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Member since:08.10.2006
Reviews:30
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Review rated by 20 Ciao members on average: very helpful
This is another hotel from Accor, the founders of Ibis. However i am reviewing the Etap hotel situated on the outskirts of Paris, within an area known as Kremlin Bicetre. In this area, you have the choice between an Ibis hotel, a Novotel and the Etap, as well as various other smaller establishments, of which the Etap is by far the least expensive. The Etap Hotel Paris Porte D'Italie is split into two buildings; Ouest (west) and Est (east). Whereas the western hotel has 144 rooms, the eastern has 171. However both offer the same value for money. But please remember these are low budget, no frills hotels so don't expect to be living in the lap of luxury!
The French Etaps are cheaper than those in the UK and will only set you back 48 Euros (around £33) per room per night. But bear in mind there is a 3 Euro suppliment for the second and third guests in a party (this is not the case with British Etap hotels) but this still gives excellent value for money.
The rooms are clean and modern and sleep up to 3 people. In most cases, this is either a double or twin beds with a single bunk on top of these - so this is good for families with a younger child. You do get a satelite television , but be aware that, with the exception of the news channels, a lot of it will be in French! . There is a wash basin in all rooms, and a separate toilet, but the shower is actaully in the main bedroom (there isnt a bathroom). For those who have read my review on the Etap in central Birmingham, you will remember my shock at the fact that all you have to separate the you from your room-mates is a perspex cubicle! So when you step out of the shower please remember that you're walking straight back into the room, or you might give everyone a bit of a shock!
The Boulevard Périphérique is right outside the window, but the double glazing works wonders to shut out this noise. The rooms also have air conditioning and heating, but these systems can somes prove noisy too, so its your choice whether you want to hear that or the traffic!!
The hotel does have catering facilities that offer simple meals, and breakfast (which is 6-10am daily) can be purchased at an extra 4 Euros per person.
I would suggest reserving your room way in advance, as this is the cheapest hotel in the area and demand is always high. For this reason, be prepared to wait in a queue to check in - although the helpful staff will try and deal with your booking as soon as posible.
If you are travelling by aeroplane, I suggest travelling to Orly airport as this is 10km away - closer than Charles de Gaulle. However, it may prove costly to get a taxi from the airport to the hotel, so i recommend hiring a car.
If you have hired a car, the city centre can be reached within 15 minutes (its about 5km away). The hotel is only a 10 minute walk from the Porte d'Italie metro station, from which you will be able to access the city centre. This is perfect for those people visiting Paris by car but who don't want to deal with the congestion of the city centre!
To sum up the Etap Porte d'Italie, i would say that its perfect for a few nights stay, but not for a weeks holiday. This hotel is porbably best suited for groups of three or less, as you will have to book two rooms to accomodate extra persons. Make sure you book ealy to find rooms that are next to, or close to each other (especially if you have small children).
If you are travelling on a budget, and only want somewhere to sleep, this is for you. But don't expect luxury, because you definitely won't get it here!
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12.11.2006 13:38
Good review, certainly seems very reasonable.
12.11.2006 13:37
Oh, this seems nice! I will remember it.
12.11.2006 13:03
Good review.... sorts of sounds like a step up from an Ibis but a step down from a Novotel or Mercure.