loved it in Paris. Could it be because I could not understand what most of the people were saying?
I have emailed my son and warned him off of the hotel, Jeanne d'Arc. Even if you want to go "cheap", there are better places.

opaldog

We're staying in an apartment near the canal and Bastille. Will look into L'endroit. I also agree, communal dining is not my thing. Ever done Durgin Park in Boston?

Anton

I thought this was an interesting assessment of the Hotel Jeanne d"Arc. I was sure this was going to be the hotel I would stay in for my next trip to Paris, but now am unsure.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? How would this hotel compare with the Muguet where I have stayed?

elaine

I'm going back to Paris in January and staying in a 2-star for, I believe, the first time. It's a different hotel, the Hotel des Balcons, in the 6th.

Opinions can differ on hotels, one person's quaint is another person's shabby, but I'm concerned after reading the blog that I'm being too frugal by choosing a 2-star at 100 euro per night for a twin room. The Balcons has previously gotten very good reviews, but so has the Jeanne d'Arc.

I'm going with a first-time Paris visitor, I don't want to put her off Paris. Oh, dear.

richardab

Well yes it is a cheap hotel, and maybe I just got a bad room that didn't smell good. I am not fussy but I think hotels should supply good linens and soft towels! You can get a bit nicer for just a little more. The Jeanne d'Arc is truely a budget hotel. If you must go to Paris and cannot afford more, by all means try it. I have only stayed in 3 worse hotels in my life. One was in New Orleans and the other 2 were in Paris.

Here are a few of the other "cheap" hotels that I know about.

http://www.axialbeaubourg.com/ (look very modern, great location!!!)

http://www.relaisdulouvre.com/ (I stayed here and the rooms are small but the hotel is cozy)

http://www.hotel-britannique.fr/ (I also stayed here and loved it, the rooms are also small but the location is prime. The price isn't low but send an email and ask for "lowest promotional rates&quot

http://www.castex-paris-hotel.com (I stayed here for one night last year, the rooms are small but not too bad. The location is near the Bastille and walkable to the Marais. Nice neighborhood. Rooms are as good as the pics but it is a good value and a quiet hotel)

http://www.carondebeaumarchais.com/ (very nice, but they say the rooms are small)

http://www.hotelchampaigneparis.com/ (might be a bit more expensive)

http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhotels/index.html (this link is for the Libertel Grand Turenne in the Marais, right near the Jeanne d'Arc. I looked at a room while I was in Paris and it was decent and clean. I also have found that if you book close to your date they have great specials, recently at 109 euro for a double)

And in St Germain --

http://www.paris-hotel-odeon.com/ (nice)

http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/h75006louis2.htm

peregryn

Elaine,
a bit of reassurance -- I've stayed at the Balcons several times and find it quite lovely -- tiny rooms of course -- and street side is noisy in the morning from the Proprieté. but shabbiness was not part of my impression.

Anton

Richard,
Thank you for the other hotel suggestions. I will save them in my France file.

I enjoyed your weblog very much. When I have time I'll look through it more thoroughly.

aj

We have stayed in the Grand Hotel Jeanne d'Arc several times and will continue to do so. I agree the rooms are not "special" but they have always been clean. We can only afford budget so that is what I compare the room to. The location is great as mentioned! I know over the past two years they have completed a renovation and the paint smell could be strong at times! I do hope my next trip this may does not disappoint! To each their own.

elaine

peregryn, thanks for the reassurance about the Balcons.