Stating to organize an "quick trip" planner.

[robandshelley]

Hi gang. I am starting a new project I am calling a "Quick Trip Emergency Kit".

The premise is, by some miracle tickets too good to pass up are purchased and you have only a few weeks, or less, to get it together. How to proceed?

I have always planned months and months out, locking down lodging, specific seats on the plane, blah blah, WAY in advance. Now I want to put together a package of options that I could check more last minute.

Anybody interested in helping with this PPD therapy session?

Assume shoulder season dates, probably 8-14 days total, flying NY to CDG.

Where would you check first for lodgings in the 100-150E/night range (less would be good too)? Second choice? Not too far off the main drag but don't have to be seeing monuments out the windows.

What areas of town do you think would be more likely to still have rooms last minute? Or is that a "Why is the sky blue" sort of dumb question?

How close do you think one could cut it and still find a reasonable room?

My goal is to have a few prioritized locations for a few areas of town that I could email quickly and try to find a room.

Now that I think of it, that is really the only thing to worry about. Everything beyond airfare and where to stay will fall into place.


This is a semi-hypothetical exercise, unless really good tickets show up. ;D

So here we go.

Rob

[PariS]

I like the way you think, Rob

The first two places I would check are Hotel Minerve www.hotel-paris-minerve.com/ and Hotel Acte V www.hotel-actev.com/en/

[robandshelley]

Hi Annette, thanks for the ideas. The Hotel Actev is a bit high for us but the Minerve would be just right.

[Jody]

Rob, The MInerve is owned by the same people as the next door la Familia. I think the rooms at the Minerve might be a bit larger. We have always been pleased with the service offered by the staffs. The La Famila does not have a lobby so they allow guests to use the one at the Minerve. David became quite friendly with one of the staff there and we might check it out next trip. 2 really great restaurants in close walking distance, important for me with my bad feet and old bones, the Bistro de Gastronomes, and Buisson Ardent. Excellent meals both times we visited each on our last trip. Good transpotation options too , 2 metros and lots of nearby buses

[geordy]

And if the Minerve is full..just a couple blocks away is the Moderne St Germain..www.sequanahotels.com.!
Breakfast by ht big pink bunny would have been nice fo Easter!

[robandshelley]

Thanks Jody and Geordy. We have never done a insta-trip before. The one thing I worry about is getting a deal on tickets then have to give back all the savings to find a room at the last minute. I suppose that is the chance you take. On the other hand, we would be really flexible on where to stay if it meant another trip to Paris unexpectedly.

[PariS]

Lots of people on TA recommend Hotel Diana as an inexpensive option. I've never been there or paid much attention while walking around, but it looks decent on the site.

[phread]

For last minute trips like that, I use large booking sites like lastminute.com or booking.com. That way you can get a hotel within your budget in one simple search.