With travel ramping up again in 2021 we decided to take Sofia to Paris for her 9th birthday in October. We went when she turned 7 and it was the perfect time of year, so we had hoped to make this a yearly tradition but covid had other plans in 2020. 😉 It felt amazing getting on a jumbo jet again and flying across the pond…I mean if it were first class it would have been way nicer but nonetheless, cramped in economy with Sofia’s legs all over me was heavenly.
We spent 4 nights at Crowne Plaza Republique, a few things that constantly draw us back is the location (so easy to hop the metro and get anywhere within Paris quickly), shops + restaurants all around the hotel, it’s safe (Sofia and I walked alone at night a few times with zero issues), the rooms are the biggest we’ve found in Paris for families along with the option of 2 large beds and lastly, the expansive breakfast buffet.
Just a heads up, to be fully transparent, this was our second time staying with Crowne Plaza Republique (we worked together a few years ago as well!) we received many benefits in exchange for our honest opinion but with that being said the following is indeed my honest opinion!
How to Get to Paris During Quarantine (*this is based off of our visit in October 2021)
We traveled there in October 2021, this is what we had to do for entry (*updated travel information can be obtained here):
1| proof of vaccination
2| digital EU COVID certificate: when we went you had to apply online with the French government and it took a long time for them to convert our US certificate into a French pass. Mike received his in a few days and I didn’t get mine until the final day of our trip. Luckily it didn’t matter and every place accepted our US certificate. *As of writing this post (December 2021) it appears that you can now get yours converted at a pharmacy in France info can be found here
3| health declaration form: print, fill out + bring with you to the airport
4| masks are required in the airport, cabs, metro, buildings etc
5| negative covid test: this wasn’t required when we traveled but looks like it’s needed now
BEFORE TRAVELING CHECK THIS SITE FOR UP TO DATE REQUIREMENTS
Covid Safety Precautions at Crowne Plaza Republique
- social distancing was advised
- housekeeping used enhanced cleaning procedures
- masks are required in public places (except when sitting and eating)
- all staff were required to wear masks
Our Room at Crowne Plaza Republique
- the room was so large and spacious for European standards. There was plenty of room for Sofia to relax and for us to have our own area.
- view of Republique square, it’s stunning, lively + picturesque. We loved opening the large window and hearing the life outside!
- we had a suite with a king bed (an actual KING bed…in Europe!) and a sofa bed for Sofia (this pulled out into 2 separate twin beds)
- wifi was excellent
- plenty of charging ports
- the rainfall showerhead in the bathroom was divine
Club Lounge + Lobby Bar
- we relaxed in the club lounge every evening for happy hour, there were snacks and a nice variety of beer/wine, juice, water, coffee/tea + sodas
- in the lounge there are plenty of seating areas to unwind in
- the lobby bar is where it’s at! It’s well stocked and the fancy handmade drinks are a nice touch.
- you are able to sit at the bar, tables or take a more private seat at a couch in the back of the room
Breakfast Buffet
- the spread is so diverse even the pickiest eater will find something they like!
- all the offerings: an egg station (Mike’s go-to!), bacon/sausage, yogurt bar, fresh fruit, meats + cheese, fresh pastries (the chocolate croissants were Sofia and my faves!), cappuccino, fresh juices, teas
- there is also an abundance of seating, you should never have to worry about snagging a place to sit!
Random things to pack when visiting Paris
- a small purse sized umbrella
- a water bottle, there’s a water station in the hotel lobby to refill
- cash *tip: we always order Euros from the bank a week and a half before we travel
- comfy shoes/boots
- in the fall bring a lightweight jacket for the day and a heavier jacket at night
- crossbody purse that zips and keep it in the front of you at all times *I wear mine under my jacket
- power adaptor, we always travel with at least 4 of these so no one is fighting for one *remember your electronics do NOT convert automatically. Check your hair appliances and devices to see if they are dual voltage. This is where they automatically switch between 110-120V and 220-240V.
We had an amazing stay with Crowne Plaza Republique and would recommend them to any families looking to visit Paris! You can follow along with them on Instagram here