Might be going thru France in a few weeks -- any hotel recommendations

[Flaxbee]

for one night in Paris (isn't that a movie?) and a night or two in Cannes? I don't need big/fancy hotels - just would like to know if anyone has a favorite reasonable place to stay, boutique hotel or chain, doesn't matter.

Thank you!

[kay1864]

1. Well, first prepare for Euro-shock

It's now at $1.40, an all-time high.

That said, I loved Hotel Leveque the two times I stayed there. If it's not available, check Rick Steves' Paris guidebook. He excels at finding good hotels at reasonable rates.

His France guidebook might have suggestions for Cannes.

Have you been to Paris before?

[Flaxbee]

3. thankfully going for business --

I can't splurge, as it's a small business, but at least I don't have to cover hotel or airfare!

Never been to France before at all - been to Italy, England, Finland, Turkey, Egypt (cruise down the Nile 10 years ago - lol) and Russia, but never France. Is the Hotel Leveque easy to get in/out of from the airport, as we might only have a day there? Or is that a stupid question?

[kay1864]

5. Depends on what you mean by "easy"

The airport (if it's Charles de Gaulle) is a half-hour train ride from the city. Leveque is one of the easier ones, as it's a half block from a Metro stop.

PM me once you have a hotel reservation, and I'll tell you the best route on the Metro. Some of the Metro stops are huge, and you don't want to navigate them while managing luggage.

Do you have favorite sights in mind? If you have only one day in Paris, skip the Louvre--it's too huge to manage in less than a few hours. Go to the Musee d'Orsay instead. Also, see the Eiffel Tower at night, rather than during the day, since (a) it's well-lit and beautiful and (b) most museums close at 5:30.

PM me with your arrival/departure times, and I'll suggest places to visit and to eat. Sorry, can't help you with Cannes though.

[kay1864]

6. Rick Steves' suggestions for the French Riviera:

Halfway between Nice and Cannes, Antibes offers silky sandy beaches, an enjoyable old town, good hiking, and a great Picasso collection. The town's glamorous port glistens below its fortifications, with luxurious yachts and brightly painted fishing boats.

Villefranche-sur-Mer, between Nice and Monaco, is a romantic's top Riviera choice. Come here for upscale, small-town Mediterranean atmosphere. Narrow cobbled streets tumble into a mellow waterfront, a scenic walkway below the castle leads to the hidden port, and fancy yachts bob in the harbor below. Pebbly beaches and a handful of interesting sights keep visitors just busy enough.

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/france/riviera.htm

[Flaxbee]

8. thank you! and I'll also

be sure to check on elevators...

Just noticed my sister, whom I'm visiting right now, has Rick Steve's book, so I think I'll go look!

[Flaxbee]

20. mostly the trip is to get to Cannes

so we might just bypass Paris and fly straight into Nice, if possible. I'd rather my first trip to Paris not be one where I'm only there for 12 hours, you know? But once I know what's up, I'll contact you - thanks for the offer. Our real destination isn't France - just a quick stop in Cannes before going on. :hi:

[flvegan]

2. I stayed at the Montgolfier (Paris) for a few nights.

It was small, but nice. Well, it seemed small probably because there were three other students with me.

[Flaxbee]

4. hey flvegan -

thanks for the name. I'm trying to gather some options and will check them out a little later today. It'll just be me and my husband, so hopefully it'll feel a little roomier. ;-)

[kay1864]

7. Prices:

Montgolfier 140 Euros/$196
Leveque 90-95 Euros/$126-133

Whatever you choose, make sure there's an elevator. You don't want to start your one day in Paris hauling your luggage up three flights of stairs.

[flvegan]

9. Damn, I'm surprised that they arranged to have us

at a pricier hotel (school trip, 20 years ago). The Montgolfier did have an elevator as I recall. Well, a motorized phone booth that sort of elevated upwards is more like it.

[kay1864]

11. 20 years ago the price was in francs

When I stayed at the Leveque, it was around $55 the first time, and $70 the second (their rating went up one star due to their elevator).

Ah, the days when the US dollar bought 5-7 francs.

I know what you mean about the phone booth. A lot of older Parisian hotels have these tiny elevators installed in the central "hole" between flights of stairs. The one at the Hotel Mars was just big enough for two people standing face to face, no luggage. Or one person plus luggage.

[cobalt1999]

10. If you don't mind opening the wallet...

The Four Seasons in Paris cannot be beat. The concierge knows lots of little fantastic restaurants too.

Lobby of this grand old building...

[Flaxbee]

14. would absolutely loooove to stay there, maybe next time

Traveling for a small company and need to stay within their budget for lots of different reasons. I'll keep it in mind, though!

[northzax]

18. I prefer the name Georges Cinq, myself

but if you want to be all American about it and use the chain name...

just avoid the Ritz, very trashy. and their drivers? an accident waiting to happen.

[distantearlywarning]

12. Stayed at a 3-star in Paris this July - recommended

Hotel Elysees-Union. About 1/3 mile from the Arc de Triomphe, 1/2 mile from Eiffel Tower, 1/2 mile from Champs-Elysees. Very nice neighborhood, lots of cafes & bakeries on the main street 1/2 block from hotel.

The rooms were small, but very nicely furbished. Reasonable accommodations for the price. In a very nice neighborhood (a quiet, upscale quarter). No bedbugs. Staff speaks good English and is patient with Americans. Bar downstairs + they serve a breakfast in the mornings. 24/7 Internet access in the lobby for a reasonable price. I would definitely stay there again if I were returning to Paris. It was a pretty good deal.

http://www.elysees-union.com/

I suggest booking on the hotel website and looking for the "Internet price" - you'll get a better deal that way.

[Flaxbee]

13. thank you!

sounds perfect... I'll check online in a bit.

:hi:

[Parche]

15. Check With That Parche Guy

He is an expert!! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :hi:

[Flaxbee]

16. lol!

yes, and I've heard that he is also exceptionally nice and helpful! ;-)

:hi: :hi:

[bicentennial_baby]

17. Hotel Rue Monge in Paris

Good prices, and Julie that runs it is a peach...And, she speaks perfect English as well.

[Flaxbee]

19. oh, that sounds great, too

my high school French is embarassing -- would love to be able to communicate w/o feeling like a total idiot.

Thanks, b_b!

[kay1864]

21. You can get by easily with the following:

Bonjour, Monsieur
Bonjour, Madame
Mérci

Just remember that French people start every query (even for directions or to buy a croissant) with "Bonjour". They will love you for having the courtesy to attempt their language, and will quickly switch to English when they hear your American accent. But heck, haul out "Je voudrais un croissant s'il vous plait" and they'll love you even more.

I've never encountered a rude Parisian in five visits, and my French is that of a 4 year old child. :) (I can't speak for Cannes though)

Most hotels will have English-speaking desk clerks, esp. during the day when people check in.

That said, I saw a couple favorable reviews for Hotel Monge from Rick Steves readers.

[bicentennial_baby]

22. Here's their website

http://www.hotelmonge.com/hotel-standalone.php?id=52&lang=en

Also, the tv has BBC and Mtv Germany :D

[WinkyDink]

23. All I know is, Cannes is way too close to Monaco NOT to go there!!