Help with details for Paris, Lucerne, Basel trip?

Posted by Nicole (Toms River, NJ, USA) on 07/11/09 08:00 AM

hi, we are planning our first trip to switzerland and paris this september after leaving italy and have so many questions, so any help you can provide would be wonderful!

1- we are looking for hotels in paris(preferably in the 4th or 5th A?), lucerne and basel. we would like to stay in an area that is within walking distance to some major sites but don't need anything fancy. we don't want to waste a lot of money on rooms - just something clean with a bathroom in the room.

2- we love food and are looking for some restaurants for great meals, best local specialties, chocolate, pastries, etc. - anywhere that you went that you would recommend which are not the typical tourist traps but where the locals would go for meals or mid-day snacks!

3- which are the must see sights or things to do and what is overrated or a waste of time? for the major sites, is it wise to buy a pass or should we just make reservations in advance to avoid the lines?

4- here is a ridiculous question - when taking trains from one destination to another - what is the best way to get from the station to your hotel? and what if you arrive early morning - what do you do with your bags until you can check in to your hotel?

sorry for so many questions but i just don't know where to start! thanks so much!

Posted by melissa

seattle, wa, usa

07/11/09 04:32 PM

2 posts

Nicole- I can speak to accomodations in Paris- been there twice and am currently planning a few days there at the end of Sept. Depending on the size of your group and the number of days you will be staying in Paris, I highly recommend renting an apartment. Many rent for a few days, I have just booked a studio for 2 in the 4th for around 120 euros/night. It is such a great way to experience Parisian "living", generally less expensive than a hotel, and really great to have a kitchen, even if just for small meals or to prepare things picked up at the fabulous shops and markets. Try vrbo.com and you can search by arrondisment.

Re: the passes- I found them very useful for the larger museums, especially. I'm not sure about the crowds in Sep, but skipping the lines is always great when your time in a city is limited. The unexpected side benefit is that a pass may inspire to visit a site/museum that you otherwise would not consider.

Re: travel to/from train station- take the metro and plan to walk a little (pack light to facilitate) or take a cab. Most hotels will store your luggage if you arrive early, but it is worth asking about when you book. Can't stress packing light enough. You will encounter stairs, tight train seats with the storage areas full, etc, and worrying about/lugging your junk around can spoil a trip. (That is one other plus with an apartment- many have efficiency w/d units in them which eliminates the HUGE hassel of finding/using a laundrymat)I'm planning on taking everything in black and brown and adding scarves & jewelry to keep it interesting. Have fun- we may run into each other in Paris and never know it!

Posted by Joni

Plymouth, MN, USA

07/17/09 11:40 AM

37 posts

Hi, Nicole - I stayed at the "Hotel des Mines", which is in Rick's book, and thought it was a good value and a good location. A little nicer but more expensive is another Rick place, "Hotel Muguet", which is near the Rue Cler area. If you stay at the Hotel des Mines, you aren't too far (on foot) from the Rue Mouffetard area, which has tons of little restaurants. This is all on the left bank. We sprang for a taxi to our hotel - too much stress trying to get on the metro with luggage after a long travel day. Maybe if I were younger...

In Lucerne, we stayed at a pension called the Roesli:
Basic, but clean and walking distance from the train station with luggage. When you are in Lucerne, I know this is very touristy, but spring for dinner at the restaurant that features folk music, yodelers, etc. I don't remember the name of it, but wherever you stay the hotel will know of it. All done in English, but get yourself some fondue and have a good time! Take a boat ride on the lake and go to Mount Pilates, too. Gorgeous.

Posted by Dwayne

West Lafayette, Indiana, USA

07/17/09 07:30 PM

213 posts

Nicole, I have a dining suggestion for Lucerne. The restaurant's name is Sebastian's Restaurant. I cannot tell you its exact location except to say it is in the central part of the city. Ask someone at the TI and they can direct you to it. We have friends in Lucerne and stay with them when there. As natives of Lucerne, this is their favorite restaurant. Tourists eat at the restaurants along the river. This is away from the river in an area where locals go but very few tourists. They feature seasonal foods--venison in September, for example. It is not an inexpensive restaurant, nor is it top end. It's definitely worth checking out for an evening's excellent dining experience. Because we stay with friends, I can't suggest anything for lodging.