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/33760 Located in an impressive old building in the center of the Saint-Germain-des-Pres, the Hotel Saint Vincent is a charming 3-star hotel with a beautiful character. Classic with a touch of contemporary, the room was lovely with a large comfortable bed, a small desk and a little balcony. We had a fantastic time in Paris, we loved the quarter, the hotel, everything. ]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33760 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33759 Originally a residential town house, the building has been tastefully transformed into a classy contemporary 3-star designer hotel. The lounge area is elegant in a classic way, the rooms, however, represent a different style. Very bright with white walls and a few coloured items - a red curtain and lamps, a contemporary painting - giving it a charming character. As far as design concerned it is a good example of "less is more." Equipped with all the modern amenities the room we had was very comfortable and spotlessly clean.
And all this came at a very reasonable price - not only is Hotel Aston a great hotel, but also very good value!
]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33759 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33758 It's a simple but quite nice budget hotel in a very lively Parisian area - the Oberkampf quarter. Very cheap with Parisian standards and the area is really great. It's a youthful hotel in a youthful quarter, with friendly and helpful staff. ]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33758 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33751 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33751 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33750 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33750 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33749 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33749 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33747
The room we had was comfortable and elegant. Only the upper rooms have a balcony, and it is worth that little extra. There is lift, so that shouldn't be a problem. It was great to have a coffee in the morning out on the balcony and a late night drink. It's a busy area, but traffic noise didn't bother us at night.

The receptionists were attentive and friendly, they gave valuable advice. We had a great time and we were happy with everything. Even the rate was very reasonable, you get value for your money.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33747 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33746 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33746 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33745 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33745 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33740 The great thing about the Republique area is that prices tend to be cheaper than in the touristy districts - hotels, restaurants, bars etc - while it's still a very central location. And it's a trendy quarter, very lively, popular with locals. The Meslay Hotel is a romantic cutie in the district, it's affordable and stylish. We loved it!
]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33740 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33719 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33719 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33705 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33705 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33671
We loved the place, it's a cute gem of a boutique hotel, with a very ambient and trendy atmosphere. Our room was modern and classy, with a big comfy bed and spotlessly clean bathroom.

Considering the location and class the prices seem moderate with Paris standards. We certainly believe it's worth it, Hotel Massena is one of those lovely places that make a visit to Paris even more memorable.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33671 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33658 The Grand Hotel has a lovely outdoor pool area where you can sit in a warm pool surrounded by falling snow.
Don't be put off by the fact that the site is in Japanese. Look up onsen etiquette and there will be plenty of help when you arrive to buy tickets, point you in the right direction.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33658 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33626 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33626 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33625 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33625 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33607 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33607 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33563 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33563 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33481 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33481 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33478 As is the norm in India, every car that approaches a bend beeps its horn. Loudly. Several times. There are bends either side of our hotel. Not so good. Contrary to expectations, however, we were not kept awake all night by frantic horn blowing as it turns out everyone retires to bed early in these parts, and since the road takes you nowhere but to other hotels it was virtually deserted after 9:30pm. Phew.
Our bungalow was vast. We had a front sitting area and an inner sanctum home to a huge double bed and an even bigger bathroom. The rooms were spotless, with a comfortable bed and hot running water. Each night we sat on our veranda, sipping beer and unusual (i.e rubbish) local wine, listening to the sounds of the jungle. Like most places, the small hotel doesn't serve alcohol, but equally doesn't mind if you bring your own. The hotel food was less than inspiring, pretty to look at but rather bland in taste if you are used to the fiery curries found in Kerala. They will cook to order, though, so make them aware of what you do and don't like.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33478