London/Paris/DLP - where to start? About This Page:

[Politzania]

DH and I are in the preliminary stages of planning a trip to Europe in 2008, probably the Sept/Oct timeframe. We're looking to spend about 15-17 days total: a few days each in London and Paris, day trips from both cities (Stonehenge/castles & Normandy) and at least 3 days at Disneyland Paris. We'd probably fly out of Chicago or Detroit (closest airports with nonstops).

We've looked at the London/Paris tour packages from Adventures by Disney and Rick Steves to give us some ideas for activities & price ranges - but it looks like we'd have to add on quite a bit to either of those to get what we want.

I'd like some advice on hotels -- where to look & how much to plan on spending to get the equivalent of a WDW value resort or Holiday Inn/Hampton Inn. The bit of research I've done so far seems to indicate that the Ibis chain is similar?

Transportation is also an issue - we don't plan on renting a car & are not terribly familiar with public transportation. How much of a hassle is it to carry luggage from the plane to the bus/train to your hotel & such? How light should we plan on packing?

Thanks for any suggestions/recommendations.

[chezp]

I can help with some of the answers. The Ibis is a lovely chain - we had a wonderful stay in their Brussels hotel a couple of years ago.

As for transport, getting to and from the airport isn't too much of an issue in London. The chances are you'd fly into Heathrow - and even if you fly into Gatwick, it's the same thing there. There's an express rail service into one of the capital's major train stations. From there, I'd then get a taxi to your hotel - I think that's the easiest way with luggage, rather than trying to navigate the Underground. I don't think that should be too much of a hassle and I'd imagine it's very similar in Paris. How are you planning to get to Paris? I can thoroughly recommend the Eurostar, it's the easiest way to travel between the two cities and is a lovely ride.

[Politzania]

chezp - I was hoping you'd be one of the folks replying to my post! I appreciate the feedback on the Ibis chain. Can you recommend any good guidebooks for Disneyland Paris that might be available at amazon.co.uk?

I did a bit of digging after this post & found info on the Heathrow Connect/Express & that looks like a good option - especially if we end up staying near one of its stops.

We are planning on taking the Eurostar from London to Paris and will make sure to book tickets ahead of time! My brother & his wife were in Europe a few summers ago & weren't able to get on the Eurostar - they had to scramble to make alternate (ferry) plans!

[chezp]

Wow, yes you definitely want to take the Eurostar as opposed to the ferry - you just never know when you're going to get rough weather in the Channel.

As far as books about Disneyland Paris go, there is one called A Brit's Guide to Disneyland Paris by Simon Veness and although it's aimed at the British market, it's packed with useful information. That's the one I use whenever I'm planning trips there.

I do hope we'll get to meet up at some point during your trip when you get over here! waytogo:

[dmpyron]

If you can't make it on the Eurostar, you might look into some of the heavy discounters. Some of the things you have to consider with them is that they fly from outlying airports around London and other cities (but DeGaulle is already, IMnsHO, an "outlying" airport). Also, most have very light restrictions on weight and number of bags. Cheryl, I think it's Ryan that even charges you to check a bag, is this right? In fact, I think they charge you if you want to breath! But the base fares can be incredible (19 pounds RT to Paris for some flights).

There are some nice hotels in Paris that can be had "economically". Smaller ones. The one Carol stayed at was "dead cat" sized (you can't swing a dead cat by the tail without hitting the walls). But it was very affordable. Many of these hotels don't have any sort of booking system other than calling or faxing. If you find one you like, the best choice may be to fax. There may not be anyone who can speak English when you call, but if you give them a few hours, they can always contact you after someone translates. PM me for some hotel suggestions and I'll dig them up for you.

[chezp]

Originally Posted by dmpyron

If you can't make it on the Eurostar, you might look into some of the heavy discounters. Some of the things you have to consider with them is that they fly from outlying airports around London and other cities (but DeGaulle is already, IMnsHO, an "outlying" airport). Also, most have very light restrictions on weight and number of bags. Cheryl, I think it's Ryan that even charges you to check a bag, is this right? In fact, I think they charge you if you want to breath! But the base fares can be incredible (19 pounds RT to Paris for some flights).

That's a good description. Ryanair are charging for everything they can and so are Easyjet, the other low cost carrier. You're charged to get on the plane first for example. Although they may be cheaper, I doubt they'd be easier, as I don't know what the rail links are like to Stansted, which is where their bases are and I suspect it would be quicker to take the Eurostar, as it's just over two hours door to door from city to city and you also only have to check in about an hour before, rather than the usual two hours before at the airport.

[dmpyron]

Oh yeah, Eurostar is definitely quicker. City center to city center it's much quicker. Carol said it was about a 30 minute ride from downtown Paris to CDG. She flew from Marsilles to Paris almost to Houston on September 11, 2001. Continental put them up in the Hilton for the first two nights.