[mccannable]

Headed there next month and trying to finalize our hotel locations. What are the best districts to stay in? For London I am thinking Kensington, for Paris I have to clue.

[Biorin]

Originally Posted by mccannable

Headed there next month and trying to finalize our hotel locations. What are the best districts to stay in? For London I am thinking Kensington, for Paris I have to clue.

What kind of areas do you like? In Paris, the 6th and 7th are very central areas with lots of cafes, shopping, etc. The 8th is not bad either. The 3rd/4th (Marais area) are slightly less central, but have their own unique feel. It depends what you're looking for, but I'd try to stay fairly central.

[HFW003]

When we go to Paris we always stay in the St Germain area. Lots of nice restaurants and a very good vibe.

Close to Notre Dame and the river as well.

[HFW003]

BTW, hope you are used to people smoking whilst you are eating!

If not, you'd better get some practice in

[kscarrol]

Agree w/ HFW003, always stayed in the St. Germain area of Paris. Great area, easy access to all the major attractions.

And he's spot on about the smoking!

As for London, Kensington/South Kensington is a great area but can be a bit pricey but like Paris, a great central location to access everything.

[mccannable]

Originally Posted by kscarrol

Agree w/ HFW003, always stayed in the St. Germain area of Paris. Great area, easy access to all the major attractions.

And he's spot on about the smoking!

As for London, Kensington/South Kensington is a great area but can be a bit pricey but like Paris, a great central location to access everything.

I live in central Florida, I'm used to people smoking meth while at restaurants.


Great info. I am using Hilton points in London so Kensington it is.

[Rat3d ///M]

Originally Posted by mccannable

I live in central Florida, I'm used to people smoking meth while at restaurants.


Great info. I am using Hilton points in London so Kensington it is.

Not sure why but I almost choked when I read the meth comment.

I've been to London 3 times and Paris twice but unfortunately I am frugal when it comes to hotels so I tend to stay outside the city where it's cheaper and take public transport in. London is amazing but very expensive. you will love it. Paris I could take or leave. it's a must see atleast once in your life but it's like the grand Canyon. once you've seen it it's never the same going back (been to the GC 3 times). Only reason I've been to Paris twice is because I live 4 hours away

If you are driving in Paris good luck to you. Best you take The subway

[RABAUKE]

Originally Posted by HFW003

When we go to Paris we always stay in the St Germain area. Lots of nice restaurants and a very good vibe.

Close to Notre Dame and the river as well.

Agreed, when my wife and I were there we walked a lot which we tend to do. We stayed not far from the Moulon Rouge and walked to the Eiffel Tower, Louver and Notre Dame, tons to see and do....have fun.

[RABAUKE]

Originally Posted by Rat3d ///M

Not sure why but I almost choked when I read the meth comment.

I've been to London 3 times and Paris twice but unfortunately I am frugal when it comes to hotels so I tend to stay outside the city where it's cheaper and take public transport in. London is amazing but very expensive. you will love it. Paris I could take or leave. it's a must see atleast once in your life but it's like the grand Canyon. once you've seen it it's never the same going back (been to the GC 3 times). Only reason I've been to Paris twice is because I live 4 hours away

If you are driving in Paris good luck to you. Best you take The subway

My wife used expedia to find off brand hotels, not North American style big box hotels which is the way we prefer to travel anyway. There are deals to be had, and you might just get a very cool experience.

[kscarrol]

Agreed re small hotels. We never stay at the big chain hotels and lately we've had great experiences using VRBO. Great flats in very good locations at reasonable rates, used them in London, Paris and Barcelona.

[RunFlatOut]

About the smoking, it's illegal now to smoke inside public buildings. You can usually still smoke when sat outside. Just fyi the Marais is the gay capital inside the capital. Lookout for rainbow flags, they let people know it's a gay cafe/restaurant/whatever. Just in case you're wondering where all the babes are...

About the Louvre, don't even try to see all of it, it would take more lives than the average person has. Tons to see of course but best to pick an area that interests you. The Joconde is tiny and always surrounded by a crowd, plus it's behind glass. Still one of those where you don't get many chances to see it so might as well.

If you get a chance to do a Paris by night kind of tour, it can be superb with the stylish buildings all lit up.

[mccannable]

Thanks again. We stayed at small hotels in Italy because brand names were too far outside cities. I am cheap but will pay extra to stay close. We only have a week there so don't want to spend too much time commuting into the city.

[HFW003]

We stayed here last time, pretty good location in St Germain.

http://www.leprinceregent.com

[someguywithanm3]

While in Paris, go to Versailles and rent a golf cart. You can thank me later.

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by someguywithanm3

While in Paris, go to Versailles and rent a golf cart. You can thank me later.

This is 1MOREMOD 's golf cart. Maybe you can borrow it.