Hotels FAQ

Question:

You WILL arrive at the Gare de Lyon,and I have used the Hotel Terminus Lyon just opposite the station – if you use the nearest exit.If not ,you just have to ‘circum-navigate’ it.It is not the cheapest – circa FF500 per night, but is convenient. If you are in the Gare du Nord area,I have used the New Hotel,and found it OK,with various room-type choices. I personally have never had any problems in the area,although of course it is a large station in a large city – which is generally the same in any country. Have a good trip. Phil. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi- > I’ll be taking the train into Paris from either Rome or > Venice and will be looking for a hotel near the station… > 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare du Nord? If not, > any idea which/where it is? > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding area safe? > 3) If it is the Gare du Nord and it is safe, any > recommendations for a low-price hotel for 3/4 nights? I’ve > contacted the Le New Hotel Gare du Nord so far… > Thanks for all help! > Dan in Florida

Response:

a trip to the ‘burbs isn’t necessary; there are plenty of affordable rooms in central paris go to JACK’s site and also www.hotelboulevard.com

Response:

I think you’ll probably end up at the Gare de Lyon.  I’m definitely no expert on Paris, but I stayed at a great little hotel last September called the "Hotel Bercy Gare de Lyon" at 21 <?> Rue de Charenton just steps from the Dugommier metro stop (which is just one stop from Gare de Lyon).  The staff was a little stiff at first, but turned out to be great (just ask Phillipe the night clerk about the lady whose suitcase lock wouldn’t open – he tracked down some bolt cutters at about 11pm the first night I was there!). It was pretty reasonably priced, too – I think it’s connected with Comfort Suites <?> somehow and has just been renovated.  It’s no palace, but if you’re traveling by yourself or as a couple, I’d highly recommend it (the rooms are pretty small, but very clean and comfortable).  Try to get a room on the 8th floor as I think these are the only ones with the little step-out balcony/windows.  It’s totally easy to catch the Metro to anywhere from just outside the hotel and the neighborhood seemed sort of small-townish (if you like that sort of thing) and nice and quiet at night. There’s a couple of great little cafes/brasseries around either corner and a little grocery store a couple doors down for fresh fruit and munchies. Tuesday is market day on the street just around the corner.  I stayed in the Embassy area the last time I was in Paris in November, but it didn’t seem to have the easygoing day-to-day ambience and friendliness of that Bercy neighborhood and I missed it. They’re listed on Expedia.  Enjoy your trip! Suz

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi- > I’ll be taking the train into Paris from either Rome or > Venice and will be looking for a hotel near the station… > 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare du Nord? If not, > any idea which/where it is? > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding area safe? > 3) If it is the Gare du Nord and it is safe, any > recommendations for a low-price hotel for 3/4 nights? I’ve > contacted the Le New Hotel Gare du Nord so far… > Thanks for all help! > Dan in Florida

Response:

You will be near the Bercy area and there are some cheaper properties there including a newish Ibis (no charm but all the things you need)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi- > I’ll be taking the train into Paris from either Rome or > Venice and will be looking for a hotel near the station… > 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare du Nord? If not, > any idea which/where it is? > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding area safe? > 3) If it is the Gare du Nord and it is safe, any > recommendations for a low-price hotel for 3/4 nights? I’ve > contacted the Le New Hotel Gare du Nord so far… > Thanks for all help! > Dan in Florida

Response:

> 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare > du Nord? If not, any idea which/where it is?

I’d expect it to be the Gare de Lyon. > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding > area safe?

There are some rummy characters roaming around that area late at night, but it is still safe by American standards.

Response:

Thank you everyone…anything else? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare > du Nord? If not, any idea which/where it is? > I’d expect it to be the Gare de Lyon. > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding > area safe? > There are some rummy characters roaming around that area late at night, > but it is still safe by American standards.

Response:

> Thank you everyone…anything else?

yes — if you are visiting Paris don’t take the advice to get a hotel room in the suburbs — there are many cheap charming central hotels and you waste your time and lose on your experience by commuting to where you want to be. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare > > du Nord? If not, any idea which/where it is? > I’d expect it to be the Gare de Lyon. > > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding > > area safe? > There are some rummy characters roaming around that area late at night, > but it is still safe by American standards.

Response:

Why stay out by the train station?  Why not zoom in to central Paris and stay where all the action is?  Don’t worry about being tired from the train trip, it’s not a very long subway ride into the central area. And staying in the suburbs could prove to be a hassle, especially if you have a late night out.  We got out of a jazz club at 2am, it was nice to only have a 20min walk to our hotel.  Late at night the line at taxi stations can be extremely long given the demand for taxis at that hour. ALOHA FROM MAUI! "Where-ever you go, there you are" ;^) Check out some live Hawaii cams, this link is working now: www.hawaiiweathertoday.com/mwt/mwt_livecams.html

Response:

From Italy, you’ll arrive gare de Lyon (south-east of the city). Olivier – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi- > I’ll be taking the train into Paris from either Rome or > Venice and will be looking for a hotel near the station… > 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare du Nord? If not, > any idea which/where it is? > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding area safe? > 3) If it is the Gare du Nord and it is safe, any > recommendations for a low-price hotel for 3/4 nights? I’ve > contacted the Le New Hotel Gare du Nord so far… > Thanks for all help! > Dan in Florida

Response:

> 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare du Nord? If not, > any idea which/where it is?

Most likely not, trains coming from the south east usually arrive at Gare de Lyon, but it should be mentionned on your ticket. > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding area safe?

Yes. Any place in central Paris is usually safe. JL.

Response:

> Hi- > I’ll be taking the train into Paris from either Rome or > Venice and will be looking for a hotel near the station… > 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare du Nord? If not, > any idea which/where it is?

the station you will probably come to is called "Gare de Lyon" (if you have a map of the city, it is quite close to the Seine, near a place called Bercy) > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding area safe?

Around Gare de Lyon, it is quite safe but don’t expect to find a cheap hotel here. What I think should be the best (if it’s the price of the hotel that matters) would be to find a room in a hotel in the suburbs of Paris. For instance, some friends of mine came in Paris last year and took a hotel room in a town called "Maisons Alfort" (east of Paris). From Maisons Alfort, you can easily go to the center of Paris unsing either the Metro or the "RER" (suburbian train), just as long as the hotel you have chosen is close enough from the railway station – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> 3) If it is the Gare du Nord and it is safe, any > recommendations for a low-price hotel for 3/4 nights? I’ve > contacted the Le New Hotel Gare du Nord so far… > Thanks for all help! > Dan in Florida

Response:

Hi- I’ll be taking the train into Paris from either Rome or Venice and will be looking for a hotel near the station… 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare du Nord? If not, any idea which/where it is? 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding area safe? 3) If it is the Gare du Nord and it is safe, any recommendations for a low-price hotel for 3/4 nights? I’ve contacted the Le New Hotel Gare du Nord so far… Thanks for all help! Dan in Florida

Response:

Hi- I’ll be taking the train into Paris from either Rome or Venice and will be looking for a hotel near the station… 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare du Nord? If not, any idea which/where it is? 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding area safe? 3) If it is the Gare du Nord and it is safe, any recommendations for a low-price hotel for 3/4 nights? I’ve contacted the Le New Hotel Gare du Nord so far… Thanks for all help! Dan in Florida

Response:

From Italy, you’ll arrive gare de Lyon (south-east of the city). Olivier – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi- > I’ll be taking the train into Paris from either Rome or > Venice and will be looking for a hotel near the station… > 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare du Nord? If not, > any idea which/where it is? > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding area safe? > 3) If it is the Gare du Nord and it is safe, any > recommendations for a low-price hotel for 3/4 nights? I’ve > contacted the Le New Hotel Gare du Nord so far… > Thanks for all help! > Dan in Florida

Response:

> 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare du Nord? If not, > any idea which/where it is?

Most likely not, trains coming from the south east usually arrive at Gare de Lyon, but it should be mentionned on your ticket. > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding area safe?

Yes. Any place in central Paris is usually safe. JL.

Response:

> Hi- > I’ll be taking the train into Paris from either Rome or > Venice and will be looking for a hotel near the station… > 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare du Nord? If not, > any idea which/where it is?

the station you will probably come to is called "Gare de Lyon" (if you have a map of the city, it is quite close to the Seine, near a place called Bercy) > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding area safe?

Around Gare de Lyon, it is quite safe but don’t expect to find a cheap hotel here. What I think should be the best (if it’s the price of the hotel that matters) would be to find a room in a hotel in the suburbs of Paris. For instance, some friends of mine came in Paris last year and took a hotel room in a town called "Maisons Alfort" (east of Paris). From Maisons Alfort, you can easily go to the center of Paris unsing either the Metro or the "RER" (suburbian train), just as long as the hotel you have chosen is close enough from the railway station – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> 3) If it is the Gare du Nord and it is safe, any > recommendations for a low-price hotel for 3/4 nights? I’ve > contacted the Le New Hotel Gare du Nord so far… > Thanks for all help! > Dan in Florida

Response:

You will be near the Bercy area and there are some cheaper properties there including a newish Ibis (no charm but all the things you need)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi- > I’ll be taking the train into Paris from either Rome or > Venice and will be looking for a hotel near the station… > 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare du Nord? If not, > any idea which/where it is? > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding area safe? > 3) If it is the Gare du Nord and it is safe, any > recommendations for a low-price hotel for 3/4 nights? I’ve > contacted the Le New Hotel Gare du Nord so far… > Thanks for all help! > Dan in Florida

Response:

> 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare > du Nord? If not, any idea which/where it is?

I’d expect it to be the Gare de Lyon. > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding > area safe?

There are some rummy characters roaming around that area late at night, but it is still safe by American standards.

Response:

Thank you everyone…anything else? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare > du Nord? If not, any idea which/where it is? > I’d expect it to be the Gare de Lyon. > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding > area safe? > There are some rummy characters roaming around that area late at night, > but it is still safe by American standards.

Response:

> Thank you everyone…anything else?

yes — if you are visiting Paris don’t take the advice to get a hotel room in the suburbs — there are many cheap charming central hotels and you waste your time and lose on your experience by commuting to where you want to be. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare > > du Nord? If not, any idea which/where it is? > I’d expect it to be the Gare de Lyon. > > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding > > area safe? > There are some rummy characters roaming around that area late at night, > but it is still safe by American standards.

Response:

Why stay out by the train station?  Why not zoom in to central Paris and stay where all the action is?  Don’t worry about being tired from the train trip, it’s not a very long subway ride into the central area. And staying in the suburbs could prove to be a hassle, especially if you have a late night out.  We got out of a jazz club at 2am, it was nice to only have a 20min walk to our hotel.  Late at night the line at taxi stations can be extremely long given the demand for taxis at that hour. ALOHA FROM MAUI! "Where-ever you go, there you are" ;^) Check out some live Hawaii cams, this link is working now: www.hawaiiweathertoday.com/mwt/mwt_livecams.html

Response:

a trip to the ‘burbs isn’t necessary; there are plenty of affordable rooms in central paris go to JACK’s site and also www.hotelboulevard.com

Response:

I think you’ll probably end up at the Gare de Lyon.  I’m definitely no expert on Paris, but I stayed at a great little hotel last September called the "Hotel Bercy Gare de Lyon" at 21 <?> Rue de Charenton just steps from the Dugommier metro stop (which is just one stop from Gare de Lyon).  The staff was a little stiff at first, but turned out to be great (just ask Phillipe the night clerk about the lady whose suitcase lock wouldn’t open – he tracked down some bolt cutters at about 11pm the first night I was there!). It was pretty reasonably priced, too – I think it’s connected with Comfort Suites <?> somehow and has just been renovated.  It’s no palace, but if you’re traveling by yourself or as a couple, I’d highly recommend it (the rooms are pretty small, but very clean and comfortable).  Try to get a room on the 8th floor as I think these are the only ones with the little step-out balcony/windows.  It’s totally easy to catch the Metro to anywhere from just outside the hotel and the neighborhood seemed sort of small-townish (if you like that sort of thing) and nice and quiet at night. There’s a couple of great little cafes/brasseries around either corner and a little grocery store a couple doors down for fresh fruit and munchies. Tuesday is market day on the street just around the corner.  I stayed in the Embassy area the last time I was in Paris in November, but it didn’t seem to have the easygoing day-to-day ambience and friendliness of that Bercy neighborhood and I missed it. They’re listed on Expedia.  Enjoy your trip! Suz

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi- > I’ll be taking the train into Paris from either Rome or > Venice and will be looking for a hotel near the station… > 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare du Nord? If not, > any idea which/where it is? > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding area safe? > 3) If it is the Gare du Nord and it is safe, any > recommendations for a low-price hotel for 3/4 nights? I’ve > contacted the Le New Hotel Gare du Nord so far… > Thanks for all help! > Dan in Florida

Response:

You WILL arrive at the Gare de Lyon,and I have used the Hotel Terminus Lyon just opposite the station – if you use the nearest exit.If not ,you just have to ‘circum-navigate’ it.It is not the cheapest – circa FF500 per night, but is convenient. If you are in the Gare du Nord area,I have used the New Hotel,and found it OK,with various room-type choices. I personally have never had any problems in the area,although of course it is a large station in a large city – which is generally the same in any country. Have a good trip. Phil. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi- > I’ll be taking the train into Paris from either Rome or > Venice and will be looking for a hotel near the station… > 1) Is the station I am coming into the Gare du Nord? If not, > any idea which/where it is? > 2) If it is the Gare du Nord, is the surrounding area safe? > 3) If it is the Gare du Nord and it is safe, any > recommendations for a low-price hotel for 3/4 nights? I’ve > contacted the Le New Hotel Gare du Nord so far… > Thanks for all help! > Dan in Florida

Response: