Jen K.
Yelp
Jonathan: "Mon crayon est grand et mon crayon est jaune."
Waiter: "Your pencil is big and yellow?"
Jonathan: "Oui!"
Waiter: "Nice for you."
Trying to choose a hotel in Paris was overwhelming. With so many choices, where do you start? In my case, the first screening is usually Trip Advisor, to sort by neighborhood, price and rating. Then, of course, I start reading Yelp reviews. But, when you get down to the last few on your list, what puts one over the top? Turns out it was dialog from a classic 80s movie that never left my head.
Before Top Gun, but after Revenge of the Nerds, Anthony Edwards starred in a ridiculously awesome movie called Gotcha! about a college student on vacation in Paris, who gets dragged into a spy caper by the lovely Linda Fiorentino.
His comedic struggles using remedial French, still makes me smile. Especially the bit above, which made me think the Hotel Crayon was the place for me. The fact that it was close to Châtelet les Halles (the second stop on the RER B line from Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport) and only blocks from the Louvre sealed the deal.
Jonathan: "I don't know Manolo, I think it's hopeless. I'm never going to get laid!"
Professor: "Although that thought may be of great comfort to the women of the world Mr. Moore, as a future veterinarian, you should know that every dog eventually has his day."
My experience was excellent, as was the hotel staff's English, so it made for a smooth visit. The only negatives were making the initial reservation on their website. My credit card (actually two different ones) wouldn't go through, so I had to reserve by email. The lowest rate on-line (they had a promotional rate for a 3-night stay) wasn't mentioned when I contacted them by email, so it took a little back-and-forth to secure the lower rate offered on their own website.
The other issue was finding the hotel. In the light of day, and from the street, it was very easy. Just a block and a half from Rue de Louvre which intersects with another major street, Rue de Rivoli. And it was very close to several Metro stations. However, arriving by train from the airport, was a bit of a nightmare because I didn't know which sortie (exit) to take. And this station is the largest in Paris, and to add to the confusion, there is a metro station and a rail station located inside a very large underground shopping mall. Their website tells you the metro stop, not the exit, so I'd highly recommend they make that update.
The Chambre Singulière (single room) was just as adorable, and ridiculously small, as I expected. Just fine for one, but not enough room to stretch my arms and twirl (always my guideline). It was also whimsical and immaculately clean. Fun stenciled art on the wall mixed with vintage photos. Good linens, stylish toiletries and a shower with a ceiling spout (that was a surprise), that washed all my cares away after a long day.
Free wi-fi and a nice flat screen TV with a couple of English language news channels mixed in with French TV. May I just say, after two weeks abroad with only having access to CNN and BBC1 (and 24-7 negative news that tends to be broadcast), I fell in love with Jimmy Fallon on this trip. Thank you CNBC!
The staff was absolutely lovely during my three day stay including offering suggestions regarding local dining. The lobby is especially charming and was decorated for the season. There is an "Honesty Bar" filled with different beverages and you just note your consumption upon check-out to pay them back. Breakfast is available for an additional charge, but I always wanted to find cafes in different neighborhoods to get a broader experience, so I can't comment on the quality.
As a home base in Paris, I was very pleased. Now that I have a better sense of the city, I still think the location was good, although not the most vibrant in town. And so, thank you Anthony Edwards, your poor French did me right.
Jonathan: "I thought he was KGB from Russia."
Al: "He's a CPA from Encino... are you crazy?"