help with upcoming trip to Paris? - Page 3

NVM.

Travel magazine and Esquire are publicity-driven and written by people with the taste of butchers (or rappers) who won the lotto or at the very least writers who need this gig and know their audience (I know a chick that used to write castle/manor reviews for Russian oligarchs, the bullshit she’d say was beyond the pale). The Plaza decor is so corny you'll both roll your eyes at the same time which could make for some funny moments but I mean spending 3-4 days there is beyond most (non Russian/non Middle-Eastern/non asian) people's aesthetic endurance. In other words "opulance, I haz it!" + at New Year's you'll probably have some Russki party that could be fun for 1 hr but same idea (there was one last yr). The area isn't that cool either, I mean it's only shops and tourists, no one goes there. Now there are a couple of really great museums in the nearby area, check out what the expos are if that is your thing.

Keep in mind that:
1) a lot of people leave the city during this period.
2) a lot of Chinese people who spit on sidewalks arrive (they'll soon buy the city when everyone goes bankrupt).
3) Many places are closed.

Best plan would be to secure a really nice dinner-date restaurant and take the touristy but nice monument walk of the area for one evening (i.e. take your map and go everywhere that is well known). At least it'll look good and will probably make your GF happy. Oh and go to grand palais, it’s their holiday season program and that’s one corny activity you won’t regret. Rest of the time though take a cab/subway and go to le Marais or Montmartre, St-Germain (central places that aren't as bad) or anywhere but Av Montaigne and its surroundings.

There's a Bela Tarr retrospective (at Beaubourg) that just started but I think it'll be over by then. Not sure if that's your thing though...

Maybe go to Pétrelle to make the RJ happy?

Fuuma, how about the Moulin Rouge?

You should pick the crazy horse, that way you'll get to see other (Russian) hotel guests...

But the can can is such an underrated French dance, especially when performed by StyleForvm members at one of their popular meet-ups.

I loved wondering around Le Marais. So many nice shops and eats. I would also go to Corthay. Hemmingway bar was awesome in the Ritz. Go through the front to see the long corridors of displays.

Personally, I'd pass on the Louve and hit the Rodin Museum instead. It's in a former aristocractic residence across the river, and Rodin's sculptures are spread within the residence as well as the villa's grounds. Plus, if you opt for the "passport" ticket combined with priority access to the Musee d'Orsay, you get all the Impressionists for just 1 Euro extra - and critically - you won't have to queue to get in.

Skip going up the Eiffel Tower, the view is definitely mediocre and there's a crush of people. Instead, go up the Arc de Triomphe, which gives a much better view and really allows you to admire Hausmann's urban planning.

Versailles is impressive - just buy your tickets online otherwise be prepared for Disneyesque queues...

For hotels, there are a few new boutiques - haven't stayed yet but have heard good things. Hotel Jules and Hotel Beauchamps

For restaurants, I've found The Fork to be quite reliable. It's available in English, and completely searchable by cuisine, arrondissement, ratings, etc. Plus, there are loads of 30%-50% off deals which are immediately applied to your bill provided you book through the website. To calibrate yourself, stick with places which receive an 8.0 rating or higher.

Desfossé, 19 Ave Matignon: 01 43 59 95 13

Take time out one morning to have a hot chocolate and croissant at Angelina on Rue de Rivoli.