Oh, and I'll add that I did now notice you mentioned right away that you'd been to Italy before. Doh..
What I know is that hotels with a decent price are booked long in advance, like the Hotel Jeanne d'dArc, le Marais (20, Rue St-Paul) or Le Grand Hotel Malher (5, Rue Malher), two hotels, I remember from previous stays.
Will look in to those hotels. Thanks for that advice. My friend is pretty wrapped up in her divorce procedings so I'll be doing most of the planning and hotel reservations. My original plan was to see London and Paris over a 2 week period by myself but now that my friend is joining me we've added Italy to our itinerary as that was her request and I wanted this trip to be as much hers as my own.
(That is, I didn't stay there, just remember those hotels.)
do you feel that the Marais area is a wise choice for us?
Yes, if you don't mind paying a lot of money for a relatively small room.
My experiences with hotels in Paris - over some 25 years - is that you stay better and cheaper in a suburbian area, presumely close to a RER/Metro station.
However, if you like to be in walking distance to some attractions .... well, why not.
And to be honest, I've never cared a lot about what is called a "secure neighbourhood". Les Marais are as wise/secure/ is any other place, certainly more attractive due to some really picturesque hotels.
(I'll post a list froom hotels recommended by the Michelin travle guide shortly .... just trying to find it)
From the Michelin Green Guide:
- St. Louis Marrais (1 Rue Charles-V), small rooms, but pretty
- Andréa Rivoli (3 Rue St-Bon), best in that price category
- Acacias - Hotel-de-Ville (20 Rue du Temple), not a well looking building, but attractive and modern rooms; excellently situated
There are a couple more mentioned, but it seems, all are considered to be fine.
This
New York Times article made me think of this thread! One of the hotels they mention at the end is right in the heart of the Marais.
WOW, shapeless, that article makes me want to go even more that ever. Wonderful. Thank you!
Not spoiling but just as a reminder, from yesterday's
Chicago Tribune:
Quote:Tourists ignore dollar's fall
Americans abroad are economizing instead of not taking holiday vacations
Wow, I better rest up and read up in the morning. Thanks for the input!
