http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34714
Pretty good deal for Paris, and the location is also good. Just a couple of minutes from the center of the lively Montparnasse district, but the hotel is in a quiet little street. It’s a charming little boutique hotel run by a friendly bunch. Excellent value.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34714 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34523 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34523 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33922 A modern designer hotel in the youthful and vibrant Bastille area of Paris, the Color Design Hotel reflects well the atmosphere of the neighbourhood and is true to its name with its contemporary, trendy and colourful design. The location is fantastic, the hotel is absolutely fabulous, the staff were OK - really nice but a bit disorganized. If you want to see the real face of Paris and are after a memorable experience, Color Design Hotel is a great option. ]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33922 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33068 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33068 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32204 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32204 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31270 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31270 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26609 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26609 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25599 The eccentric Bertrand is both a friendly and informative host, having written a guide to Paris he can tell you everything there is to do. He makes a pretty mean breakfast too.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25599 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25474 One night for two people cost 179 Euros, including breakfast and entrance to the spa.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25474 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24784 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24784 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23194 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23194 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22747
The guys on reception told me it’s on the same canal where they filmed Amélie and that the building’s a remake of the old nineteenth century warehouse - Magasins Généraux, which burnt down in 1990.

The location is right on the Bassin de la Villette - Paris’ biggest artificial pool of water which hooks up to the Seine via the Canal St-Martin. Because of this spot’s popularity the builders had to bring in the famous architects, Chaix et Morel - the same guys who were behind the restoration of the Petit Palace.

On foot you can reach the Buttes Chaumont Park in no time and also the Parc de la Villette, which includes the Science Museum.

The routes into the city are pretty easy too. Crimée Station on Metro Line 7 is only 200 meters away and takes you straight to the department stores around Opéra, the Louvre, Le Marais and the Latin Quarter.

The Laumière station on Metro Line 5 is about 400 meters away and will take you to the Bastille, the Oberkampf night spots and the Latin Quarter.

Also there’s the Jaurès Station on Metro Line 2, again only 400 meters away. This goes to the Arc de Triomphe, Pigalle, the Père Lachaise cemetery and Montmartre.

From the hostel itself you can organise bike tours, walking tours, a Paris induction, basic French language classes and day trips to places like Versailles, and Giverny.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22747 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20899 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20899 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20797 Despite the fact it's in a very lively area, the street the hotel is in is very quiet and you will be able to fall asleep after attending a concert.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20797 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20069
The owner is green and he wants his hotel to be the same. That's why organic food is served for breakfast, the water from the showers is recycled, the staff is trained to save detergent and water and so on...]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20069 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19851 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19851 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19849 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19849 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19844 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19844 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19536 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19536 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19216
The French street-art artist Jerome Mesnager made this place his and had carte blanche to paint his 'white bodies' all over the hotel. Same thing with Sophie de Watrigant and two video artists. It is worth a look!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19216