Stylish Digs on a Budget
I thought I would spend an arm and a leg to visit Paris. But thanks to the slump in the world economy and the new culture for reasonable rates and the encouragement of travel and tourism, I did not have to bust over $300 a night for a great stay in the City of Light.
There are actually a TON of choices on agoda.com. I found these - affordable na affordable!
Upon the recommendation of my Fairy Godmother, I got a room at Hotel Ho Marais. Another gem of a friend, Lady Bombay Sapphire, who had previously lived in Europe, assured me that this was located in a good area. "It's like New York's SOHO," she said.
Initially I was hesitant because I wanted a hotel near the Metro, never mind the amenities.
To the clueless, anything that isn't right beside the Eiffel Tower might seem far away. Also, on the map, it seems quite the distance from the train. But in reality it is a stone's throw away from the Metro - as in lampas lang nang konti sa kanto. I even braved my way by train from Lyon - and surprised myself by successfully arriving in the hotel in one piece!
When you emerge from underground, you will be greeted by this lovely landmark of the Republique.
Here's a bit on the Place de la Republique from the ever reliable Wikipedia (on another note - make a donation to keep Wiki alive!):
Tired of lugging my luggage, I wanted to hop into a cab after getting out of the Metro. Then when the cab driver saw this address, he pointed down the street. "That's Boulevard du Temple!"
The next few days, I got around the Metro as if I'd lived in Paris for decades. (As long as you know your direction and stop it's easy breezy.)
The thing is, though, I couldn't have arrived in Paris at a hotter time. The city experienced the hottest day of the year when I was there, hitting 34 degrees! So getting into this really cozy blue room was a treat.
It was carpeted, too.
Being Paris, there are some space adjustments to be made, e.g. you'll have to sit on the throne sideways. But considering it's Paris, Hotel Ho Marais is both a find and a steal. Other hotels for the same price would offer a single bed, the possibility of no air conditioning, and offer no style at all.
Here, it was cool, extremely comfortable, and the designer made amazing use of space. There is space for your clothes, a window (tip: ask for the side with a view), a desk, a flat screen TV, one of those showers that flow directly from above, a hair dryer, and the most comfortable bed that will make it difficult for you to drag yourself to go sightseeing in the morning!
And if you are as tired from walking as I was, or if you come in the fall or winter and it is cold, you'll be happy to avail of their sauna and steam bath services! I did, after I arrived - carrying your luggage around the Metro is really tiring! - and I had the best sleep ever. (There's also a gym if you'd rather exercise indoors - maybe in the winter?)
In the morning, to get ready for your day of museum hopping, you can dine in this cute cave on the first basement where they have kitschy light art and adorable chairs.
Guess what they serve ... baguettes, croissants and cheese. Hello, it's France!
I was really impressed by the attention to detail in this new Paris boutique hotel (I think they only opened this year). When you arrive, you can sit in these large chairs and have a Nespresso. Jazz plays from a local radio station. And lest you lose your keys, they made sure to attach these beads ... !
I noticed a wide range of clients: an old couple, three young girls, a lone yuppie. I think it's accurate to say that this hotel is for the budget prudent but stylish traveler, regardless of age, race or creed.
I just have one confession to make: I missed touring the Notre Dame because the bed was so comfortable I couldn't get up most mornings!
Hotel Ho Marais
38 boulevard du Temple
11. Bastille - République
Paris, France 75011
I thought I would spend an arm and a leg to visit Paris. But thanks to the slump in the world economy and the new culture for reasonable rates and the encouragement of travel and tourism, I did not have to bust over $300 a night for a great stay in the City of Light.
There are actually a TON of choices on agoda.com. I found these - affordable na affordable!
Upon the recommendation of my Fairy Godmother, I got a room at Hotel Ho Marais. Another gem of a friend, Lady Bombay Sapphire, who had previously lived in Europe, assured me that this was located in a good area. "It's like New York's SOHO," she said.
Initially I was hesitant because I wanted a hotel near the Metro, never mind the amenities.
To the clueless, anything that isn't right beside the Eiffel Tower might seem far away. Also, on the map, it seems quite the distance from the train. But in reality it is a stone's throw away from the Metro - as in lampas lang nang konti sa kanto. I even braved my way by train from Lyon - and surprised myself by successfully arriving in the hotel in one piece!
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| Bonjour, Paris! Arrived in Paris at 8:00 p.m. The summer sun made it feel like 8:00 am! |
Here's a bit on the Place de la Republique from the ever reliable Wikipedia (on another note - make a donation to keep Wiki alive!):
"The Place de la République is a square in Paris, located on the border between the 3rd, 10th and 11th arrondissements. It is named after the French Republic. The Métro station of République lies beneath the square.There was even street jazz playing when I arrived. Pa-fiesta ni Fairy Godmother kasi bongga siya.
Tired of lugging my luggage, I wanted to hop into a cab after getting out of the Metro. Then when the cab driver saw this address, he pointed down the street. "That's Boulevard du Temple!"
The next few days, I got around the Metro as if I'd lived in Paris for decades. (As long as you know your direction and stop it's easy breezy.)
The thing is, though, I couldn't have arrived in Paris at a hotter time. The city experienced the hottest day of the year when I was there, hitting 34 degrees! So getting into this really cozy blue room was a treat.
It was carpeted, too.
Being Paris, there are some space adjustments to be made, e.g. you'll have to sit on the throne sideways. But considering it's Paris, Hotel Ho Marais is both a find and a steal. Other hotels for the same price would offer a single bed, the possibility of no air conditioning, and offer no style at all.
Here, it was cool, extremely comfortable, and the designer made amazing use of space. There is space for your clothes, a window (tip: ask for the side with a view), a desk, a flat screen TV, one of those showers that flow directly from above, a hair dryer, and the most comfortable bed that will make it difficult for you to drag yourself to go sightseeing in the morning!
In the morning, to get ready for your day of museum hopping, you can dine in this cute cave on the first basement where they have kitschy light art and adorable chairs.
Guess what they serve ... baguettes, croissants and cheese. Hello, it's France!
I was really impressed by the attention to detail in this new Paris boutique hotel (I think they only opened this year). When you arrive, you can sit in these large chairs and have a Nespresso. Jazz plays from a local radio station. And lest you lose your keys, they made sure to attach these beads ... !
I noticed a wide range of clients: an old couple, three young girls, a lone yuppie. I think it's accurate to say that this hotel is for the budget prudent but stylish traveler, regardless of age, race or creed.
I just have one confession to make: I missed touring the Notre Dame because the bed was so comfortable I couldn't get up most mornings!
Hotel Ho Marais
38 boulevard du Temple
11. Bastille - République
Paris, France 75011
