I've spent a considerable amount of time researching hotels and I'm wondering opinions on this hotel and others. This will be me and wife's first trip to Paris and we'll be spending two nights (Fri and Sat). Then off via train to eastern France. Seems the area (5th arrondissement) is lively and centrally located with close proximity to some major sites and transportation (all pros in my mind). I'm a little worried it doesn't have air conditioning, but we'll be there September 10 & 11. According to weather.com the averages for this time a year seem pretty comfortable (highs in low 70s/lows in low 50s (F)). Reviews on other sites seem pretty fair towards this hotel. I would greatly appreciate any opinions on this hotel or others. I'm a research junkie and I fear I'm having symptoms of paralysis from analysis (or information overload). I've purchased Steve's Paris guide and looked at many of those hotels as well. Some seem very good, while others not so much. I'd like somewhere middle of the road in this general area. The Hotel du College de France is kind of towards the middle lower end of my budget (if that makes sense). Kind of an open ended topic/question, but again any help is greatly appreciated!! merci beaucoup!
Posted by
Alexandria, MN, USA
175 posts
Joe, We stayed at Hotel du College de France in October 2008 and liked it very much. It's listed in Fodor's and gets good ratings on Trip Advisor. We had a twin room which was quite large,with nice bathroom only 1 flight up. Our friends had a double that was smaller but they liked it. The front desk people were very nice and helpful. Breakfast was a little expensive but good. Location was great. You can walk to alot of places and metro was close too. Go for it!
Posted by
OP
Holmen, WI, USA
6 posts
First thanks for the replies! I just used their website to reserve a room and received a pending reservation via email for 1 Double room with balcony. Hopefully it will be confirmed without any problems. I'll let everyone know how it goes.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Joe,, stop,, you are second guessing yourself and you will go insane. The hotel is fine, I haven't stayed there, but I know where it is and area is great. Most reviews are favorable,, within the confines of what it is , a clean budget/moderate hotel. I have stayed in at least 8 or 9 different hotels in Paris, and while I liked some better then others, they were all fine. The rooms are smaller then what most of us North Americans are used to,, but generally clean and decent locations. I wouldn't stress out too much about A/C,, normally I always get it,, but I travel in summer months mostly. I bet you will be fine.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
I haven't stayed there either, probably. But I've stayed next door, down the block, around the corner, etc, etc. Most are pretty much alike, some are even owned by the same family, all are great. Take it, then move on to something else. Life's too short to worry about where you're going to spend ninety percent of your time dead to the world.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
I haven't stayed there either, but I am heartily researching hotels for a visit to Paris (I'm also completely a research junkie, this trip isn't even until March!!) Hotel du College is one of the highest rated hotels on TripAdvisor that doesn't cost a small fortune and one of the few on my short list. Just be aware of the usual pitfalls: small rooms, European style breakfast that costs extra, etc. September is approaching fast and if you don't bite the bullet and book, you may find there's no availability. Even if you somehow book a horrible hotel (unlikely) you'll only be there two nights and assuming the first night is your arrival, you'll likely be too jetlagged to care. Go for it!
Posted by
OP
Holmen, WI, USA
6 posts
Hotel du Collge de France was apparently full - Reservation declined. So I booked at the Hotel Eiffel Kennedy. Note the exact area I was looking for, but close enough. Seems this hotel gets decent reviews as well. I'll post back with our experience.