Anyone stay at the Ibis Hotels (or a decent chain) near the Gare Du Nord in Paris?

Question

I've been to TripAdvisor.com and to the Ibis/Accor websites but the hotel websites make the hotels look all nice and Ikea-like and the reviews make the hotels sound cramped and old.

Not really fussy, just don't want a place where I'll have to bring my own sheets and towels. Looking for a hotel within walking distance (with luggage) of the Eurostar terminal.

Prefer a chain so I would have better luck booking with a credit card on-line vs. calling and faxing info and making any changes if they came up. Staying the last weekend in October for 2 days.

Answer 1

I agree with Rifilian (who knows Paris better than Parisian people !) when he says that the area of Gare du Nord is not very good to stay.

Anyway, Ibis is a very good chain, clean and with no surprise.

The nearest of Gare du Nord is rue Lafayette :

http://www.ibishotel.com/ibis/fichehotel...

But I would have chosen this one which is close to Opera in a better area and easier to commute :

http://www.ibishotel.com/ibis/fichehotel...

and not very far from Gare du Nord.

Answer 2

I'm not sure there is much of a benefit to being within walking distance of the Gare du Nord. The time you may save by getting to and from the train station on arrival and departure will be, I suspect, less than the time you'll waste by getting from that area to places you want to be during your stay.

Its not that big a deal either way since Paris is a very compact city but its a consideration.

You can stay at my favorite hotel, the St. Andre, right in the center. They're really simple but clean and conveniently located. You can book online thru this website: http://www.123france.com/en/0/hotel-sain...

P.S. I'll be in Paris from 10/8 to 10/29.....see you there!