thanks for everyone's help. I think we've scaled back considerably on our itinerary. We now have 14 days in northern Spain, Paris and Stockholm. I'd like your thoughts on affordable (?), centrally located places to stay in these cities (except Oviedo). My preference is small, not some posh high rise thing.
Any great ideas in areas where teens (15-18 yrs) could walk out the door in a relatively safe but fun neighborhoods?
The Rue Cler neighborhood of Paris is relatively quiet and safe. There are many nice little shops where they can browse. Also, it is within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides complex (which houses Napoleon's tomb and the Army museum. I stayed in Hotel Beaugency, but I wouldn't really recommend it for a family, because the rooms are TINY.
Phil,
In Paris, just across the Seine river from Notre Dame cathedral is the Hôtel Esmeralda. It has only 19 rooms and is an ancient (read that charming) ediface. Compared with hotel rates elsewhere in Paris, the hôtel is considered "budget". You can find more, including photos and critiques of former guests, by searching at www.Google.com.
bon voyage!... P.
I second the Rue Cler recommendation. I stayed there for 3 nights last summer, and it's a great place to walk around, have breakfast, or simply relax in a cafe at the end of the day.
As for Stockholm, I stayed at Queen's Hotel in the summer of 2005 for 3 nights (it was listed in Rick's Scandinavia 2005 guide). It's on a good walking street, with lots of shops and cafes. There's a tasty breakfast at the hotel as well.
You'll have to be more specific about Northern Spain. I walked the Camino pilgrimage across that region this summer. Although I mainly stayed in albergues (pilgrim hostels), I did use hotels in some cities (Logrono, Burgos, Santiago) when I took a break day.
EDIT: Ah - Madrid/Oviedo. I did stay in Madrid for one night back in 2003, but I can't remember the name of the hotel (a friend in Leon booked it for me).
