Gare du Nord accommodations?
Would you stay in this area? The last time we went from Paris to Brest, we stayed in Montparnasse because that's where our train was returning to, and we were going to spend 2 nights. However, for our trip to CDG, we took the train from Montparnasse and had to get to Gard du Nord, and then on to CDG.
We're thinking maybe it's best to stay near Gard du Nord this time so we'll have one train to CDG?
Thoughts? Recommendations?
Eli
Always dreaming of Europe 10/30/09
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We stayed at the Ibis that is about 2 blocks from Gare du Nord. Nice rooms, great price, breakfast was included, pleasant staff and considering we were there over Bastille Day and it was REALLY hot, we were so thankful for the A/C.
Since I live in an old neighborhood, with old buildings and with cobblestone streets, balconies, produce markets and tons of unique little stores, it isn't important for me to stay in a charming hotel when I vacation in other countries. I just want a decent place to sleep that is cheap. :-))Having someplace that oozes charm is important for many people coming to Europe, so not sure if the Ibis will fit your idea of a place to lay your head in Paris.
I agree with Jo..I don't know Paris hotels because i live close enough to the city to sleep at home, but the chain hotels are quite good when "charm" is not the issue...We often stay in Ibis, Novotel and Best Western when doing the French seeing France..and too lazy to seek cute...However, I have friends who have twice stayed at a RSteves recommendation, the Hotel Bastille Spéria and then either taken taxi or Metro to Gare du Nord. Rooms are clean and comfortable and staff friendly. Like when i call to ask if Martin and Pat have left (in my so-called French)they sweetly reply in English..plus it's a good location re Metro connnections.........and PS, are you the Eli of Kansas?
Given a choice of Paris neighborhoods - Gare du Nord would not be it (I stayed there once). However, if it is all about convenience then I can recommend a hotel just out the door of Gare du Nord and across the street. It's called The New Hotel and is so close I used my luggage cart from Gare du Nord and wheeled it across the street into the lobby of the hotel...of course I returned it.
It was air-conditioned and the rooms were clean but small. Of course Gare du Nord is right there as is a metro station.
I was in Paris in Sept and made a list of the hotels across the street from the main entrance to Gare du Nord. They are on rue de Dunkerque, as far as I could tell.
1) Terminus Nord (Mercure, Accor Hotels), "all rooms renovated" according to big sign on the side of the building.
2) Hotel Kyriad
3) New Hotel
4) Hotel Richmond
5) Hotel Apollo
6) Hotel Picardy (looks nice from outside)
7) Hotel Marciano (Left around the corner) probably on rue du Faubourg Saint Denis.
I would consider staying in a hotel there for the convenience. On the station side of the street there are many "street people" who could possibly make their way to the hotel side and ask for money, etc. Panhandlers that I encountered were not aggressive or threatening, but they were numerous on the Sunday afternoon I was there.
Yes, I am the same Eli :-)
Gare du Nord is not my favourite area (saw it when we went over on the Eurostar), but hubby wants convenience.
I only look for clean, decent rooms and don't mind a chain. Last year's stay at Best Western in Montparnasse was a pleasant stay.
Tim, "if" we decided to stay in Montparnasse, is there no direct trains to CDG from there? I do remember us having to go to GDN and then on to another train for the airport.
From Montparnasse you could take the Metro to an RER stop. My recommendation would be to take the Metro, line 4 or 6, to Denfert Rochereau Metro station. From there RER B will take you to CDG. One ticket will cover the Metro and RER for this trip. The RER B stops at Gare du Nord, but you don't have to go there to use it. In fact, I avoid getting on or off the RER at GDN because it is so big, confusing, and busy.
I suppose convenience depends on the time of day, how much luggage you have and how difficult or easy it is to move it.
I have been reading about the area and it doesn't sound too nice. I also contacted someone who was staying at Hotel Libertel (she liked the hotel) but hated that area. Lots of noise, aggressive people according to her, and not too pleasant to walk around in the night.
Back to looking at hotels in Montparnasse! Thanks for the help. I will try to keep luggage as light as we can, but it's Christmas time, so we will have a few gifts for sure.
My question is very similar to Eli's but under a little different circumstances. I will be arriving by a late train on a Saturday night to Gare du Nord and need somewhere cheap and half decent to stay before I make my way to CGD the next afternoon.
My one concern is that I am a female student traveling by myself. Is it safer to get on the Metro and stay in a better area of Paris, or are the streets not that bad that I can walk a few blocks on my own to a hotel.
Thoughts from people who know the area or other solo female travelers?
Thanks!
Kate,
I highly recommend the three MIJE hostels in the Marais. Both Rick Steves and Lonely Planet call them "the best budget accommodations in Paris." They are centrally located and you can easily take the Metro from Gare du Nord to a station close to any of the hostels.
Kate, from what others have told me (a woman from Paris), you wouldn't want to stay in that area so take Tim's advice.