Need help Paris and London hotels

My dd and I stayed at the HOtel Des Grand Hommes a few years ago,, its lovely. Love the location too. I recommend it and if you can get a good rate go for it. Read reviews on tripadvisor.com for all hotels you are looking at. Price can range from moderate to a bit more if one gets a view room. Very close to many cafes and the RER , and Luxembourg park. I stayed at Base2stay in London this past June and loved it too, each room has a closet kitchen( mini fridge, microwave, and sink) and lovely bathrooms. Duvets on bed,, very comfy beds. Near two tube stations( Gloucester and Earls Court) and two grocers ( Sainsbury and Tescos) and two great museums ( Natural History and Victoria and Alberts) . Moderate price but wonderful service. I would happily stay in either again. Rooms are not large by North American standards in either hotel, but that is normal in Europe and Uk.

To me the rue Cler/Eiffel Tower area always seems so remote from what's happening.

Joanne[INVALID] I have traveled to Paris at least 8 times...one of the best places-in terms of location, service, and ambiance is the Hotel du Pantheon. It is literally 50 steps from the Pantheon. The hotel staff is extremely friendly. Rooms are cozy and lots of charm. Free wifi, small TVs, very clean, good breakfast, great views of the area. When you close your eyes and think of the typical French hotel, this is it.

Forgot to add London[INVALID]-haven't been to London as much as Paris, but the past two times I have been to London, I stay at the Millenium Baileys Kensington. It is literally across from the Gloucester Road Tube Stop. They have wonderful rooms (don't get the smallest room - they are TINY). They have an excellent full spread English breakfast. Service is good, can't beat the location, rooms very clean.

We stayed at Hotel du Pantheon and liked it a lot - I believe Hotel des Grands Hommes and Hotel du Pantheon are owned by the same people... they are right next door to each other... I like that location much better than the rue Cler/Eiffel Tower neighborhood.

I vote for the Hotel Castex in the Marais. A modernized, clean, pleasant place with a friendly staff in a great location. Not only is the Marais a lively area with plenty of restaurants and cafes, the Castex is a 5 minute walk from the Isle St Louis and at most 15 minutes from the Place St Michel. Lots of good Metro stops nearby too. London is tough. It is one of the most expensive hotel cities in the world. Still, I would suggest one of the innumerable new hotels that have sprung up in the area between Euston/St Pancras/Kings Cross railways station ( which are lined up almost touching one another on Euston Road) and the British Museum to the South. Because of the Eurostar's arrival at St Pancras, a hotel boom ensued. There are some great deals to be had at very modern hotels, and the Underground/rail connections are unequalled elsewhere in London. Covent Garden, which has more restaurants and shops than anyone could ever need in a two week vacation, is only 2 stops from Kings Cross. Bloomsbury is a pleasant area, and now that the once-seedy area around the rail stations has been gentrified, it is even more so.

Thanks guys. Hotel du Pantheon looks perfect and now I know what area to look for a hotel in London. I appreciate all you help JoAnne

How many days in each city? If more than 5, then an apartment raises it beautiful head. More room, great locations, privacy, ability to save some cash by fixing own food, ability to bring left-overs home and reheat and eat next day, etc. If interested in a nice studio, contact me.

4 day in each

Joanne, Your post has been very helpful for our trip to Paris! My hubby and I have been looking at Hotel des Grands Hommes and Hotel du Parthenon, too. Can't decide between the two, but seems very close to each other. We will be there Oct 28-Nov 4. Just curious if you've looked into restaurants. Safe travels!

Sharelene,between those two hotels,, just choose the cheaper one,, and that varys,, sometimes the Hotel Pantheon is cheaper, sometimes the HOtel Des Grand Hommes is.. They are owned and run by same people and are side by side. Treat yourself and get the cheapest view room ..

Sharlene: Hotels are nx to each other. Both both look fine. Pat is right, both are owned by the same com. Another hotel in the area is Hotel petit paris. They have special 3 nights for the price of two. I will be staying at one of the hotels. As pat suggestions all three look great, neighborhood is fine, I will book with the hotel who has lowest price. London, still not sure. I am looking at the Ruebens and Montague on the Gardens both owned by the same company. Both running special for the time I will be there. Not sure of location. I will be arriving London via Heathrow and departing Eurostar. Looking for a hotel convenient for public trans to both. And love to walk in the evening. I want a hotel with plenty of rest. to choose from and to able to go for a walk in the evening. The above two look ok for that. Any suggestion out there will be appreciated. Thank you Jo Anne

Joanne, our 1st trip abroad was to London in March, 2004. My travel agent booked us into the Thistle Hyde Park. It was absolutely delightful and charming, and quite comfortable. Lovely lobby with roaring fire; delightful tea in a glassed-in room facing Bayswater Rd. Beds were very comfortable and the bathroom was plenty big (and fabulous super-deep tub). The hotel is about 2 blocks either way from 2 Tube stations, Lancaster Gate and Queensway, and there is a wonderful historic pub, the White Swan, a 5 minute walk. Lots of fun shops and restaurants in the neighborhood. The area was quiet at night which was fine by us! Hotel staff was international, very friendly, and helpful. We would certainly go back. We were there 5 nights and if I remember right, our room was about $150 a night.