Hotel Champ du Mars, Paris

Florrie, Sorry to hear about your problems with the Hotel du Champs de Mars. I've never stayed there, but did take a few minutes during one of my trips to Paris to go in, have a look around and speak with the staff. My impressions were favourable, but of course that's not the same as being a guest there. During the research process for a couple of my trips to Paris, I've considered staying there, but after reading the somewhat "mixed" reviews on TA and other sites, I've chosen other Hotels. As you already have reservations at Hotel Muguet, I'd suggest going with that. You may pay slightly more, but your "hotel experience" will likely be more pleasant and I suspect they'll be more prompt and business-like in answering E-mail inquiries. For future reference, another Hotel that you might consider in the the Rue Cler neighborhood is Duquesne Eiffel. It's a bit more "pricey" but very comfortable. I've also stayed at the Grand Hotel Leveque and although it's a bit more "basic", it's also very comfortable. Happy travels!

Sorry to hear of your troubles. I've never stayed at that Hotel, but having been through the Rue Clar area, I think that there are just too many "Rickniks" there. The good thing about Paris is that there are lots of other places to stay. And I wouldn't worry about being "close to the action" or to top tourist sites as the Metro will get you anywhere quickly. You may have to hit a hotel search site this late in the game, but you'll find something. So find something else and just enjoy Paris.

Thanks for the advise. I do have another reservation in Paris which I paid for. I quite agree with you that this place is too iffy. I like the term "Ricknick":)

You're welcome. I haven't stayed in Rue Cler, but have walked through it and it does have it's charms. But I think that the reason that Rick likes it so much because it does let you get into a real Parisian neighborhood. The thing is, Paris is all neighborhoods, so pick one. We're going back to Paris in 5/11 and are renting an apartment for the first time so we can take advantage of the markets and cook. The apartment is way out in the 15e, it's at the next to the last stop on a metro line, but still, only takes 10 minutes to get to Place deConcorde. Plus, it is a totally non-tourist area where there are no "sights", which to me, means "back door" as much as anything else. It's just hard to wait that long for the trip.

Of all the bad press I have heard about this hotel, I just never experienced it. They responded quickly to my reservation request, which was 6 mos in advance. They responded quickly to my reconfirmation email, 2 weeks before my trip, to reconfirm my reservation. When we arrived, they were kind, and English speaking, never really letting me attempt my French. They tried to assist us with our visit plans, but we had it mapped out very well and to our liking. They gave us a nice room, overlooking the street. Were very nice as we came and went. Breakfast was good, plentiful, and still no language barrier. And when checking out and getting ready to plan our trip to airport, suggested that we use a shuttle instead of metro to get there, as it was on a sunday, and that metro is limited. The shuttle was 25 euros, very friendly and prompt. When I look on the feedback board on this website, I see this hotel get dissed left and right. Untimely emails, cancelled reservations without notice, unfriendly service, terrible breakfast experiences, dirty rooms. I just never experienced this. I am sorry this had to happen to you. It must be stressful to deal with. As for me, I would stay there again in a heart beat, hoping nothing goes wrong with my reservation. Good luck with your travels.

Florrie, I would forget about the Hotel Champs de Mars and stay at the Hotel Muguet since you also, already, have a reservation there. I had a bad experience at the Champs de Mars, and have since read many bad reviews from others, along with some good reviews. I think it's hit or miss there. But why take the chance? Spend your money somewhere else.

We stayed at the Muguet 2 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it! Have a great trip!

We stayed at Champ du Mars years ago and had no issues, but Muguet is my current favorite hotel in Paris. (They have enclosed showers with a great showerhead, which right there is a huge bonus. Plus room safes, nice beds and decent sized rooms. Oh, and super quiet.) I've stayed there many times and I think it's a great value. So just go with Muguet.

Kelly from FL said everything I was going to say. I have stayed there twice and have never had a problem and I would stay there again unless I wanted to leave the Rue Cler area which I like so much. A "Ricknic" here.

Florrie, I'm so sorry to hear that. We stayed there a few years ago and it was all very positive. Cute room, good breakfast and a good location. I read once that if someone does you a good turn you will tell someone else. If they do you a bad turn you will tell 10 someone elses.

We stayed at Champs du Mars several years ago when a room for two was under 100 euros. We liked our small room which was nicely decorated, quiet, and clean. I have to agree that the owners are not overly friendly but they arranged for a shuttle to CDG without any hassle. But now we find that we enjoy the Latin Quarter and the Marais more. We really like Hotel Grandes des Ecoles because of the wonderful garden and terrace area it has. Love waking up in Paris with a huge Plane Tree just outside of my window-a real countryside feel.

The treatment Rick gets is NOT reflected in the treatment otehr recieve... I gave them TWO tries and marked them off my list. I don't stay at hotels where the management thinks the guests are "a pain". They YELLED at me for sitting in the lobby while waiting on my mother. (WHAT???) They generally act very "put out" when you ask for the key to your room etc.... IMHO the owners are in the WRONG business. If you don't like interacting with the publc don't own a hotel LOL!

I emailed a request to this hotel several months in advance for availability early last Spring for a four night stay and never received any reply. I've been told this is not uncommon if a hotel doesn't have a room(s) available for the requested time but I just booked elsewhere and had an excellent stay. Their loss.

You might try the Hotel La Serre, on Rue Cler about a block away from the Champs du Mars. I made a reservation there back in June no problem with only 3 days advance notice. Rates are comparable to Champs du Mars. They have a website, http://www.hotellaserreparis.com/
Mel