Any thoughts on Novotel Paris Hotel?

Which one....there are a few Novotel Hotels in Paris.

the les Halles one

I'm traveling with 7 other people, 4 adults & our 4 kids (all girls 10-15yrs).

A few obstacles I've had, the one family isn't too excited to rent an apartment (which would be my first choice), my husband isn't willing to stay less than a 3-4 star rating..me personally? I'd be happy nearly anywhere.

So I'm looking to make the most people in the party happy...

Novotel in general is a vg hotel to stay wherever in Europe, and also vg for families some have pools for the kids and terrific extra large buffet breakfasts that are incl in rate.

Well, you have to do what you have to do to keep everyone happy, I guess.

But it makes me sad to know this is the polar opposite of the RS back door philosophy. It is more like being dropped off at the front door by a limo and then locking the door behind you.

It's too bad, because there are other choices you could make and save enough money to come home and buy a decent used car, or pay for a semester of college tuition.

But you can't please everyone.

Maybe you can mention to your fellow travelers that there is a very posh casino in Las Vegas with a mini Eiffel Tower in front. They could vacation there and you could go to the real Paris, perhaps?

Randy, I fail to see what staying in a Novotel has to do with the RS Europe through the Back Door philosphy. Rick doesn't travel around with a big family and I think he would be hard-pressed to find rooms if he did. Having a quaint looking hotel is about the lowest priority on my travel list. I could care less, as I only sleep there and have breakfast. I would much rather spend my time out and about in the city.

To be honest, I think RS goes against his own philosphy, by continually pushing the same towns and neighborhoods over and over, instead of encouraging people to go other places. In Germany for example, he is all about Bavaria and almost totally ignores all the fabulous places in Northern Germany, places that are truly back doors. I have zero interest in going to Rothenburg or the Hofbrauhaus in Munich or to stay on Rue Cler or go to Cinque Terre. These are NOT back doors in any sense of the word. Finding new towns, new hotels, new restaurants, new neighborhoods, that to me is what it is all about. But that is just me. Everyone has their own comfort zone and priorities,

If the Novotel place allows these 2 families to explore Paris better and enjoy their vacation, there is no reason to put these folks down and make them feel crappy about their decision.

Chris, you might want to explain to your husband that the "star" system in Europe does not mean the same things as it does here.

A four star hotel isn't necessarily better than a three star hotel...it just has more amenities.

Here's an article that explains it:

Hotel Rating System in France

And while Travelocity ratings are okay...Trip Advisor's are much better.

Thanks all - We've decided to stay at the Novotel les halles. I called last night and the front desk was extremely helpful.

With our kiddos it will just make it easier, they've even put us down for connecting rooms.

If it was just adults, it would be an entirely different story. And I do have many more authentic places booked for other legs of the stay (CInque Terre for example).

We've traveled together for years now, and what I've learned is that while I'm the one in charge of the travel arrangements for all, I'm most happy when I make sure everyone has a bit of what they would want most.

I so appreciate all the feedback - thanks for taking time to answer my redundant and perhaps sily questions. I haven't found these boards to be especially "friendly", but have found a few folks that truly do want to help. So thank you!

Happy New year! Bring on 2010!

Get off the high horses -- it is a hotel -- a place to sleep. Where you sleep has little impact on "your experience" in Europe. We stayed at the same hotel when in Paris for the World Cup in 98. I wasn't going to comment because it has been ten years but thought that Randy's and Steve's comments were unnecessary. It is a great hotel ten years and it will serve your needs well. The location is great and you can walk to the hotel from the metro/train from the airport.

Chris...have a great trip.

Sometimes knowing the likes and dislikes or your traveling companions, and making sure they get more of their "likes" makes your trip more enjoyable.

Always remember...it's your trip. You need to make yourself and those you travel with happy--not make other people on this board happy. (Even if your travel plans differ from those who believe what St. Rick says or does is gospel.)

Chris, enjoy your trip. I've stayed at a number of Novotels in Europe and have generally found them to be of quite a decent standard. I'm sure this will work well for your family.

Anyone here who thinks Rick never uses or recommends chain hotels is mistaken. His Spain group tour starts at an NH hotel. His London book includes a recommendation for a Premier Inn. His own "top 10 tips for sleeping cheap" include, "consider a chain" (see link below)

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/tipssleepcheap.htm

The OP has already stated an apartment wasn't good for the group. If her traveling companions--her husband and other couple--prefer a larger style hotel, who are we to comment. It will cause less friction in the group...and her group dynamics are more important than what anyone here thinks.

Chris...you made the right move because it's the right one for you.

Apts. are great for some people, but for those traveling with kids, I can see the major plus points of staying in a hotel over an apt. One, you don't have to make everyone breakfast and wash the dishes, you don't have to pick up after everyone, and if you are on vacation, lots of people just do not want to cook and clean.

A few obstacles I've had, the one family isn't too excited to rent an apartment (which would be my first choice), my husband isn't willing to stay less than a 3-4 star rating..me personally? I'd be happy nearly anywhere.

The other family ISN'T too excited to rent an apartment." When you're traveling with another family, and not just by yourself or your family alone, you have to keep their desires in mind. Otherwise, there could be a lot of problems.

Thanks all - really, I do appreciate all the comments, and I can easily see the pros & cons of my choice. Althought NOT cleaning up daily after my children is a HUGE plus to a hotel that I hadn't thought of.

I'm hoping somewhere in the future my hubby & I will have the opportunity to stay in France, rent a place, and immerse in the area asmuch as possible. However...this trip really in all honesty isn't a "back door" trip, it's a time to expose our kids to europe, take my teenager to her first (and in all liklihood only WORLD skating championship).

I'm happy with my choice.