Wife and I booked BOE21 for May 2020. It will be my first time in Europe. We intend to say in Paris a few days after our tour ends. Our originally plan was to simply stay in the same hotel and not have to go to the hassle of moving. But unfortunately, the tour hotel located in Rue Cler, is full for those nights. We are looking for alternatives. Trying to decide whether to book a nearby hotel in Rue Cler neighborhood or change things up entirely and try a different area of the city for the last 3 nights. Don't mind splurging on a hotel for that time and were thinking 275 to 350 Euros per night was OK price. Any suggestions?
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8965 posts
nwtravel - when you checked availability at the tour hotel, were you looking at a third-party website, or a booking agent for the hotel? It may just be too far in the future for those sites to show availability. In any case, the hotel may have set aside a block of rooms just for the RS tour patrons who want extra nights, but you cant get to them unless you contact the hotel directly by email or phone. We have found this to be true on two of the tours we've done. Hotels that work with RS on a regular basis know that there will be people wanting extra days before or after a tour, noting that another RS tour might be right on the heels of that one.
Posted by
Atlanta
2510 posts
Stan gives you good guidance in the post above. If the hotel informs you directly there are no available rooms, I have a suggestion that fits your budget perfectly.
Try the Hotel de Lutece on the Ile Saint-Louis, the island right next to the island with Notre Dame. It is centrally located near Metro stops and within walking distance of bus stops, and the Seine of course. It is a small boutique hotel with 20 or so rooms with a pleasant, helpful staff. I would stay there again in a heartbeat.
We stayed there 4 nights in April 2018 and loved it!
Posted by
Edmond, Oklahoma
126 posts
I would switch it up so you get a good feel for another neighborhood. We really like the Artus Hotel on Rue de Buci in St. Germain-des-pres. Fun area with bars, restaurants, shops, etc and still a quick walk to a lot of things. Also tons of metro/bus options starting from that area.
Posted by
Central Connecticut, USA
1103 posts
We really enjoyed the Hotel des Grandes Ecoles in the Latin Quarter. In 2018 we stayed there twice - before and after the RS Loire Valley South of France tour.
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6525 posts
Not sure which hotel you'll be ending up in, but I second the idea of emailing them directly. If you're working from a website, it may well not have released those dates yet.
We've never been turned away when we've emailed the tour hotels. There was one time we were put on a waiting list, but they informed us as soon as they had a cancellation.
Posted by
Morrison, CO, USA
893 posts
I also like to change areas after the tour if it's in a large city. Gives you an idea of which area you would like to return to. Next time we are there I want to stay on the Ile Saint-Louis. Have friends who love it and the area.
I am also one who emails the hotel directly to book pre and post tour hotels. It has worked out for us. You can probably book the post tour hotel farther out because you know the dates, but the pre hotel reservation you have to wait until RS company lets you know where the tour will be staying.
Have a Great time!
Mimi
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
I’ve been to Paris many times , over decades , but I did take my then 11 yenold on one Rs Tour “ Family Europe in 14 days “ just so she could meet other kids and we’d visit a bunch of other countries with no effort on my part . We stayed 5 days befor in start city ( then Rome ) and 7 days post tour ( Paris )
I do recommend changing areas !
I second recommendations to try the 5th ( Latin Quarter, or 6 th St Germain )
Your budget is in my higher end - but I can suggest getting the deluxe room ( standards too small ) at Hotel Le Regent , it’s in the 6 th and it is such a good location , the staff are very helpful , and the bathrooms are a decent size lol
Posted by
Franklin, TN, USA
920 posts
I will second Judy B’s recommendation of Hotel de Lutece......staying on Ile St Louis was a treat and a great location. The two of us are due back there in May 2020 and after staying in 3 different areas of Paris we are going back to that hotel......you cannot beat being in the heart of Paris!
Posted by
Atlanta
2510 posts
Yes, Jane, I love the Hotel de Lutece. It's in between the Marais and the Latin Quarter and right next to Notre Dame.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
If you want to stay in the same area, Hotel Valadon and Hotel Muguet are in your price range. Hotel Valadon has a modern look while Hotel Muguet is more traditional, but I liked both. If you want to try a different area, I would suggest something in or near the Marais.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8965 posts
nwtravel, I hope you circle back and let us know what you were able to find out. BTW, if you do email the hotel directly, check your spam filter to make sure you dont miss a reply.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you so much for all your good advice and help. We actually attempted to book at the tour hotel and received an email indicating the hotel was unavailable. But after considering the benefits of another location we researched the suggestion for Hotel de Letuce on Ile Saint Louis and booked there. This will be my first time in Europe and we are very exited. This looks like a great place to home base for a few days after the tour ends.