Villa Beaumarchais - Paris, France     

The only disappointing stay on my 3 week trip. Stayed at delightful Hotel Des Grand Ecoles in Paris on my way to Annecy late May, but they were full up for my one night return on way to airport, so quickly chose this hotel. Was a little pricey but looked lovely in the photos especially all the greenery which I love, in the atrium breakfast area. As it turned out it was always empty when I looked so I ate in one of the lovely little eateries in the Marais area. Room OK - but I guess maybe I had been spoilt in previous Hotel, plus Annecy and luxury in Singapore, but it was more the greeting or lack thereof that shaped my view of this place. The tall man who was on reception when I arrived on the Sat. around 2pm could barely even look up at me and a smile was definately out of the question. I felt like asking if he was having a bad day. The porters were lovely and so was the young man (who had spent time in Australia and therefore had a bit of a sense of humour!!) who was on later that day and evening. During my stay I noticed a man who appeared to be the manager (I think) hurriedly popped behind desk looking concerned about something but he found me invisable also. And when the porter rushed over to open the door for him he couldn't even say merci - very important to me and I feel he should be setting an example. When I was in the lift at the luxury Regent hotel in Singapore a week earlier a man of obvious importance popped into the lift talking to his secretary and he stopped and asked "How are you enjoying your stay?" and I said "Absolutely loving it" and he said "Wonderful - that's what we like to hear". I was most impressed - good manners can mean far more than a pretty breakfast room.

Vrey good Paris hotel, if a little pricey. Address is a little misleading as the hotel is as good as on the avenue Beaumarchais, nearest metro stop Chemin Vert, even the taxi driver had problems with the address. Loads of very good mid priced restaurants nearby, especially Chez Oscar towards the Bastille metro stop. Must also mention the excellent maid/housekeeping provided as it would put much higher rated establishments to shame. Would deffinatly stay again