Republique Hotel - Paris, France     

We were in London and traveled to Paris via Eurostar which was very reliable. This was our first time in Paris...the hotel was in a good area and safe. Hotel people were very helpful, especially the concerige. We didn't speak any French and so we needed to rely on those that came speak English and they all did. The room was above what I expected...a very contempory look, plasma TV, very clean. We stayed on the 3rd floor which was very quiet during our stay. There is a grocery store called Monoprix, a block away for your personal needs. The metro is right outside and so convenient...we didn't know how to use the metro at first, but we ran into very nice French people that helped us. Buy the 10-carnet pack for your trips within central Paris. We traveled to Versailles and Disneyland which is about 1 hour from Paris on the RER. You can buy tickets from the conceriege. The RER and Metro are linked together, so one just has to read the metro map for the connections. The local attractions are stops away and the trains come in a very timely (the longest wait was about 4 mins). Just make sure you study the map and ask the concerige to double check your route, especially if you do not speak French. The restaurants nearby are good...good Italian restaurant across the street, pastry shops nearby as well (very good!) My first experience in Paris was a good one and the Holiday Inn here made us welcome...