I hope this is the correct place to ask about the hotel we're considering?

The only recommendation we have for this hotel in the Marais, is from a friend who stayed there 10yrs ago.
We are not looking for fancy, but we do want safe and clean in a nice area where we can find small markets or a bakery to buy breakfast. It is only 1*, so we're expecting small rooms, but what about the location? It's at 12 rue de Birague, which looks close to rue Saint-Antoine between the Saint-Paul & Bastille metro stations. From what I've read here about the Marais, I'm wondering if it's too far East? Is this area appropriate for two middle aged women and a 10 yr old girl? We're not looking for nightlife since we'll likely be out early every day exploring.

Welcome, Dogs!

Did you check the travel reviews to see if there is any info on this hotel? Start there. It is helpful, too, if you can add a link to the hotel. Is this it? www.hotelplacedesvosges.com There are not many photos, but photos can be deceiving as most of us well know. I hope you find a review in the archives or that a fellow ST'er will have some info.

You'll find recent reviews on Tripadvisor.com.

Hello and Welcome!

Yes, this is the right place to ask. I did a search using the find button and found this thread. Personally, I loved the area around the Place but it was many years ago for me. (note to myself - visit Paris again!)

It's a nice, interesting area, with some individual quirky shops - my daughter went out yesterday in her gorgeous red ballet flats that she bought there for 15e (last year)! We weren't staying in that arrondissment, but we did eat out there (me + 15 + 12 year old girls) and felt perfectly safe there day and evening. The architecture is facinating.

quote:

which looks close to rue Saint-Antoine between the Saint-Paul & Bastille metro stations. From what I've read here about the Marais, I'm wondering if it's too far East? Is this area appropriate for two middle aged women and a 10 yr old girl?

I stayed very close to that location on my first trip to Paris, and felt it was a great place to base in the city. Quick access to the Metro, but really - it was easy walking distance to the sights I wanted to see. I was traveling solo, and felt perfectly safe at all times.

Colleen

I think the message board section has been down all day, so I've not been able to respond earlier.
Thanks for the input!

The web site for this hotel is http://hotelplacedesvosges.com/ and the rates look very reasonable @ 90 Euro/night so I'm glad to hear that people think the area will be nice. There is no AC, which I may very well regret. Actually, I already do!

We stayed in an apartment half a block from Place Des Voges in May and loved the area. We were close to 2 major metro stations (Bastille & St Paul) and a few good bus routes, including the wonderfully scenic # 69.

We walked everywhere, including late at night coming back from dinner and always felt perfectly safe. Lots of cafes and restaurants in the area, as well as good shopping. We loved the Marais and would stay here again.

Jo

You don't mention when you are thinking of coming - I don't know that i would worry about air conditioning this year. We have had the heat on for the last few weeks (in the southwest of France) and while still hoping for a hot summer, it hasn't arrived yet.

We'll be there June 30 to July 4th. I would give anything for it to be cool. My sister doesn't like AC, but I sure do.

Think positive! You could get a cool week, not impossible this time of year!

If you're not directly under the roof, you should be fine. Old Paris buildings aren't made of cardboard, so they don't get too hot in summer. Mostly depends on the exposure, etc. Right now, temperatures are rather fair in Paris.

We've walked by this hotel several times, and thought it seemed to be a perfect location. The Place de Vosges really is a great area, and should be a wonderful place to base. I poked my head into this hotel once, thinking that I'd pick up a brochure. I wish I could remember what I saw, but I think it was fine. I'd love to hear from someone on this site who has stayed there.
I love the fact that Paris has these small neighborhood hotels. They aren't for everyone (many Americans like larger rooms, more amenities) but you can't beat being in a real neighborhood, soaking up the experience you get there. You would be close to the Seine and its islands. The Marais is our favorite part of Paris.
Linda

I'm now getting excited out our choice! I still wish there was AC, but perhaps we'll luck out and have mild weather.

oops I meant to type now getting excited

I posted earlier on the other thread about this hotel and we've stayed twice but it has been quite a few number of years. As far as I am concerned, you cannot beat the location - it was great for everything we were interested in and easy to get around to the other places. We really liked the small Picasso Museum not very far away and the area abounds with wonderful food stores and cafes and stores.

The hotel was perfect for us. We stayed in one room that was....non-descript...to say the least. However, we did stay in the top floor in a wonderful room that we used to bring picnics back to eat in and it had a super bathroom. I'm sure the place has changed since we were there and I hope you can determine what the room you are booking is actually like. Have a super time!

Thanks to everyone who replied! Sorry for the delay, but I wanted to let you know that we thoroughly enjoyed this hotel. Yes, it was hot the first few days, but the fan helped and fortunately it was not humid. It was a great location just steps outside the gate of the Place des Vosges, and a few minutes walk from St Paul & Bastille metro stations. Rue de Birague is a cute, quiet little street since it isn't really a thru street. A bit noisy at night if you were in a front room, but in the back the fan easily drowned out the street sounds even with the windows wide open. We were on the 4th floor, which is as far as the (tiny) elevator goes. At check-in, the woman at reception kindly helped us up the first flight of stairs to the elevator with our (too much!) luggage. By the way, all staff spoke English and were friendly & helpful.

My sister had a room that faces the street, with nice large windows that opened. It was larger than mine, but was also hotter because the afternoon sun heated up the room too much. I'd choose that location if visiting in cooler months. Her room did not have the renovated bathroom (marble/granite)or a new tv, although both were just fine. Mine was at the back of the building, facing an interior courtyard, but with a nice view of the rooftops & skyline. It had the renovated bathroom, as well as a flat screen tv and nice new useful lighting. There are only 3 rooms per floor so we kind of had our own suite of rooms. There are only 16 total, so it's a homey sort of place. Breakfast was 8Euros, which I guess is reasonable when you consider that a cafe creme alone is 5Euros on the street! And I thought Starbuck's was pricey.

We had a great time and had some great meals, but WOW on pricing in Paris. I sure am glad that we also spent time with friends in Aix en Provence where we ate most meals at home.

Thanks for reporting back! Would you consider submitting this as a review on our main site? You've already done most of the work, so you'd just need to cut and paste into the form. then this info will be available in our database where it's easy to find.

Here's the link to the reviews area on the main site.