Saturday, May 30, 2015

Guesthouse RULEZ! What to expect when staying in a B&B!


Guesthouse Rulez!
How to maximize your stay in a B&B guest home!


When staying in an environment as intimate as a Bed & Breakfast, there are some essential guidelines one must know to maximize their stay, ensure comfort and enrich their entire city and cultural experience.

Staying in someone’s home in family-style B&B environment is more than just a personal experience; it’s an entire way of travelling. It doesn’t have to be awkward, intimidating or anything to shy away from. Petite Paris says if you know ‘how-to-stay’, it can be the ultimate cultural immersion and authentic ‘way-to-stay’ in any city, living the way the locals do, with much more independence and freedom than you think.


More like guidelines the B&B ‘rules’ help establish host/guest roles and responsibilities, and what to expect for easy living. No two people and no two B&Bs are alike; B&B hosts offer a tailored flexible service to meet individual needs and guests can pick a B&B that best meets their needs and style living individually and comfortably, just like at home.

Respect and Relax Relax and enjoy the comfort of the home (lounge, kitchen, TV, make tea/coffee, read books) while respecting the space, peace, comfort and tidiness of your hosts’ home. E.g. avoid parading naked, yelling, rearranging furniture, leaving food scraps, inviting strangers, watch TV till 3am, clipping toe nails in the kitchen.
Request a separate entry – Guests who want privacy, pick a B&B that offers a private entry separate to host that leads directly into the guest room, suite or terrace.

Network the neighbourhood Utilize your B&B host for tips on the best stores, cafes, restaurants, markets. Find out where they frequent (a regular boulangerie?), drop their name to the store-man and voila, instant rapport! It’s a great ‘IN’ with some locals and local businesses and to erase the ‘I’m just a tourist’ sign on your forehead. It will open you right up with confidence to your own little neighbourhood community.  

Be a sport – Offer to go out and pick up some milk or bread or anything your host might need. They will love the gesture creating a warm bond and it’s a great reason to go back to the local store and continue the dialogue and language with the locals.
Paying your host – Get cash out before arriving at your B&B and offer payment upfront. Hosts are too polite to ask and this is the standard B&B ‘rule’. Plus its better to get formalities out of the way so you can get on with enjoying Paris and your B&B without any awkwardness later. Most B&Bs accept cash only with no credit card facility - B&Bs are not hotels and there is no more professional and hospitable host than a real B&B host!    

Breakfast and other meals The B&B is a professional service that provides breakfast by exceptional people. It is not characteristic for them to serve dinner but if you ask they may make the exception (just be mindful of timing, ask in advance and include dietary restrictions). Some hosts offer dinner as an extra service. Tip: If you are served something you don’t like at breakfast, don’t be too polite to say so, or you may get it again.

DIY Cooking: Guests looking to save cash by cooking more meals, or needing to prepare special dietary meals, can pick a B&B with kitchen access. Always clean up after yourself.

Accessibility - Different B&Bs have different access levels. Classic B&Bs offer a guest room and bath, others offer the lounge too and others offer complete use. Pick your preference and be aware of your access before booking, arriving or whipping up fancy meals in a private kitchen. B&Bs offering complete use, guests should feel at complete ease to access rooms anytime, but don’t take advantage e.g. cooking three times a day; or late at night.

Expect a home not a hotel – B&Bs are kept to very high standards of quality but do not expect hotel style or hotel luxuries. Certain wear and tear is expected and part of the charming home experience, but be assured dirtiness is not.
Coming and going – Guests are given a set of keys, free to come and go as they wish. It is courteous to let your host know when you will be late if you expect it, but it’s not necessary or anything to worry over. Hosts understand unexpected late nights happen. Tip: If your host is out you can leave a note. Some B&Bs offer guests own private entries.
Speaking English - Most B&B hosts speak at least adequate English but use the opportunity to practice your language skills staying in their home. If you experience language barriers, smile it’s the universal language, gentle gestures and sign language go a long way. Ideally you will have a phrase book, or use Google translate. Many hosts offer language lessons.

Bring a little souvenir – Bring your host a souvenir from home? -  Something small to giggle at or talk about. Don’t break the bank, a jar of vegemite or a toy kangaroo will do!

Friend VS Host – Get to know your host on a personal level and share a little about you; say yes to their invitations for walking tours – it’s a great way to expand the relationship beyond the B&B and see a local’s perspective of the city. Hosts can become good friends, but know where to draw the host/guest line i.e. don’t ask for a discount, this will strain the new relationship; do not turn into a lazy ‘room-mate’, refer to Rule 1: ‘Respect and Relax’.


Know your rights - Inspect their B&B to ensure it is as described before taking possession or paying. Quality, comfort and peace are your right. If for any reason your B&B home turns out to be less than expected mid-way through your stay; speak with your host first, they will always work to accommodate and please you; next contact your booking service provider to switch immediately to a new home. There is no need nor should you ask your host for a refund - your service provider will ensure all missing costs are recalculated.  


Arrival must-do's – On arrival expect help with luggage, a drink and a warm welcome from your host. Offer your identification - a necessary security step for hosts to ensure they are welcoming the correct guests in their home; allow yourself to be shown around the home; ask/confirm details i.e shared spaces; establish breakfast times and dietary needs; negotiate any specific extra needs; book meals or tours; make your payment; receive keys and entry codes details; be guided with all other formalities by your experienced host.



Play the host – A little gesture to bring home treats you discover on the streets, a cake or bread from a new Boulangerie or a petit palette of fresh cherry tomatoes; offer hosts a glass of your wine; share any local discoveries - it may be new to hosts who love to learn just as much about their own city through their guests. Think of your tips as information to be passed on to future guests who will have a wonderful experience thanks to you!


Laundry service – Take advantage of the free laundry service, but don’t take advantage. i.e no laundry everyday. Doing laundry in your en-suite is a no-no.
Sleepovers – Always ask before inviting friends to the B&B with respect for the privacy and security of their hosts home and belongings. Hosts will never have strangers in the home for guests their own comfort and security.

B&B boundaries – B&Bs with private ensuites are available but in a standard B&B you may be sharing the bathroom with your host therefore you should expect their personal items to be there too. However as professionals, hosts will always give you priority use (in many cases you won’t ever see your host go in) and will never hurry you though try not to spend hours, and the bathroom is cleaned daily.

Put the shoe on the other foot Always put yourself in your hosts shoes, treat the B&B the way you would hope and expect a guest would treat your home. Equally your host will be trying to make you feel as ‘at home’ and comfortable as possible. 


Petite Paris Australia (www.petiteparis.com.au) is an online service with over 120 exclusive B&Bs apartments in Paris, hand picked for impeccable quality, style and service by B&B professionals with over 20 years experience. From classic B&Bs to historic mansions, romantic suites, to private studios and apartments.

Lapartment.com.au is the sister site offering quality B&Bs and homes throughout France.

The B&B environment is a recognized and approved lodging service in Paris, considered by the French Tourism Convention Bureau as the most authentic style of accommodation for true cultural immersions and exchanges between travellers and natives.

For media enquiries please contact Regina Ferreira at Petite Pr: info@petitepr.com.au

Friday, May 29, 2015

a Budget private suite studio in Paris - le Marais centre!!

FABULOUS & BUDGET FRIENDLY
PRIVATE STUDIO IN PARIS!
Central Prime Location: 3eme le Marais


NEW

ONLY 74euro per night for 2 guests
* includes first breakfast free served by Gisele in her B&B dining room downstairs 
* PLUS a Petite Paris ebook filled with the best insider secret and most beautiful things to see/do in Paris! For ipads, iphones etc with google maps and directions and details/images. A beautiful online book! 

Email us today to BOOK this sweet small simple stylish suite in Paris info@petitepr.com.au





This studio in the heart of the marais, close to the centre, all attractions are easily reachable on foot. You will enjoy walking out to so many of the best cafes and bars and restaurants close to home, easy stroll in the late evening, easy walks to the museums and the Seine, Louvre etc!


 Our new studio is located on the 7th floor (with lift) of the building and also the 3d floor within our Giseles B&B home.  See Giseles B&B home CLICK HERE with 2 more guest bedrooms (downstairs but not private self contained - true B&Bs instead)

With views of the haussmann buildings around and the street from the window, there is small lounge with sofabed, kitchen bench for small meal preparations with fridge, stove top, toaster, etc Private bathroom, free wifi, all you need to live in prime Paris location, privately and saving some pennies for outside cafes and vins :) 


Email us today to BOOK this sweet small simple stylish suite in Paris info@petitepr.com.au

Paris Apartment on SALE!!

Bonjour et bienvenue to a most beautiful Paris home ON SALE! 

Apt 458 located in Montmartre is a 2 bedroom private self contained quintessential Paris apartment with fully equipped kitchen, lounge, dining, steps to Montmartre Centre. 
Part of our Summer SALE, if you book this apartment in Paris for June, July or August 2015 get 30euro OFF PER NIGHT.

Was 159euro per night for 2 guests NOW 129euro!!
More rates below for 3 guests!! 

CLICK HERE to see the apartment in full detail on our website! 



Summer SALE. Paris Apartments. June, July and August!

Dear Paris Travellers.
A Last Minute OFFER from Petite Paris B&B and apartments.
SUMMER APARTMENT SALE IN PARIS

For Stays in June, July and August 2015 receive 10-60euro off PER NIGHT on ANY of our Paris B&Bs and apartments 

PLUS complimentary with every booking - a copy of our insider ebook guide to Paris. 
Most beautiful, must-see and secret spots in Paris for ipads and iphones with online directions, map and details.

EMAIL US for availabilities and SALE prices!


B&B422 - A SUMMER SALE B&B APARTMENT - 
Click HERE to see it on our website in full detail.

WAS 159euro per night.
In June, July or AUGUST 
ONLY 119euro per night!!


Monday, May 25, 2015

June B&B SALE! Discounted and Paris Fabulous!!!

LAST MINUTE PARIS TRAVELLERS
a JUNE B&B ON SALE FOR YOU! (below)

reduced from 149euro to 115euro per night 
for 2 guests including breakfast 


Email us for availabilities: info@petitepr.com.au 

Thursday, May 21, 2015

+1 Petite Paris B&B - An artists haven!


Meet ANOTHER NEW Petite Paris B&B Apartment
A garden home in Paris...


Welcoming B&B478 - Anne-lise' B&B in Paris 11eme...
...Just landed while we are here in Paris on our annual B&B trip to inspect all our homes for quality and perfection and to seek out more B&B beauties that have been hiding from us until now, like this AMAAAAAZING garden oasis home... Read below and see images.

PRICE: From 139euro per night including breakfast
CLICK HERE to see this B&B on our website



Welcome to Anne-Lise’ bright artistic and utterly charming B&B home in Paris. A former printing workshop located in the trendy and up-and-coming 11eme (15 minutes walk from the Marais, and direct access to the Louvre, Eiffel and Motnmartre too); in an area known for its converted old factories and warehouses where predominately artisans once produced arts and crafts.  Renovated and decorated with style and taste our B&B boasts  beauty, creativity and positive energy. 



A classic B&B where upon entry you will be greeted by the open and shared family kitchen and dining room, where breakfast is served to you daily fresh and delicious, which opens out onto an internal courtyard and green garden that is a real rare find in Paris and an absolute haven. Birds sing all day in the garden and guests are free to enjoy it when the weather is warm. Breakfast can be served out here to when the weather permits. 



The guests bedroom (located on the ground floor) and its private en-suite bathroom look onto the delightful private interior garden too with large window. The rustic elegance of the room together with this touch of nature create such an inviting, calm and peaceful oasis. You will be as tempted to stay in as you are to go out!  Also featured in the guest bedroom is a double bed (160cm), work table and chair, bookcase with a variety of English and French books and guides, and a large wardrobe. Free wifi throughout the house. The guest room is accessible via the family lounge room which is also free for guests to enjoy. In the evening your lovely hostess Anne-Lise and her family retreat to their private section of the home across the courtyard, so you are left with the lounge and bedroom area to yourselves. 


Monday, May 18, 2015

hello new luxe lover, NEW paris apartment


MEET our 3rd NEw Paris home this week alone ...
 A NEW LUXURY B&B in PARIS!!


Prices: From 175euro per night includes breakfast
Click HERE to view this B&B on our website

Email us for more information, availabilities and bookings: info@petitepr.com.au

Welcome to Philippe and Nathalies luxury B&B in Paris. An utterly chic stylish home located in the 17th arrondissement of Paris (17eme); a very authentic residential peaceful and beautiful part of Paris. Away from the touristic centre and the masses, you will experience the ‘real’ Paris with many cafes, renown restaurants, organic and fresh markets, the famous Parc Monceau, Montmartre, all minutes away. It is a short 10 minute metro ride to the heart of Paris and the Seine; the Place de la Concorde easily reachable too. 



Located in a traditional Haussmannian building your hosts Philippe and Nathalie have outdone themselves in renovating the downstairs portion of their home into a private guests area with a common entry that leads into 3 separate guest rooms. Two double rooms (one of which can accommodate 3 guests) and one family suite that can accommodate up to 5 guests. 


Enjoy complete refined, polished and luxe comfort at this B&B where no detail has been spared or overlooked. Nathalie has an amazing eye for art and decor and each piece found in the rooms have a history and story to tell. Book this B&B and be under the spell of this charming Parisian place.



Each room with private ensuite and at the entry a computer with free wifi is at your disposal. Traditional French breakfast is fresh and served daily in your hosts dining room upstiars in an authentic B&B convival environment where both Philippe and Nathalie will enjoy sharing the secrets of their neighbourhood, and PAris with you! They are such charming, genuine and welcoming hosts who love to travel and love to host travellers from around the world in their B&B home. 



Sunday, May 17, 2015

NEW historic Paris B&B - Notre Dame views!


Welcome to Brigitte’s historic and authentic B&B in Paris. 
A NEW AUTHENTIC PETITE PARIS B&B!

With views of the back of the Notre Dame Cathedral from this historic narrow Paris street. This B&B is authentic, old-world and utterly Parisian! 


PRICES: From 120euro per night for 2 guests
CLICK HERE to see it on OUR WEBSITE

Email us for availabilities/bookings: info@petitepr.com.au

Offering 2 rooms with private access/entry. One is a double room with private ensuite and the other a family room with double bed and a lift with twin beds, bathroom in adjoining dining room to sit and enjoy.

Located on Rue Maitre-Albert a traditional ancient street in the old Paris with its high ceiling apartments, numerous bookshops, antiques, craftmen and restaurants, you will find a charming home. Not one for the modern chic travellers but for those seeking a real Parisian home with all the creaks and squeaks and typical Paris charm of old. This is a very ‘lived-in’ homey home. 



Our building dates from the 18thC and is located in the heart of Paris, in the Latin Quarter, on the left bank. The B&B is footsteps from the islands on the Seine (Notre-Dame) and within walking distance from Boulevard Saint Germain, La Sorbonne, Cluny Museum, la Sainte Chapelle. 


Transport facilities (metro, buses just 3 minutes walk away) make our home an ideal base from which to visit Paris! From the end of the street you can see the back of the Notre Dame Cathedral. 

You will receive a warm welcome from Brigitte who loves Paris and knows the best ways to discover the city... either walking or by bicycle.  She is English Spanish and Italian spoken. Breakfast is not served at this B&B but guests have tea and coffee facilities in their rooms and free use of Brigittes kitchen to store foods in the fridge and/or prepare breakfasts and light snacks. The dining room is free for guests breakfast use.






Room 1 - Double Red Room




 Room Two - Family Blue Room







SPECIAL NOTES: * Though located in the center of Paris, the rooms are very quiet, with room windows looking over a calm garden. 

* Often Brigitte needs to leave Paris suddenly for family reasons. Please note this may or may not occurs before or during your staying in her B&B

Friday, May 15, 2015

NEW LUXURY B&B in Paris - 5 bedroom Bliss

Welcome to our NEW Petite Paris AUTHENTIC B&B! 
B&B472 - Marie's place :) 
5 Luxury Guestrooms located over 2 floors that is private for guests, each with private bathrooms. 

* Downstairs there is a communal private guests dining room where breakfast is served to you daily by Marie, your professional hostess. You are free to enjoy this room at all other times too.  Additionally there is a guest kitchen downstairs, for guests private use to prepare small meals! 
Private terrace at the entry of the home to enjoy in warm weather.

CLICK HERE TO SEE IT NEW ON OUR WEBSITE
PRICES from 140euro per night for 2 guests

Email us for information, availability and BOOKINGS! info@petitepr.com.au
SCROLL DOWN to see images of this amazingly quaint Paris neighbourhood!


Guests private dining relaxing room...


The Guests private are entry to the 2 guestrooms rooms on the first level _ Opera room and Petit Opera :)  

the private terrace at the entry to the home


Marie’s B&B home in the 13th arrondissement is located an authentic residential part of Paris. Marie offers 5 beautiful rooms set in a charming 1920’s mansion for an authentic Parisian stay. All designer bedrooms are with ensuite bathroom facilities, large beds, individual control of temperature (air conditioning and heating). Good Wi-Fi connection is available through the house and the terrace. Every morning a gourmet breakfast with a variety of options are provided along with the superb local pastries and breads from local bakeries.

The B&B is situated on a calm secluded position, in southeastern Paris, between the buttes aux cailles area and the cite universitaire. The neighborhood is famous for its country charm and village atmosphere. You will enjoy its peaceful streets and greenery.

Maries B&B provides you with a comfortable environment for your visit with the perfect balance of personalized attention and privacy. She runs the place with enthusiasm. She loves traveling. Breakfast time is her favorite moment to exchange with her guests.  


Champs Elysees Room





The Bastille Room



Concorde Room



Opera Room


Petit Opera Room



CLICK HERE TO SEE IT NEW ON OUR WEBSITE
PRICES from 140euro per night for 2 guests
Email us for enquiries and bookings: info@petitepr.com.au




IMAGES BELOW of the beautiful Butte de Cailles Neighbourhood