How I Chose a Hotel When Traveling in Pairs?

Paris is a must-visit destination for many travel enthusiasts. However, it is not easy to find a hotel that is safe, convenient at a reasonabe price from the numerous accommodation options. I had learned how to choose a hotel from my decades of experience in traveling in Europe. I would like to share my tips of choosing a Paris hotel, as well as a hotel I have stayed in 2018 and 2024 for your reference.

Factors I Consider When Choosing Accommodation in Paris

Safety & Convenience

Paris is a highly popular tourist city among travelers from all over the world. There are also many accommodation options, but the prices are sometimes prohibitive. Therefore, finding temporary accommodation when visiting Paris is not an easy task.

First of all, which district to live in is safer and more convenient is a big question. The popular attractions in Paris can be said to be spreaded across all districts. There is no certain district that is the most suitable to live in. You can only consider it based on your personal itinerary plan. However, the unsafe area must be avoided. In addition, sometimes due to price factors, many people will consider B&B or renting a house, but since Paris is a metropolis where public security is difficult to completely reassure, I prefer to choose star-rated hotels.

Consider Your Own Travel Needs and Itinerary

Some people only travel and do not shop, so they can choose hotels based entirely on the attractions in the itinerary. However, since Paris is the fashion capital of the world and the birthplace of major luxury brands, many tourists will shop when they come to Paris. Have a look at the constant flow of customers in major department stores and luxury stores in Paris. You will know that most tourists will not leave empty-handed when they come to Paris. Therefore, it will be much more convenient to stay close to the shopping area, so that you can put away your shopping bags after shopping. Isn't it safer and more convenient to return to your hotel room and take a coffee break ?

Linda Chou in Hotel Saint Peterburg | Linda Chou's Life Journey Blog

Is the Transportation Convenient?

Forget that the Paris Metro is dirty, messy, dangerous and smells like urine from time to time. For tourists, since we normally carry luggage, convenient transportation is very important. In particular, there are no escalators or elevators at the entrance of the Paris Metro. Walking through the twists and turns of the subway, and walking to the platform is not as convenient as Taiwan's metro. It is extremely tough for passengers who need to transfer . Therefore, after arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport, I usually spend 16 euros to take the Roissy Bus to the city centre of Paris, and the only stop for this airport bus in downtown Paris is next to the Palais Garnier. Considering that taking a taxi to and from the airport is very expensive, I always take the Roissy Bus. Therefore, every time I visit Paris, I always stay in a hotel in this Opera House district.

Considering All the Advantages in One Area,

the Opera House District is My First Choice for Hotels.

Since there are two department stores, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, the Opera District is a gathering place for tourists, and the security is relatively safe. I traveled to Paris in early 2016. As a terrorist attack had just occurred in Paris, there were armed troops guarding the area all night long. Obviously, the Paris city government attaches great importance to the safety of this area. Perhaps the hotel prices in this area are not very affordable, but considering many factors, this area has always been my only choice for hotels.

Reasons Why I Chose ' Hotel Saint-Petersbourg '

Based on the aforementioned considerations, I found a four-star hotel in the Opera District, Hotel Saint-Petersbourg, that met the filtering criteria, the hotel style matched my taste, and the room rate was acceptable.

Just a 3-minute walk to the Roissy Bus airport bus station

Because I often travel alone for vacation and business trip in Paris, transportation to and from the airport is a very important consideration for me. After I found the Roissy Bus stop next to the Palais Garnier on Google Map, I focused on it to look for the hotel with 5-minute walking distance, so that I don’t have to walk a long way with my luggage after arriving in Paris. More importantly, I don’t have to take other means of transportation to get to the hotel. The Hotel Saint-Petersbourg where I stayed met this requirement. It only takes 3 minutes to walk to the only stop of the Roissiy bus in city centre.

There are Many Important Attractions Nearby

In addition to Palais Garnier, La Madeleine, Colonne Vendôme are all within a 10-minute walk, and the must-visit Louvre Museum is also located in the Opera District.

Close to Subway Stations and Bus Stops

If you want to take metro lines 3&9, it only takes 4 minutes to walk to Havre - Caumartin metro station.

If you want to take subway lines 3, 7, or 8, it only takes 3 minutes to walk to Opera (Opera House Station).

Near Shopping Area

When traveling to Paris, most people will shop, and the two adjacent department stores, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, are must-visit shopping destinations for many tourists. When I stayed in Hotel Saint-Petersbourg, I could see Printemps department store just outside the hotel door.

It only takes 11 minutes to walk to Galeries Lafayette. Such a short distance, almost living next to the department store. After shopping, you don’t have to carry large and small bags back to the hotel, and you don’t have to worry about attracting attention or attracting pickpockets.

The Return Guests Enjoy Discounts

Since the hotel prices in Paris are not very affordable, it is not easy to find a hotel with good location at reasonable price and good equipment. For my visit Paris in 2024, I checked many 3 to 4-star hotels that met my criteria as early as January. At that time, I found that the price of Hotel Saint-Petersbourg was comparable to other hotels of the same level in the same area. Moreover, the hotel informed me that I could get a 10% discount if I stayed again.

Life Functions Well, You Get What You Want

There are bakeries, a supermarket, cafes, and restaurants open until late, and even the post office. They are all within walking distance, thus, I could fill my stomach nearby after returning to the hotel from a day trip. In the morning, you can go to the bakery opposite to buy some bread, go back to the hotel, use the coffee machine to make coffee, and add yogurt and fruit to complete your breakfast.

There are many types of shopping options near the hotel, which is more convenient than in Taipei. Even my favorite Laduree is within a 10-minute walk. Frankly speaking, I rarely took the subway or bus. Therefore, I saved a lot of transportation expenses.

Classic Style 4-star Hotel Saint-Petersbourg Opera & SPA

I like classic-style hotels and this hotel has met my requirement. The lobby has been well-maintained, the decor looks elegant with relaxing atmosphere.

The beverage area next to the lobby has tea and sparkling water equipment for guests to use.

When you return to the hotel, you can have a cup of tea and take a rest in the beautiful lobby.

Newly Decorated Bar, Lounge Area and Restaurant

This hotel did not pay so much attention to the leisure area when my last stay with this hotel in 2018. Returned to this hotel in 2024, I found that the hotel has a brand new bar and leisure area on the ground floor. The design is simple and elegant, and travel guide books are thoughtfully prepared for guests. .

The bar is convenient for guests to have a drink while relaxing and chatting in the hotel.

Linda Chou in Hotel Saint-Petersbourg Opera & SPA — Hotel Saint-Petersbourg Opera & SPA全新設計的酒吧

The breakfast restaurant has also been newly remodeled .

The Room is in Elegant Classic Style

My room is my favorite color pink, and the two floor-to-ceiling windows meet my expectations. The furniture also includes a dressing table that many hotels do not provide, and two French classical single chairs.

My room has a sofa bed, which can accommodate 3 people. Other facilities include a coffee machine and a refrigerator.

The large wardrobe meets the needs of three people.

Let’s take a look at the video of the entire room

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