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/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/26610 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26610 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/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