Hotels in Paris Center

Go to tripadvisor.com and ask your questions or do a search on the Paris Forum. We never use a US chain and have never had any of the problems you mention. Those on TA will help you out and some are quite well versed in hotel selection or apartment selection in central Paris.

For starters, you can probably disregard sweeping generalizations people make about Paris, Parisians, or anything else related to visiting the city. It's been a few years, but if nothing has changed, I can recommend this exquisite little hotel: http://www.paris-hotel-tulipe.com/index_en.php Why not use whatever recommendations you find in Rick's guidebook, or use the search feature here to look for hotels Helpline members like. Also, you can validate recommendations on tripadvisor.

Thanks!

I've spent a few hundred nights in Paris over the years in batches of hotles and still have all my stuff. Not so sure what the claims of bad service might be about. I've always had my room cleaned, bed made, questioned answered......

Faith,, I know you don't mean to be ,, but thats sort of an insulting post,, I like other posters here have spent many many nights in french hotels and have never been ripped off or encountered "obstinate" staff. Stuff like that is often repeated by very poor travellers, they basically were there once,, and think they are experts,, and yet they are totally culturally unaware of how to behave in a foreign country. First off, what, all french are theives? Thats just crap, so won't even address it. Now, for staff and service. There is a difference in French and American service. First of all, unless you stay in a posh place, carry your own bags,, they don't just have bellboys all over the place. Most hotels are small,, 20 rooms or so,, so the staff may be one guy at the desk. Secondly,, and this is a big one,, use it everywhere,, ALWAYS greet anyone with a Bonjour Madame etc, BEFORE you make any demands or ask a question.. at the bakery, the ticket window, the front desk , on the street. French consider it the height of rudeness to start any interaction without first greetings and I have witnessed that mistake many times. People march up to someone and say" do you know where the blah blah museum is" or " I;ll have two croissants please" , sounds normal here, but there its rude. Curious,, where did you read "bad reviews" there are thousands of hotels in Paris, and I have stayed in about a dozen of them, and have never encountered rude staff. Sometimes language is an issue, especially with night clerks, but smiling and being pleasant goes a long way. I assume you have money,, so I suggest you look at the Hotel Aubusson, its in an absolutely perfect locations, the reviews are good, and its very french.

I was not speaking of my own volition; I was merely stating what I read online from trip advisor and travel sites. I certainly did not mean to offend. Actually after being on this site I think I am going to try HOTEL LEVEQUE PARIS or the Relais. Both sound good. Thanks and I will remove this post if preferred.

Leave it up. Information needs to get spread around. No offense was taken.

Many thanks Ed. I settled on Relais and look forward to our trip. I appreciate all the assistance from everyone. Au Revoir!

I just have no idea why someone would think a US chain hotel would be any better then a French one in terms of theives or rudeness,, they all employ and are run by French people so assume that is the issue?? Sorry your question just really threw me.. and I know you didn't realize perhaps how it sounded. I think the Relais will be lovely . Do read up a bit on the French culture,, it reallly helps one get along if they understand how things can be percieved differently in different countries.. for instance, here in Canada if one is walking along it would be normal to smile and say hello to a stranger,, in France they would think you are crazy or being fake.. And waiters rarely will make chit chat with you, and they won't bring you your check until you ask for it( they think its rude to bring the check because they don't want you to feel like you are being rushed out) .. theres so many little things.. Oh yeah, it is normal to ask you to leave room key at front desk, and they will ask for passport, if they are busy they may ask to keep it to fill out the paperwork later , but you can ask them to make a photocopy and give it back right away if you are not comfortable with that( i never bother,, but I know many Americans freak if someone has their passport) ..
Tipping is not needed, taxis will not pull over on street if you are within 20 meters of a taxi stand( so if they drive by they may be ignoring your street wave because of the law) , keep your metro tickets with you until you exit the station, you can be fined,, on the spot payment required, if you don't have your ticket on you .

Faith, It's great to hear that you've now booked a Hotel. Just to add my "two cents worth", I've never had a problem with theft in Hotels in Paris (or anywhere else). I've never bothered with the in-room Safe (where offered), but just lock my luggage. Regarding the "service" question, it tends to vary from one property to another, but again I haven't had any issues. I find that a friendly "Bonjour" in the morning usually elicits a pleasant response. I doubt that choosing a U.S.-based Hotel chain will guarantee better service. As someone else noted, these will still be run by the "locals". Be sure to wear your Money Belt, as there WILL be "scammers" in Paris. Happy travels!

Pat and Ken, Thanks so much! I did take Pat's advice and in corresponding with my hotel I made sure to say Bonjour and Merci each time. :-) I also got a great deal by making reservations on the FB site! Ken, I have the money belt. :-) Appreciate the info on tipping, cabs, etc. We are excited and expect a good trip.
Pat, btw my mother is a native of Calgary so I do understand the nuances of differing cultures. thanks again!