Olympian feat
GETAWAYS • Paris
Despite the hoopla surrounding the Olympic Games in Paris this summer, July 24-August 11, hotel rooms are still plentiful, as are seats on flights from the U.S. The airlines and Parisian hotels are getting nervous, offering promotional fares and rates. Should you book? Know this: Paris is a world-class city that understands how to handle big crowds efficiently and with European service — this isn't Salt Lake City. It’s walkable and bikeable, and the Metro is safe and clean.
Here’s how to make it work for you:
Plan to stay in the heart of the 7th Arrondissement. Centrally located for the games, the neighborhood is a peaceful respite after navigating the city all day. Tourists are sparse, except when you get too close to the Eiffel Tower.
Specifically, stay near where the Parliament convenes at the Assemblee Nationale on Rue Université. The police are everywhere, and you’ll need special access during the Olympics. A hotel room in the area solves that problem. Next to Parliament, the Bourgogne Montana Hotel is a good option (€358 per night in July).
From MIA, book a direct Air France flight in business class, currently about $5000 round trip to CDG.
If you want to luxe out while you’re in town, download the Wheelie app and cruise around La Grand'Ville in a Maybach. Or call Clemence ( +33 6 58 93 46 10) and say you are a friend of Monsieur Inman. You’ll be in excellent hands; she doesn’t speak English, but it doesn’t matter. She drives like a true Parisian, aggressive, but respectful, and knows the city well.
iPad hospitality is still taboo in Paris.
Oh, and tickets to the Olympic games: they, too, remain available, except for women’s basketball. Don't be deterred; StubHub is always an option. –Brad Inman