Paris Hotel Tips by Geisha_Girl

Monna Lisa Hotel: SMILES at the Monna Lisa Monna Lisa Review

As part of the DESIGN HOTELS chain, we anticipated that the Monna Lisa hotel was going to be nothing less than sophistication and state of the art decor. Actually, similar to the BAUZA HOTEL experience we had in Madrid (which belongs to the same hotel chain).

Once we arrived, what we received was artsy simplicity.............but the most incredible LOCATION!

The Monna Lisa Hotel is a converted 19th century townhouse and is located just steps away from the Champs Elysees.

Each room is smart, but very very tiny. It actually made the hotels in New York City look like double suites!

The "gimmick" of the Monna Lisa is that each room contains a close up reproduction of part of Leonardo da Vinci?s most famous lady.

Although the rooms were small, they were cozy and stylish with the appropriate "sliding mirrored doors" that help fool the eye into thinking the room is bigger!

Unique Qualities: It is the LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION that would bring us back to the Monna Lisa again!

Be sure to book your rooms via www.Orbitz .com and not directly through the hotel or their website. We managed to get a much better deal on Orbitz, which included the breakfast.

Address: 97, Rue de La Bo?tie Paris

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Near the Champs Elysees

Price: US$180 and up

Theme: Hotel

Hotel Regina: A Tribute to the FALL in Paris........ Regina Hotel Review

During our *million dollar* stroll through les grands boulevards of Paris, and as we approached the famous "Statue de Jeanne d'Arc," we stumbled upon the famous Hotel Regina.

Coined as the first of three Parisian luxury hotels created by Leonard Tauber and Constant Baverez, the "Regina" was built on the former site of the Louvre's royal carousel.

More significant to us was that it was featured in one of the most famous scenes in Eric Schaeffer's Indie film, "Fall."

One of the film's most heart-wrenching scenes takes place when the tenacious main character pursues his beloved muse all the way to Paris...........where there he finds her leaving the Hotel Regina, hand in hand, with her husband.

From across the Place des Pyramides she spots him, they share a glance, and she can feel his heart breaking as the narration of "Shiver's" poetry to Sarah plays in the films background:

"I know you would never fly a million miles just to see me smile at you. Someday maybe, but not today. So I guess I better disappear, Sarah. I know you'll be okay, and soon I will be too. And maybe, just maybe, if god so desires, a day will come when, as friends, we will find ourselves accidentally strolling along the white cliffs of Dover, or the mountain rocks of Mendocino, or the bonnie, emerald north of the Scottish seaboard........

.......or the glistening harbor of old New York, and from the heights, in the stars, among the angels whose arms will cradle us, in a moment neither of us was told about but knew like our oldest happiness, we will look into each other's eyes and know....it is today. It is today. And whether that day is tomorrow, or next week, or next year, or next lifetime......

.....I will finally get to tell you to your sweet face. The face I will miss more than I could ever tell, that......I love you. And you'll smile wryly, close your eyes, say 'catch me baby'.........and fall."

*Goose pimples.*

Address: 2, Place de Pyramides 75001 France

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 33 0 1 42 60 31 10

Price: US$180 and up

Theme: Hotel

Le Meridien Etoile: No hairy tarantulas, no "no-see" bugs, no mice! Le Meridien Etoile Review

Le Meridien Etoile is located on the Right Bank of Paris, facing the Palais des Congres. The metro stop is Porte Maillot and right beneath a convenient shopping mall!

The Club President rooms are decorated in an art deco style, and of course the luxury Hermes amenities are the BEST! Plush bathrobes and slippers are provided and your own private Reception desk.

The outdoor terrace was one of my favorite spots. During our last breakfast at the hotel, as we dined near the terrace window, the morning sky was crisp and clear and we had the most exquisite view of the Eiffel Tower.

We left Paris with everything "Cristal Clear!"

It was an especially luxurious stay for someone who had spent 2 1/2 weeks in the remote Nicaraguan jungles and islands.....where hot water was scarce and tarantulas were in abudance!

Simple Luxury!

Address: 81 Boulevard Gouvion Saint-cyr, 75848 Paris

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 00 33 1 40683434

Price: US$180 and up

Theme: Hotel

Le Meridien Etoile: ...and Goldilocks says: "This bed is JUST RIGHT!" Le Meridien Etoile Review

After our lovely experience at Le Meridien Covent Garden in London, we knew we wouldn't expect anything less than comfort and professionalism at Le Meridien Etoile in Paris. (Actually, we're just ADDICTED to the Hermes body soaps they provide!)

Our room on the President's Club Level was comfortable and suited our needs perfectly.

Every morning we were waken up with fresh cafe creme, a gourmet breakfast buffet, newspapers, and an extraordinary view of the famous Paris landmarks! (Sacre Coeur seemed an arm's reach away, and the Eiffel Tower was glistening at us)

Unique Qualities: Just like our room in London, the bed in our room in Paris was just how we liked it.........not too soft, not too hard, but JUST RIGHT!

Address: 81 Boulevard Gouvion Saint-cyr, 75848 Paris

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 00 33 1 40683434

Price: US$180 and up

Theme: Hotel