Twelve years ago, when my husband, two daughters and I did a whirlwind 3 week vacation in Europe, we stayed at the Paris Hilton for the first time on the beginning leg of our journey. This was on the recommendation of a travel agent friend of ours, remember how it was before the Internet? When you actually listened to and relied on travel agents!.


We would begin and end our trip in Paris since that was the most convenient access city to fly into and out of from Miami. At that time, I wasn't a certifiable Francophile yet, so it was more a convenience then a passion.



Our trip started out on a sour note when our connecting flight out of Raleigh Durham, North Carolina was delayed for sixteen hours and, after a very strange night of being transported by bus to a hotel they had put us in, then being woken up at 4 AM, just as we had gotten settled, to take us back to the airport for a 7 AM flight which didn't actually leave until after 11 AM. We finally took off and many hours later arrived in Paris in the middle of the night, a day late, very disheveled and without any luggage. Yes, the airline misplaced the entire truckload container of luggage for that flight.



So, it was a very disgruntled,disheveled and tired family that walked into that Paris Hilton for the very first time.



The hotel staff on duty couldn't have been nicer or more obliging. They had kept our reserved adjoining rooms for us and surprise of surprises gave us two of the best rooms in the hotel. The rooms on the side of the hotel that face the Eiffel Tower, on a high floor, with balconies. The view from these balconies of Paris spread out below us as far as the eye could see, was breathtaking and changed my whole outlook on what I want when visiting that city or any city for that matter, a view, now, is one of my first priorities.



They brought us big fluffy robes, extra toiletries and a light meal was sent to our rooms, on the house, due to our plight. We were treated with a sympathetic ear and early that morning, when the luggage was delivered to our room it was delivered with a big smile. After the misadventure of our flight the staff of the Hilton helped us get on track with what turned out to be an incredible, fun-filled, yet, even though a little crazy, 4 countries in 3 weeks European vacation. Reminiscent in part of the Griswalds, in that classic Chevy Chase movie, European Vacation!



When we arrived back at the end of our journey we were given the same rooms for our last 3 days in Paris before heading home and experienced the same friendliness and we were graciously welcomed back. Even though we were very disheveled then too after a long night on a very crowded train, but, that's another story....



Now that I had experienced and fallen in love with that view I didn't want to stay anywhere else, therefore the next 4 trips my husband and I took to France we always started out and ended up at the Hilton. We have always requested those balcony rooms and have been fortunate enough to receive them upon our arrival....It could be because I tend to make a pest of myself and usually call them a few times before leaving. I also think being a Hilton Honors Member helps. More on that later..



There is a lot more to this hotel then the view. The rooms are airy and spacious, with large marble bathrooms, containing a tub, shower and even a bidet. Lots of great toiletries and big towels. The rooms contain, radio, alarm clock, and color, satellite TV, with in house movies available, a well stocked mini bar, safes and all the amenities you could ask for. We have usually had either a king or queen size bed, rare for Europe, but once had 2 twin beds pushed together. Although, I didn't consider that a problem.


There is a lovely lively lobby with a very busy bar. A hair salon, boutique shops and a great little newstand/gift shop, where I always find something to buy at the last minute to bring home. Two restaurants and an outdoor cafe, open in the warmer weather months, are on the premises which is nice if you come back to the hotel tired and want to just chill out or have room service.
One of the restaurants serves great breakfasts, both American or Continental and if you have made a good deal on your room rate, the breakfast is included in the cost of the room.



Located in the 7th Arrondissement, well , right on the border between the 7th and the 15th, the neighborhood is one of my favorites in Paris. Just 2 blocks from La Tour Eiffel, a very short walk to the River Seine, with a small bridge, The Pont de Alma to take you to the right bank and the Trocadoro, then beyond to all Paris has to offer. This bridge also is the spot where you can take the fabulous River Boat rides.



It is a little far from the hubbub of some attractions , like Notre Dame and the Latin Quarter, but it is doable if you have the energy and good walking shoes. If not, the nearby Bir Hakim metro station, an RER station or the doorman at the hotel is ready to call you a cab to take you to whatever or wherever your destination is for that day or night.



The immediate neighborhood is wonderful with a delectable Boulangerie around the corner, a bank across from there for money exchange, never change your money at the hotel, any hotel, as the exchange rate will be less than at a bank, and, because this is a residential area, there are little markets, shops and bistros nearby. Also, there's a very good and well stocked duty-free shop across the street that gives you a discount if you are staying at the Hilton. There is also a soccer field across from the hotel with a running track if you feel the need to get a little workout in. I personally save my energy for the streets..



Some people say the Hilton is too Americanized and not quaint and/or charming as the small hotels of Paris are known to be and, maybe that is true, but it has it's own charm and I think it has the feel of being very French, regardless. After a road trip through the countryside, staying in "small, charming" hotels or inns in old villages, it's nice to come home to the Hilton! At least, for us that is. Yes, there are many very charming, smaller hotels, some very luxurious, and many fantastic,excellent large hotels, some of the best hotels in the world are in Paris, but, I still love the Hilton.



Now for the cost. It's hard to say, for depending upon the time of year, what events are taking place in Paris at the time of your visit or, if it's high season or low season the price can vary drastically. We have never paid more than $220 a night and once even paid less than $200 including breakfast and taxes. Rates do rise during peak events like the Paris Air Show and the French Open Tennis tournament and sometimes at those times you can't even get a room as they are sold out months in advance.



I also would recommend to anyone planning on staying at the Hilton to join the Hilton Honors Program before your trip. Not only do you get points, sometimes combined with air miles, but, they seem to accommodate members requests for those coveted Balcony rooms and give other little perks like upgrades, when available, and newspapers delivered to your room.


I have recommended the Hilton to many of my friends who always come back with high praise for the hotel and what it has to offer.



So, here I am doing just that, recommending this hotel to anyone interested in a good hotel for a good price,(most of the time) fine atmosphere, and convenient location.
I hope if you do try the Hilton your stay will be as comfortable and memorable as mine have been. And, Don't forget, to ask for the View of La Tour Eiffel, you will be as hooked as I am. And welcome to my neighborhood! At least, I wish it were my neighborhood , more often.


Located at 18, av.de Suffren
You can also view the hotel on the Hilton website, www.Hilton.com

Happy and Safe Travels.


I've reposted this review since somehow it was lost and reappeared under the category, Burlington, Holiday Inns, Don't ask, I have no idea how..


Recommended: Yes