Rescued in Paris

My father booked an apartment in Paris for 8 days, after the family wedding we attended in Marbella. We arrived in Paris on a Sunday at lunchtime and took a taxi from Charles de Gaulle to the apartment near the Eiffel Tower, where we were deposited on the pavement with 3 suitcases and 2 large backpacks. We were faced with a large closed door which suddenly opened as a resident came out, allowing us into the building. Inside was a small foyer with no signs relating to the apartment we had booked and not a soul in sight. After knocking on a door with no response, I decided to take the lift up to the 6th floor to see if there would be a welcoming owner. The lift was locked and so I had to walk 6 floors to find 3 more locked doors with no signs. I heard voices inside a flat and rang the bell. A very helpful young couple who spoke a little English said they didn't know who owned the flat over the way but knew it was let out sometimes. They also told me it was a long weekend! So down the steep stairs I went again, to find Mom and Dad (81 and 84) still sitting on the luggage, not having found anyone. Back up the stairs again to knock on another door, found another very helpful Frenchman who spoke a little English and was on his way out but promised to help us if we were still there when he came back.

And then a young woman (angel in disguise) appeared and in no time at all had allowed us to use her phone to call the booking agents (in India!) to find out what was going on. They told us the booking had been cancelled, but we had received no notification. What to do!? We would have to find a hotel. Tired after a late night at the wedding, a long drive to the airport, a flight to Paris and then nowhere to stay, the young lady said she worked at a hotel round the corner and it was her day off. She was on the phone in an instant and secured a triple room for us within minutes. Without further ado, she grabbed the luggage and led us down the road, for quite a way, and took us to the Europe Hotel in Bvd de Grenelle. Within half an hour we were in a most comfortable, spacious (for Paris) room with everything we needed to make us feel at home. As it turned out, it was a family-owned hotel and she was part of the brother and sister team. They were excessively kind to us and nothing was too much trouble. The hotel is in a very convenient location, English is spoken, and the public areas offer a lounge, bar and free internet access. The staff are friendly and extremely helpful and I would certainly stay there again. The metro, buses and restaurants are right on your doorstep and the sights of Paris are a short ride away. In the week that we stayed there, we really felt at home.

The main point of this story is to give another perspective on the Parisiennes, who are sometimes maligned for being unhelpful and rude. Everyone we met wanted to chat and there were very few occasions when we couldn't communicate. The owners and staff at Europe Hotel were kindness itself and it is evident that they are dedicated to providing the best possible Paris experience for their guests. Thank you. I hope this blog will bring you many more guests!