Just booked our accomodation yesterday. Late ya? In the 1st place, we only have the intention to go last Wed night & put in action (applied leave & bought tickets) this Mon. Train tickets to Lyon also already settled on Mon. Now mainly concerned about the hotels we've found. Will be staying in 3 different hotels - 1 night on the day of arrival in Paris, 2 nights in Lyon, then back to Paris for 4 nights. When come to accomodation, I'm super meticulous, I admit. This the biggest problem when I travel. I can't stand toilet that's not clean & old... & the bed...
Been looking at few hundreds of small hotels in Paris since Mon. But after the bad experience during my last trip, I no longer have faith in what I see online. My sweet honey is ever so patient with me as he is not fussy at all, especially for guys who have served NS before according to him. His only request - the room must be air-conditioned. My dear hubby freaked out when he came across a review posted by one of the hotel guests talking about air-con wasn't installed in that hotel.
You know how expensive the hotels in Europe. If you're willing to pay Euro180 per night, you only get a 3-star hotel! (@Euro180 x 2.02 = S$363) Of course there are many below Euro100 but those good & cheap are usually already fully booked. And those cheap & are available, you'll start doubting "how come so cheap & supposed to be good (in terms of location & room condition) still got rooms??". There are soooooo many small hotels in Paris, mostly with only 40 over rooms, that's why it's not surprising the availability is slim for the real value for $$ ones.
The last time I went there was in 2003 near end of winter (had my 1-week training in Le Havre & extended on my own to Paris). Weeks before my departure, happily booked a 2-star hotel online after browsing through the description and pictures amidst many others. At that time was already Euro95 so I thought it shouldn't go too wrong. When I arrived, this bellboy helped me with the luggages up to the 3rd level. As there's no lift, I was glad he helped me otherwise I'd have a hard time getting the luggages up without a lift. Then before he even finished putting them down in my room, he stretched out his hands to ask for tips! Anyway about the room... Was very disappointed to see what type of room I got myself - the uneven wooden flooring was covered with a dark blue carpet, the bathroom was still considered clean but very cold because the old windows couldn't be sealed completely, sounds from the flushing system and the footstep noises (wooden flooring)...... But the most interesting was, I could clearly hear workers whistling at the construction site next door! Can you imagine, I paid S$200 for a room like this!? Guess its biggest selling point being situated in the middle of the touristic areas, only about 5 mins walk to the River Seine, Musée du Louvre & etc.
So instead of strolling around & enjoyed being in Paris, I was walking around looking for alternative hotel! After (I can't remember exactly) some hours, I finally found another 1 just a block away. Early next morning, I couldn't wait to pack up & leave the 1st hotel. Dragged (too heavy to carry) my luggages down the stairs by myself & all the way to the other hotel. However after settling down in the room, I just didn't feel comfortable at all! It was no doubt bigger but there's a strong smell I believe mainly from the old carpet and the bathroom was very poorly lit. Think about the bathroom in Singapore in the 60s or 70s... the type of tiles & a big yellow bulb from the ceiling. Ok this time was my fault. I personally visited the hotel the previous day & no problem. Then when my friend in Paris called me, I was desperately seeking for help! Good thing he was able to get me a room @ one of the Holiday Inn hotels and I had to pay approx Euro20 more per night. So the next morning, he sent me to the 3rd hotel on my 3rd day in Paris before having lunch with him & his wife @ their house.
The Holiday Inn room was great, very new & I want to go back for this trip. However I checked the rates & the minimum for a standard double room is Euro179!!!! We're not going to pay so much!
Have eventually booked 1 @ slightly over Euro100/night very close to the Opéra for the last 4 nights in Paris... the 1 in Lyon is much cheaper. Hopefully the rooms will turn out to be ok!
Looking forward to our Honeymoon!!
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