Ask Karen
Dear Merry,
Unfortunately, there are only a handful of real pensions left in Paris.
One
of the best, which is frequently mentioned on our message boards, is
Les Marronniers. This family-run pension, which overlooks the Jardin du
Luxembourg has been in the Poirier family since the turn of the last
century and is now run by Marie Odile, who keeps things spic and span.
The rooms are simply furnished, most with a shower and sink. Each one
comes with a desk, shelves, a small refrigerator, and direct-dial
phone. You'll be able to help yourself to the library and sitting room
where you'll find a collection of more than 200 films.
A typical French breakfast is served every morning and at 7:00pm the guests all sit down together for a home-cooked three-course meal. Prices: (meals included) Single: 43-61 €; Double: 54-82 €; Triple: 74 €. There is a 20% discount for monthly stays. If this sounds like the place for you, I'd book now as it fills up quickly! (78, rue d'Assas, Escalier A-1st floor, 6th. Métro: Vavin or Notre-Dame des Champs. Telephone: 01-43-26-37-71. Fax: 01-43-26-07-72. www.pension-marronniers.com. E-mail: o_marro@club-internet.fr.
If
Les Marronniers is booked, you can try the Residence Pension Ladagnous,
another pension in the same building, which has twenty-four
rooms. While it may lack the family type atmosphere of Les
Marronniers, it's still a great place to find a clean, inexpensive room
in one of the most sought after neighborhoods is Paris.
Prices:
Single: 42.15 €; Double: 58.30 €; Triple: 75.45 €;
Quad: 100.60 €. All rooms have a shower and sink.
Breakfast is included; dinner is an additional 10 € a night. (78, rue d'Assas, Escalier B-2nd floor. 6th. Métro: Vavin or Notre-Dame des Champs. Telephone: 01-43-26-79-32. Fax: 01-43-54-60-61.
In
the same are is the Pension au Palais Gourmand.
Unfortunately I have don't have any first hand knowledge, but a single
room runs anywhere from 35-60 €, whereas doubles go for 60-75 €,
including breakfast and dinner.(120, Boulevard Raspail,
6th. Métro: Vavin. 01-45-48-24-15 - Fax :
01-42-22-33-41)
Another alternative would be to
book a room in a Parisian Bed & Breakfast. Two reputable
companies to try are: Alcove & Agapes (8, bis Coysevox, 18th.
01-44-85-06-05), a B&B service which offers rooms in more than one
hundred homes in Paris (a double room will cost you anywhere from
45-115 € depending on the accommodations), and Good Morning Paris (43,
rue Lacepède, 5th. 01-47-07-28-29), another company with 40 rooms
through out the city (rates range from 38 € for a single to 75 € for
three).
Please write back and let us know how it goes. I'd love to hear about your experiences!
Best,
Karen
