Good location
by A TripAdvisor Member
This hotel was part of a package from Air Transaat. We read the reviews on this site and apart from the ones just after the hotel opened, it seemed to be a good choice. We arrived the first week of Sept. The weather was extremely hot then cooled down to a comfortable temperature by the end of the week.
The hotel is very clean and modern. The room was a nice size with a complimentary safe. Many of the staff had very limited English especially in the dining room. We experienced some problems trying to order items. Staff were generally courteous when approached but we did not experience any going the extra mile or offering anything other than a straight answer. It was our wedding anniversary and while it is not expected, in the past, other hotels have done something nice for us such as a complementary dessert or liqueur. There was not even a verbal congratulations from this establishment. The American breakfast is very good but is the very same each and every day. The first day there, another guest raved about the seafood buffet but we opted for ordering off the menu. The steak was terrible; raw (not rare) on the inside and charred on the outside; the spinach was drowning in butter. We did not eat any other dinners at the hotel. We found the location excellent as it is just behind Gare Montparnasse. You can get anywhere quickly and safely using the Paris transit system. It puts the Toronto's transit to shame. We never waited more than 3 minutes for a subway. Around the hotel, there is also Galerie Lafayette - excellent dept store. Also several decent cafes and grocery/bakery stores. Directly across from the hotel is a great cafe. The jazz club down the street was very overpriced.
No Complaints
by A TripAdvisor Member
The Blue Marine is a little way from the major tourist sites,but the area around has its own character and we found it very safe and comfortable to explore at any time.The staff were polite and professional and a drink bought for the excellent barman brought us endless nibbles.The room was spotless and the view of the tower made it special.Beds,bathroom,TV,all faultless.The mini bar was well stocked but there was little warning that any item moved for five seconds would be charged.However on checkout staff accpted our list of drinks taken without question.If you are fortunate enough to enjoy the perfect weather we had,walk to the tower or notre dame and get a very reasonably priced taxi back.I would reccommend this hotel to anyone visiting Paris.
Very satisfied
by TripAdvisor Member skyhook
We stayed at the Blue Marine from Oct 17 through Oct 24th 2005.
The room was modern, clean and equipped as advertised. The shower was great and the coffee/tea/hot chocolate tray was of high quality.
We found the location to be very convenient due to it's proximity to the Gare Montparnasse which has both trains and 4 subway lines.
Only a block or 2 away are grocery stores, boulangeries and a district where there were numerous Japanese, Chinese and French restaurants as well as many creperies.
On the negative side, although our floor was non-smoking, we usually smelled smoke in the hallway.
As well, although breakfast was OK, the selection of cereals (3) and fresh fruit ( oranges only ) was very limited. The sausages were unappetizing
and there were waits of 5-10 minutes for some items to be replenished.
However, I found the rest of the buffet breakfast to be enjoyable.
Bottom line is that I would return to the Blue Marine again as it was a very good hotel in a good location for a good price.
Good quality and not as far from the sights as it might seem
by TripAdvisor Member MD6_UK
Fairly straight forward business class hotel situated in Montparnasse. Staff courteous and efficient.
Well proportioned, clean room (apparently some have views of Eiffel Tower) with safety deposit box in cupboard. Apparently has free WiFi. Also , kettle and trouser press in room.
Did not try food though many good oriental restaurants / sushi bars en route to nearby edgar quinet metro. Supermarket across the road near to the Meridien Hotel.
Area doesnt look great after dark though never felt threatened. It only takes a couple of minutes to walk into the nicer areas travelling toward the Eiffel Tower.
If you like walking its a fairly pleasant stroll towards the Eiffel Tower or towards the Luxembourg Gardens area. Best bet is to buy the Visit Paris card for unlimited metro and rer (train) use when you arrive at airport. At CDG you can but them at the SNCF office.
Would stay there again without hesitation.
PS Charles D Gaulle is the most confusing, badly signed and ill though out airport in the world - allow plenty of time for check in!
2nd stay
by TripAdvisor Member Dezzydez
Just a quick review to say that we were back for a second time February this year and were again satisfied with our stay. The rooms were well maintained, warm and clean.
This time internet was free in the room and was very handy. Room rates were also alot cheaper this time round as I negotiated directly wit the hotel chain.
However, their billing system was inaccurate again and this time tried to charge me for breakfast and i wish they would provode disposable slippers!
Otherwise it was plesant stress free and staff were all very courteous.
Great hotel and great location
by TripAdvisor Member LiveLife
Just returned a few hours ago from a long weekend in Paris staying at the Bleu Marine.
We got the Air france shuttle to Montparnasse which took about an hour but i can imagine it may take longer in rush our. It did stop at Gare to Lyon on the way. (Shuttle is 18 euros return or 12 euros one way) The shuttle stops on the same road as the hotel and the hotel is a 2 minute walk away from the stop. So it is very convenient.
First impressions of the hotel were ok but the floor in the entrance hall could do with a bit of a polish. We stayed on the top floor and our rooms were impeccable. The rooms were not massive but they were spacious enough (twin room). There was a welcome tray that was replenished everyday and a internet access too (if you have your own laptop that is).
There was a tv in our room where you can check your bill, order a wake up call or pay for 24 hour access to films and adult material (25 euros) A selection of the films included, king kong, the weatherman, hustle and flow, 40 Year old virgin, just like heaven, shrek 2, madagascar and serenity. (cant remember the others)
The hotel will provide an iron and ironing table but you have to leave a deposit of 40 euros which is payable immediately upon receipt. You can also hire an adaptor (which converts 3 pin and voltage) for 10 euros. (For uk plugs only, not sure about US)
We paid 217 euros for three nights Friday to Monday which was great value. Breakfast was included and is served between 6am and 9.30am which is great. The selection is very good and i remember seeing the following; croissants, french bread, baguette, mini muffins, cheese selection, cereal selection (muesli, cornflakes etc), ham, bacon, scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausages, fresh orange juice, fruit juice, (every other fruit juice you can think of including guava, pineapple, apple etc), fruit salad, fresh fruit, prunes, dried apricots (and other dried fruits), fresh tomatoes, cucumber, tea, coffee, flavoured tea, hot chocolate, hot milk, yoghurt etc.
Its always best to get there early as they are quite slow to replenish stocks (i.e cutlery, trays, juice etc) However, we usually went down for breakfast around 9 and there was always plenty left. I agree with what someone else said about the sausages being below par so i definitely cannot recommend them as they taste funny (or should i say different to the usual british sausage). I would alo recommend bringing your own tea bags if you are a tea drinker as their teas aren't great. Everything else was excellent though and you definitely get your money's worth. We even managed to take some food up to our room for later (but i'm not sure if this was allowed.
I would alse advise putting a do not disturb sign on your door as the maid may barge in (but this only happened once). I must say that the cleanliness of this hotel is absolutely fantastic and i have no complaints on that level what's so ever.
I would definitely stay there again and would not hesitate in recommending this hotel as it is good value for money.
Comfortable and modern
by TripAdvisor Member Popintops
We stayed for three nights and have no major complaints; in fact this hotel was in many respects better than many of the 4 stars in which we have stayed in London. The Bleu Marine is not really ‘central’ Paris because it’s a good few km walk to the river but it is close to the metro. Our room was of good proportions, very clean and modern with all the necessary facilities. We ate in the restaurant on one evening and really enjoyed the meal BUT we did spot a little tiny mouse running behind the bar! Breakfast was, however, total chaos, especially on the Sunday morning when the hotel was obviously completely booked; the coffee pots were empty and the toast machine did not work. Perhaps it was actually advantageous to stay a bit further away from the main tourist attractions because we ended up exploring the area and doing some different sights e.g. The Montparnasse Tower is just around the corner from which the views are amazing and give a whole new perspective to Paris. Also, of course, nearby is the cemetery that is very interesting, AND the fabulous Luxembourg Gardens are not too far and well worth a visit
Forum Posts
Our first weekend travelling
by ErikCeline
Dear Forum-members,
I have a question about the connection in Paris. Me and my girlfriend are taking the Thalys from Liege to Paris Nord.
This is where I place a question mark, because I don't know how to get to Hotel Concorde Montparnasse. Is there a train or a metro connection to it?
And my second question is how expensive a 4day card for the metro costs?
I'am looking forward to an answer.
Erik
Re: Our first weekend travelling
by rexvaughan
I got the following info from Hotel Concorde Montparnasseuse website so think it is good: Metro (line 4) direct from Gare du Nord to Gare Montparnasse.
The Montparnasse Station is one block from the hotel (lines 4, 6, 12, 13), and several bus lines also stop there. Montparnasse train station and metro stations (Montparnasse Bienvenue, Gaîté or Pasteur) are just 3 minutes walking distance (150 m).
As for metro passes, I would opt instead for a carnet of tickets. This is 10 tickets and costs about 12 Euros, much cheaper than single tickets. The 10 tickets can each be used by either you or your girlfriend. You should also get a good map of Paris and use it for walking between sights you want to see. This is the best way to see Paris anyway and is cheaper. You will be surprised how much you can see this way. Of course, the Metro is easy and convenient if where you are headed is further than you want to walk. Enjoy this loveliest of cities.
Re: Our first weekend travelling
by cubsur
A minor word of advice or warning if I may.
On arrival at Paris Nord, you will discover that there are very few ticket machines for the Metro and long lines at the ticket office windows, usually of English people from Eurostar trains who have no Euro coins and do not understand the machines.
Various unpleasant people will approach you, point out the long lines and offer to sell you 'a ticket for today, monsieur' of course monsieur does not notice that the ticket is invalid until he arrives at the entrance gate.
Avoid them and make sure you obtain the correct ticket or tickets from the machine. Line 4 to Montparnasse is a good line, although the trains are very crowded. I have used it many times.
Re: Our first weekend travelling
by ErikCeline
Thank you all for that great help!
Do you also maybe have adresses were you eat at a normal price? Cause I heard Paris is in the Christmas season very expensive.
Thanks to you all so far:)
Erik
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