Considering Hotel Options - First time

[mika911]

I want to, perhaps visit DLP this summer.

However, the hotels aren't striking me. The DLH Paris is of course beautiful, but $1000 a night is insane IMHO.

Then the other hotels just don't look up to the quality that the american resorts are, at least in terms of the guest room itself. Is this accurate?

The Newport I thought might not be too bad, but then I considered just staying at the radisson at the golf course as it's cheap, pretty nice looking, etc.

I suppose if I did split stay, I would pay more for the tickets yes? As I would buy 2 day ticket for my first two days at radisson, and then my room would come with 2 days if I went over to the newport, for them, so that would lose some money, yes?

You can't book a room without tickets in Paris, correct?

Thanks for help.

 

[bavaria]

Some Americans are disappointed with hotels outside of America in general. Usually it is the size of the room, the lack of washcloths, and more sparse ammenities which seem to disappoint them. If you are travelling outside America you should please realise that things are different, not necessarily better or worse. Space is at a premium in much of the world, so things tend to be smaller ie hotel rooms.

You can certainly book a room only without purchasing tickets.

The Sequoia is on par with a moderate, Hotel New York is like Swan/Dolphin but a little less luxurious, and Newport Bay is similar to Beach Club. Frankly, I find the Cheyenne the best value. But I am not staying onsite anymore, even though I am DLRP all the time. The recent poor upkeep of the hotels coupled with the shunning of German customers means that I just go to DLRP for the day instead of staying onsite for 2 nights as I used to do. And by the way, I think that WDW resorts suffer from the same lax upkeep.

 

[mika911]

Appreciate that review.

The furniture looked a bit dated in some of the resort hotels it seemed, from photographs. Some at WDW are very much the same, there at WDW I would tend to go towards the one with the most recent refresh. I think the upkeep gets to me like you suggest too.

The other things you mentioned wouldn't bother me, the upkeep yes, but not the other things like small room, or wash cloths. I really don't mind smallness, and I accept things like my German hotel has no air conditioning. I' try not to be some snobby one way American.

I think the Radisson at the golf course might be a good fit then.

Thanks again, hope you enjoy your next visit to the resort. I'm sure I will. I'm excited to be surrounded by different things on my trip in general.

 

[bavaria]

I meant the collective and not the personal 'you' by the way - difficult when English only uses one 'you' nowadays, unlike German or French!

You do bring up a point however - AC. The Cheyenne and the Santa Fe don't have AC so for anyone travelling in summer who is used to AC that is something to consider as well. Sometimes even in winter it can be stuffy and opening the windows may not bring relief, so during a summer heat wave I can only imagine....

 

[mika911]

Many thanks. That is good information!

 

[ilovethesun]

mika, as an American (living in France), I totally get you on the European hotel issues. And I haven't yet found a good reason to stay on site at DLP (especially since we're AP holders and doesn't help us to get a "package").

We have been super happy with the Marriott Villas by the golf course but they're much more in the summer. We pay about $180 a night in the winter for a 2 bedroom townhome - amazing! But the radisson looks great. The other option I'm considering for our summer trip is the castle hotel - slightly cheaper for our family of 4! Little kiddos can sleep in the bunks!

Good luck! Hope you enjoy your DLP trip!

 

[davewasbaloo]

Another American in Europe here (22 years in Europe) where I live in hotels and have been to DLP 51 times. The only hotel experience in DLP on par with WDW or DL is the DLH, which charges crazy amounts, but does offer an excellent experience. The Hotel New York used to always be excellent, but the lack of maintenance and service now they have added the premium Manahattan Club, makes that a no go for us. It used to be on par with the Swan/Dolphin/Contemporary - now it is closer to a moderate.

WE have never had a good stay at the NBC - steer clear, bad cast, bad maintenance, bad design (biggest hotel in Europe with minimal elevators on offer - it is prettier on the outside than the inside).

Sequoia Lodge used to offer excellent value for money, but it has been a while since we have stayed here and I have read poor reviews lately. Good pool and it has a/c, it is a moderate.

Cheyenne is fun with no frills (no pool or a/c), and if you stay here, be sure to breakfast early (when it opens) to avoid the crowds.

Santa Fe - overpriced for what it offers.

I prefer the Marriott (we own a week here and love it), though best if you have a car, though there is a limited bus service shared with the Radisson. The Radisson is quality through and through, and not a disappointment.

The Dreamcastle and former Holiday Inn were reasonable options in the past, with haphazard transport.

The selling point of the official hotels are location. The others are better value if you have a car. It depends on what is important to you.

 

[ilovethesun]

Dave, would love to get some info about "owning" a place a the Marriott. We might be interested in doing that!

 

[mika911]

Thanks all for alerting me to the Marriott. THat would really be a nice place. I just probably don't need that much room, for two people, and the extra costs that go with that. Really nice resort though, about the best thing I've seen there.

Is that Marriott at the village I read you can go to to buy groceries and things? Is there parking around there, or can that be hard to find? THanks!

 

[davewasbaloo]

Marriott is a village on it's own with it's own parking and store, it is on the edge of Bailly Romainvilliers which has a small Champion supermarket. Parking is not bad there, and the store is the size of a small Albertson's/Piggly Wiggly. There are also little bakers and restaurants.

In Val De Europe is a huge Auchen which is like a super Walmart, and there are tons of parking as it is attached to a 200 store mall with an Aquarium and outlet centre too.

 

[mika911]

Marriott is a village on it's own with it's own parking and store, it is on the edge of Bailly Romainvilliers which has a small Champion supermarket. Parking is not bad there, and the store is the size of a small Albertson's/Piggly Wiggly. There are also little bakers and restaurants.

In Val De Europe is a huge Auchen which is like a super Walmart, and there are tons of parking as it is attached to a 200 store mall with an Aquarium and outlet centre too.

Fantastic. I didn't realize there was so much to do around the area. Sounds fantastic.

 

[torres_fan]

Another American in Europe here (22 years in Europe) where I live in hotels and have been to DLP 51 times. The only hotel experience in DLP on par with WDW or DL is the DLH, which charges crazy amounts, but does offer an excellent experience. The Hotel New York used to always be excellent, but the lack of maintenance and service now they have added the premium Manahattan Club, makes that a no go for us. It used to be on par with the Swan/Dolphin/Contemporary - now it is closer to a moderate.

WE have never had a good stay at the NBC - steer clear, bad cast, bad maintenance, bad design (biggest hotel in Europe with minimal elevators on offer - it is prettier on the outside than the inside).

Sequoia Lodge used to offer excellent value for money, but it has been a while since we have stayed here and I have read poor reviews lately. Good pool and it has a/c, it is a moderate.

Cheyenne is fun with no frills (no pool or a/c), and if you stay here, be sure to breakfast early (when it opens) to avoid the crowds.

Santa Fe - overpriced for what it offers.

I prefer the Marriott (we own a week here and love it), though best if you have a car, though there is a limited bus service shared with the Radisson. The Radisson is quality through and through, and not a disappointment.

The Dreamcastle and former Holiday Inn were reasonable options in the past, with haphazard transport.

The selling point of the official hotels are location. The others are better value if you have a car. It depends on what is important to you.

Hi Dave,

Sorry to bother you....but have you stayed at the Radisson? Its just we are going in 3 weeks and theres very little information about this hotel anywhere. Its myself and OH going so no kids or anything like that. We are getting the eurostar and have heard transports not great. Can you give us any tips or pointers? Id like to heard someones opinion about this as there seems to be very little out there. So if you could help would be great.

Thanks in advance!

 

[mika911]

I had one more quick question, sorry:

In USA, when I travel, I just use credit cards everywhere, actually I do that at home too. It is convenient obviously. Are cards accepted just as often in Europe, or are there more situations there, where you need cash? I guess in particular I'm asking about the DLP area, since this is the forum, and I need to stay on topic.

Thanks.

 

[davewasbaloo]

Hi Dave,

Sorry to bother you....but have you stayed at the Radisson? Its just we are going in 3 weeks and theres very little information about this hotel anywhere. Its myself and OH going so no kids or anything like that. We are getting the eurostar and have heard transports not great. Can you give us any tips or pointers? Id like to heard someones opinion about this as there seems to be very little out there. So if you could help would be great.

Thanks in advance!

The Radisson is ok, it has blurred in my memory a little as it is like a lot of business hotels I stay in. It is of a Crown Plaza/Hilton quality, with an ok gym and pool, and nice contemporary rooms. It is nicely located for the golf course if you are a golfer.

Transport is a set time table, or with a little walk, you can catch the local bus. It is best if you have your own car there really. We often drive, so it is rarely an issue for us.

If you are reliant on buses, you may wish to contact them in advancew of your stay to make arrangements. But it shoudl be fine with planning.

Enjoy.

 

[davewasbaloo]

I had one more quick question, sorry:

In USA, when I travel, I just use credit cards everywhere, actually I do that at home too. It is convenient obviously. Are cards accepted just as often in Europe, or are there more situations there, where you need cash? I guess in particular I'm asking about the DLP area, since this is the forum, and I need to stay on topic.

Thanks.

It depends where you go. Big chain hotels, restaurants, stores and key tourist sites, credit cards are fine. For smaller shops and restaurants, then cash. Every official place in DLP itself take cards.

One tip, I know travellers cheques are popular in the US, but they are a royal pain in Europe.

 

[bavaria]

Yet again I agree with Dave. Also note that some cards are not as widely accepted as in America.

AND in Europe chip cards are common, and your card will not work in the metro or SNCF machines if it has no chip. Same with some restaurant machines (the ones they bring to the table)

I would always use cash - there are many many places in Germany where one can only use cash or a German issued debit card.

Look at your bank for non-fee ATM withdrawals - for instance Bank of America has an agreement with Deutsche Bank/BNP Paribas/Scotiabank etc.

 

[davewasbaloo]

Fantastic. I didn't realize there was so much to do around the area. Sounds fantastic.

If you are coming from the US, be sure to make time for Medievil Provins. It is less than an hour from DLP and has over 75 buildings from the 11th-15th centuries, where they have loads of museums, falconry, siege weapons and horse riding displays. It to me is a must. Imagine Colonial Williamsburg or Virginia City/Old Sacramento but much, much older.

Also, if going during peak time, Parc Asterix is a good one for theme park fans.

And if you want to see the art that inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty (La Duc de Berry) and one of the castles that inspired Cinderrella - be sure to check out Chantilly an hour north of the resort.

Also while Notre Dame in Paris is famous, the Notre Dame in Reims (Champagne and Brie country) is where all the French kings were coronated.

Vaux au Vicomte inspired Versailles is only a short drive.

Barbizon is the home of Impressionism is a short drive too.

And the Armistace for WWI was signed between Compiegne (Napolean's favorite town) and Pierrefonds (where there is a 3 Musketeers style castle).

There is a huge amount to see outside of DLP and Paris, but sadly many miss it.

It is one of the main reasons we bought there, we spend about 3-4 days at the parks but also add in culture and relaxation too.

 

[torres_fan]

The Radisson is ok, it has blurred in my memory a little as it is like a lot of business hotels I stay in. It is of a Crown Plaza/Hilton quality, with an ok gym and pool, and nice contemporary rooms. It is nicely located for the golf course if you are a golfer.

Transport is a set time table, or with a little walk, you can catch the local bus. It is best if you have your own car there really. We often drive, so it is rarely an issue for us.

If you are reliant on buses, you may wish to contact them in advancew of your stay to make arrangements. But it shoudl be fine with planning.

Enjoy.

Thanks for that. To be honest we decided to stay here because it is more buisness like and it also seems nicer than a lot of the disney hotels and a big plus it was a LOT cheaper than staying onsite.

If worst comes to the worst we will get a taxi, but with going in the morning and coming back in the evening hoping to catch the bus at the right time.

I may contact them next week and see if they can give me some kind of bus timetable.

Thanks for your help

 

[mika911]

Quick question now on park tickets.

the U.S. site lists 4 day tickets and 5 day tickets, but the French site only goes up to 4 day. What is the most at the gate you can get, 4 or 5?

Also, on the USA site, the prices are a bad conversion over the Euro prices on French site, so I guess these would be best to buy in person.

That was very valuable information on the credit cards. It sounds like I will have a bit of work to do then, to have Euros available to me during the trip. I always feel weird carrying cash, even at home here, so it will be different, but again different can be good.

bavaria - You said to only use cash, but is there an issue using card, when it's accepted?

 

[davewasbaloo]

Mika, I would not recommend buying tickets in advance of your trip unless you are going to the Disney Store in the UK or Paris first, or buy a package from Disney where they are included. In my experience and with reviews, I have known a few horror stories trying to get in when buying the passes in advance. If you are honestly planning on going for more than 4 days, then an annual pass is far better value as well.

A Fantasy AP with some blackout days offers a 10% discount on food and souvenirs as well as free parking and is about $145, or even better is the Dream passport which is good 365 days a year, offers access to Extra Magic Hours which is great if staying off site at the Radisson, gives you a free apperetif in the table service restaurants, and 20% off souvenirs, is still great value at $228. You can buy these at guest relations before you enter the park.

As for cash, there are cash machines all over the park (though beware of pick pockets). Often you will be charged a usage fee and an exchange fee by most US banks, though this is also true with credit card transations abroad as well. But there are options for obtaining cash if need be.