Bonsoir!

I packed a suitcase full of t-shirts, 3 quarter pants and 1 light jumper only to arrive in a city that was less than 5 degrees. I ran to the first shop I could see once I settled in at the Hotel Tronchet to buy myself a beanie, pair of gloves, a scarf and a nice heavy leather jacket.

When I first arrived I was surprised with their airport. Charles de Gaulle simply looked old, tired and confusing! We arrived early in the morning at around 7am and didn’t really get to the hotel until 9am.

First night was at The Hotel Tronchet, which was a 3 star but lacking the last star, so I would rate it 2 star. The rooms were so tiny that you had to step right on your bed as you opened the door. The bathroom had one little bath tub which you had to sit in and pull this leaver out to get water to come out and shower yourself. It did not have a separate shower. Some of the rooms didn’t even have doors on them, so if you were sharing with a stranger, you would have to ask them to leave the room while you were using the bathroom.

That night we did a cruise in the river Seine,  it was beautiful seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up and flashing every hour. The cruise got a bit long and boring, especially after a long flight from Sydney, we all fell asleep after 30minjutes on the cruise. We should have maybe done this another night after a good night’s sleep.

The next morning we did 3 hotel inspections; Trocadero Dokhans, Hotel Edouard VII and Sofitel Baltimore.

On the 3rd day we took a very long tour to the Chateaux of the Loire. We enjoyed visiting Chambord Castle, Chevernny Castle and Chenonceau Castle. They all had some great history and I was amazed to learn that Chambord Castle had 365 chimneys. But after the 2nd castle, I was all “castled” out. It was a very long day.

The next day we had a half day Versailles guided tour, where I got to understand the story behind Marie Antoinette. Very fascinating! However there were far too many people, I would say at least 1000 or so. It was frustrating trying to push your way through and very hard to hear our guide talk. It was very loud and busy. The gardens were sensational, though I feel sorry for the landscaper, that is a BIG job.

That night we experienced dinner at Paris Latin, Great show, the food was a bit shabby, but the wine washed it down nicely. The dancers were mostly Australian and I thought they were all talented. A bit pricey, EUR175 per person, with a crappy dinner which they rush before the show, I don’t think it is worth the money.

The next day we did 3 more hotel inspections; Hotel Bel-Ami, Hotel L’Albe & Hotel Saint Paul. The rest of the day was free time. This is where the credit card got damaged. On St Germaine Boulevard, I went crazy. I had to buy a suitcase to bring the extra shopping home.

I traveled with Singapore Airlines and had the opportunity to experience the new aircraft between Singapore and Paris. The flight was ok, a lot of turbulence. Experienced a few problems with their in-flight entertainment, it had to be rebooted a couple of times as it was malfunctioning. The seats didn’t recline that much and the neck rest was uncomfortable. Although the colour scheme was great, the food was average and the service was fantastic, I think that there a few things that need to be fine tuned to make this worth the airfare they charge.

The second day a gentleman in our group was robbed as we were using the metro. It’s smelly and very scary. It may work as far as getting you around, but the train stations need to be cleaned up and perhaps have more cameras up to stop people being robbed.

I think Paris is a little overrated and it is not what the movies make it out to be. The city is not as romantic as they say it is, although I had a great time!

Avoir!

Hotel D’Albe 1 Rue de la Harpe 75005 PARIS Set in the Latin Quarter and Saint Germaine –des-Pres, very near from Notre-Dame. Good location near monuments such as the banks of Seine and the museums, like the Louvre or Orsay. Rooms: 45 renovated and soundproofed rooms, air conditioning, each having a bath/WC or shower with/WC, hairdryer. Direct Dial phone, modern plug, deposit box, mini bar and colour tv.
Edouard VII 39, av. de l’Opera 75002 PARIS Set in the heart of the heart of Paris, with breathtaking vies of Garnier Opera House, this pet-friendly boutique hotel owes it name to Prince of Wales (future King Edward VII) who was sojourned here. The hotel has s unique atmosphere inspired by Napoleon III furniture, luxury fabrics and an intelligent mélange of marble, wood and Murano glass chandeliers. Rooms: All 70 rooms are air-conditioned. Superior and Deluxe rooms are suited for families and guests wishing to extend their stay in Paris where the rational rooms are more suited for the business traveler and are fully equipped with the internet access. Each room fitted with a mini bar, safety box, hairdryer, TV and ADSL internet access.
Hotel Bel Ami 7-11 Rue St Benoit 75006 PARIS The Bel-Ami is found in the heart of Paris, in the Saint-Germaine-des-Pres district, and is a stylish, contemporary design hotel which uses simple lines and bright, open spaces to maximum effect. Flattering lighting, natural materials and warm colours are added to provide an atmosphere of relaxed modern luxury. Rooms: The Bel-Ami has a different room and suite for every mood, some overlooking the Saint Germain Square. The 115 recently renovated guest bedrooms come in a choice of 3 vibrant colours: Orange - with a cheerful citrus twist, Blue & Chocolate Brown - for a refreshing but warm atmosphere Soft Green – Ideal for relaxing  All rooms are quiet, equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV with videos on request, a Mineral Water mini bar, in room safe and heated towel rail.
Sofitel Trocadero Dokhan’s 117 rue Lauriston 75116 Paris The sumptuous Sofitel Trocadero is a truly unique hotel. A temple to luxury in neo classical style, the popular choice of the international press, located between the Trocadero and the Arc de Triomphe. The location offers a wide range of activities, both cultural and retail. This Hausmann construction features 41 rooms and 4 suites, the only champagne bar in Paris to also offer light meals. Luxury hotel ideal for a business trip or romantic stay in Paris. The only hotel that features a champagne bar, where you can sit in Le Dokhans’s and discover the unique atmosphere of the universe’ finest wines & champagnes. Rooms: A total of 45 rooms, 24 non-smoking and 4 suites.. Each room is fitted with air conditioning, a safe deposit box, minibar, coloured tv’s , wireless internet, hairdryer and bathtub and 24 hour room service.
Baltimore Paris Sofitel Demeure 88 Bis Avenue Kleber 75116 Paris The Sofitel Baltimore is close to the Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe and the Trocadero, in the beautiful heart of Paris. This elegant townhouse was converted into a hotel in 1920, taking on the name of its first and most faithful guest, LordBaltimore. 103 renovated rooms and suites featuring Sofitel MyBeds. Our gourmet French restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star and offers a private dining room. Bar and library lounge. Meeting rooms. Fitness area. Pay car park nearby. Rooms: A total of 103 rooms, 54 smoking and 1 suite. Each room is fitted with air conditioning, audio smoke alarm, security peephole, a safe deposit box, minibar, coloured tv’s , wireless internet, hairdryer and bathtub, 24 hours room service.
Hotel Saint-Paul 43, rue Monsieur le Prince 75006, Paris In the Latin Quarter, the very heart of Paris, between Saint Germaine des Prés, the Sorbonne, Notre Dame and the Luxembourg gardens, the hotel Saint-Paul is an attractive XVIIth century residence. Its oak beams and stone walls are combined with " Haute Époque " furniture and an English decor to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Rooms: The hotel offers the comfort and calm of its 31 fully equipped rooms. All have bathroom, hairdryer, direct phone, satellite television, mini bar, safety box, LAN Wireless. Air conditioned rooms available on request.