PARIS Sept 2010

With 24 rooms, Hidden Hotel is a DELIGHT.  English speaking FRIENDLY STAFF, they will help make your trip, help you negotiate the easy Subway and HARD Trains (to Versailles).   Get the GREAT BREAKFAST.   Rooms are smallish by US standards but much more lavishly equipped with 4 poster beds and great lighting and plumbing.


This place also cross promotes the amenities they provide like the Italian shampoos, soaps and bed linens.  Not a thing guys usually notice but you come away addicted to the way you have been treated.  The Cypress Lotion and "Eurica sativa" shampoo should be outlawed.


Very good restaurants nearby, grocery stores to get Belgian Ales, French Beer, Wine, Cheese and snacks. 


RESTAURANTS
Almost insane trying to recommend Parisian Restaurants. This will evolve to include Dr Kevins recommendations.


Le Trimilou:  A Dr Kevin Recommendation.  On the Seine across from Isla la Cite.  The best duck with prunes. OUTRAGEOUS.  A great first night dinner as Kevin recommended while you are still jet lagged.  Get the house wine.  Incredible photo ops before and after dinner.  English is not happening.  Hand gestures and pointing to the menu with smiles will get you a great meal.


RECH:  Alaine Ducasse temple to SEAFOOD.  5 Minute walk from Hidden Hotel.  Ducasse bought it 7 years ago and instead of the "Seafood Platter"  they offer the "Crustacean platter" with six varieties of shrimp and crab.  Or the Mollusk platter, you get the idea.  Not available in the USA.  They speak reasonably good English.


Seine River Cruise " Batteaux Parissean"  Pick up at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.  Photography problem, only worthwhile at the stern of the boat (back).  Elegant but not haught cuisine up front through the glass.


MUST DO


Isle la Cite / Notre Dame / Concierge


Eiffel Tower


Lourve / Park


Sacre Coure & Moulin Rouge walking tour (Montmart)


Dinner Cuise on the Seine (boats at the foot of the Eiffel Tower)


Museum of Science & Technology


La Defense (New Paris)


Versailles (edge of town)




AFTER HOURS
Etoille / Arc de Triomphe
See this at night.  Thanks to Lisa G for the the recommendation.  There are staircases that let you go up after hours and see the lights with far fewer crowds than the Eiffel Tower.  You shoot the Eiffel Tower from here.  Bring a tripod.