Reviewed by: The Urban Traveler (Click Here for Photos of our most recent trip)
Overall Grade: A
Kid’s Rating: A-
Location: A+
Amenities: B
Food: A
Service: B
Fun Factor: A
Best For: Families with kids 8+, couples or singles.
Date of Stay: July 2008, April 2009
The Lowdown: I adore
Paris. The quaint boulangeries (bakeries) on every corner. The cafes
filled with people. The amazing sites and boutiques and architecture.
Paris is alive! There is just something about it, a je ne sais quois.
However, Paris is not cheap. The hotels are expensive and, compared to
what we are used to in North America, very small and “quaint” (this is
what my husband and I agreed was a positive way of looking at our cute
little hotel we stayed at in the St. Germain-des-Pres district in Paris).
There is so much to see and experience in Paris from the Eiffel Tower and Versailles to Steak Frites and Crepes to the Louvre and Musee D’Orsay. Just look around. Some of the world’s most famous landmarks are here!
Kid’s Comments: I loved the crepes from the street vendor and the bakeries but I was disappointed that the Eiffel Tower people were on strike so I couldn’t go up. The lines to get into things were really long.
Top 5 Things you should know about Paris:
- The Language:
I know. It is completely unrealistic to learn a whole language before
your visit but at least pick up a few key phrases and try and use them.
The effort is usually much appreciated. 
The History: Just like I advised for London
knowing some of the history of this country sure helps. It will give
you an advantage and some interesting insight into one of the world’s
most romantic cities.- The Investment: Paris is not
cheap. Not by a long shot. Prioritize what you want to do and look into
tours and passes before you book. Even the small “quaint” hotels can be
pricey and are often booked well in advance. One BIG tip given to me
before my first trip – check the washroom situation at the hotel before
booking. In many hotels you are required to share bathroom/washing
facilities with other guests. Our room was small and my husband
couldn’t fit his whole body in the shower…but it least it was ours! - The Food:
The cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Paris are everywhere. If you
are a foodie, do some research before hand and decide where you want to
stop. If possible, reserve in advance to avoid disappointment. - The Eurostar:
Why not do London and Paris on the same trip? We did and it was so
easy. We took a three day jaunt to Paris from London on the fabulous
Eurostar. This high speed train got us from city to city in just over 2
hours.
