Need Hotels in Paris

[bgraham34]

I am looking for a hotel to stay in while Paris Saturday and a Sunday. This is my first time. I want some close to the Tourist sites and that is not too expensive. Monday I am hoping to goto Disneyland Paris.

thanks.

 

[RonAnnArbor]

Look at:
Hotel de Londres Eiffel
1, rue Augereau
75007 Paris
01 45 51 63 02

It's very reasonable (about 120 -150 a night) and it is a few blocks from the Eiffel Tower. It is also a very short walk to the Metro which will take you to the RER for Disneyland Paris.

It's located in the 7th - in a very american friendly area. It has terrific rooms, modern bathrooms, and free internet in the room.

All of the staff speak English.


If you want something more classicaly Parisian - try
L'Hotel des Deux Iles
50 Rue St. Louis

It is located smack dab in the middle of Ile St. Louis in an old convent that has been converted into a hotel - three floors, small efficient rooms, about 150 per night. No internet.

It is a three minute walk to Notre Dame and all the tourist attractions of the islands, and it is also in a very upscale mixed neighborhood (i.e. more Americans currently live on ile St Louis than French)

The Subway is a three minute walk across the river.

 

[bgraham34]

Thanks so much for letting me know. I think we are leaning towards Hotel de Londres Eiffel. I read some reviews and most people are happy with the hotel. Thanks so much.

 

[RonAnnArbor]

You can't go wrong with it -- I just stayed there a few months ago -- also, be sure to check out my favorite french restaurant which is a two minute walk away from there "Le Fontaine de Mars"

Enjoy your Paris weekend.

 

[bgraham34]

I will check it out thanks for your help.

 

[MissDiznee66]

I would love to go to Paris one day! So envious! Do they get upset at us Americans who speak no french? :king:

 

[bgraham34]

I would love to go to Paris one day! So envious! Do they get upset at us Americans who speak no french? :king:

That is what I have been told by many people.

 

[RonAnnArbor]

NO! -- You do need to say hello and goodbye in French - otherwise almost everyone in Paris speaks English (not true outside of Paris though). Disneyland Resort Paris, in fact, is primarily all English-speaking with a few exceptions where the English and French (and sometime Spanish, German, and Italian) are simulcast. THat rumour about the French "getting upset" at English speakers is rubbish - I have spent many many months and years working in PAris throughout the years - and I switch back and forth from English to French as the situation dictates.

It IS true that you never great anyone in any foreign-language speaking country in English! They could care less if you speak English.

That being said, in most European countries, anyone under the age of 45 or so, LOVES speaking English when they can. You will find that they instantly recognize you have an American accent and will switch to English within the first two or three sentences of speaking with them. French is no longer the "international language". English is and the French know it.

 

[bgraham34]

I know very few phrases. Enough to say hello get a drink, find the bathroom, ask for 2 for dinner. Do you speak english, sorry i dont know French.

 

[RonAnnArbor]

That is all you need. Always say "Bonjour or Bonsoir" to every single person you meet, including salespeople in stores. Always say Au Revoir when you leave, even to sales people. Otherwise, the only secret I would tell you is to say "Vous Parlez Anglais?" Rather than "Parlez vous Anglais?" THe second is the "guidebook" version they teach you to use in Berlitz and Fodors...the first (invering the Vous and the Parlez) is more colloquial French and gives the impression that you speak French, but prefer to speak English. You will get a better reaction rather than the tourist reaction.

 

[bgraham34]

Thanks so much that is a big help.
1 question do you know what metro line i take from Charles Degaulle to the hotel. thanks..

 

[RonAnnArbor]

Yup -- you will take the RER Train to Paris (Paris par Train) just follow the signs for the RER PARIS station at the airport (the RER is the express suburban train). There are basically two train systems -- the Metro and the RER - they interlace in several areas.

Take the RER B to St. Michele/Notre Dame -- there, switch to the RER C westbound to Invalides. There switch to the Number 8 Southbound (Balard) and get off at Ecole Militaire. You will walk from Ecole Militaire to the Hotel (about a 5 minute walk, but closer than the Eiffel tour stop) It seems like a lot of transfers but they are really easy and the trains are fast.

If you get lost, ask for directions to the Ecole Militaire stop. E-mail me if you need a map or further instructions.

There is an information booth at the airport RER station, and everyone there speaks English. You can get tickets either at the electronic kiosks or at the ticket booth. The machines are in French - the ticket booth people all speak English.

By the way - to get to Park Disneyland you will take the RER A from Opera for Marne-le-Valle (Park Disneyland)

 

[tiflow]

If it's the first time for you in Paris... don't take RER B Line from CDG to Paris.

1. As a French who wants to welcome you the "view" from the train along the trip is not the best... even if I know every big city has its "bad" area...

2. If I was a tourist, I think this train line is not adapted... Signs are not clear, and for instance in summer this line is closed (for refurbishment ... and it needs it...) after 10pm and it's notified nowhere !!!

3. Beware the signs because some trains are express (direct to Paris 1st station), and some stops every "typical..." towns of the north suburb... (known for some incidents) and trains can get very overcrowded if you have luggage with you.

If you can, try to find the "Roissybus" shuttle. It's direct from Paris CDG to Paris Opera station (metro line 8) by freeway every 15 min. 8,30€ single trip I think, as a RER trip is.. And this line is generally used by tourists, it's very safe And vocal informations are provided in english in the bus.

Ohhh and i forgot... Welcome to France!!!! Enjoy

(There is a project to build a new modern CDG-Express train in the next years, after the new automatic metro between all terminals will open next year)

 

[bgraham34]

Well my stay at the Hotel de Londres Eiffel was very nice. The staff was very friendly. Only downside i had was the Air Conditioning was not working in the room but i had the windows open so that was fine with me. The size of the shower was rather funny compared to what i am use too.

I had dinner at the restaurant that was recommended to me and it was great. I had a rabbit dish and it was so tasty.

Thanks fo much for your help, well everyones. Paris was great and I want to return again.

 

[RonAnnArbor]

Glad you had a great time! Paris is a total addicition to me and I now go all the time...and glad you enjoyed your dinner!

 

[bgraham34]

Yeah we want to go back. Especially my wife who did not have a chance to do any clothes shopping. We are thinking of going back and renting a car and seeing the whole country.