My comrades on Place Wilson
by suzyav8trixNov/Dec I found an internet rate for weekend nights for 79 euro a night & then had an "Airbus" rate of 99 euro the rest of the week. Check-in was business-like, but welcoming. Room 204. It was a small room with one double bed -- yes, a bit small, even by French size standards. It was clean and comfortable and the bathroom had a shower stall and was more than adequate. The room had a large window that opened onto a very boring looking courtyard. The room was very quiet, both day & night.
Feb, I paid 87 euro for the weekend nights & 112 for the week nights. Check-in again was more welcoming this time...probably because I had brushed up on my French and manners and greeted the clerks with a hearty Bonjour! I was given room 219. A larger room with 1 double bed -- in fact, the headboard appeared to be sized for a king size bed. The bathroom had a large, deep bathtub with a shower door. The room had "French" doors that opened onto a little "Juliette" balcony that overlooked the street. Unfortunately, the noise from the street was absolutely horrible. The hotel was full-up, so I could not move to another room. I am one of those people that prefers to sleep with my window open and delivery trucks and garbage trucks and garage doors and motorcycles -- it was soooo noisy! And Thursday night was the worse -- that's when the local college kids go to the Discotheque that is practically right next door. It was Noisy -- I mean loud -- outside until about 3 or 3:30 in the morning.
Breakfast was not included & was 12 euro. I indulged on both Sunday mornings that I was there as I had time to make it more of a brunch, then. Besides the usual croissants, cheeses, jellies, fruit, and coldcuts, the buffet had scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, cereal, yoghurt, fresh squeezed OJ, and more -- and this was everyday, not just Sundays.
Location, location, location.
This hotel is located practically right on Place Wilson. There are lots of wonderful restaurants on and around Place Wilson. Place Capitol is a 5 minute stroll away... There is all kinds of shopping near by from exclusive boutiques to department stores. There's a movie theatre around the corner and another one around the block.
A taxi to/from the airport runs 20 - 30 euro depending on the time of day/traffic and how much luggage you have. You can also take the l'aeroport shuttle for 3.90 euro one-way to Jean Jaures and the hotel is about a 5 minute walk from there.
You could spend a lot more money to stay in virtually the same location, but why? Ok, I have to admit, however, that I hate the color schemes of the Mercure Wilson rooms -- oranges and harvests golds make them look dated. I sure hope they update their decor sometime soon. Also, some of my aquaintances that also stayed there complained of "lumpy" beds...although, I did not have that experience.
For a place to sleep and shower in a great, convenient location, I'd stay here again!
