New York to Paris on budget Norwegian 787

Bit hairy jumping on a plane this morning after the latest catastrophe. We were on Norwegian out of New York - chosen by yours truly because the aircraft was a Dreamliner. This was my first experience on Boeing's pride and joy and a dream flight it was. I expected the interior to look a little less conventional than it did - but perhaps this was a budget layout. Norwegian by the way was one of the first European carriers to enforce the two people in the cockpit at all times rule. 

Norwegian 787 interior (supplied)

The service on board was fine - seating a bit cramped perhaps. Goodies included a reasonable selection of movies and WiFi. Norwegian is the only budget carrier to fly across the Atlantic. We will be in Paris for a few days researching for a new book before heading to Provence and Grasse. Crazy as it seems, one way fares from New York to Paris can cost $2000pp and more.

How to beat skyrocketing hotel prices in London

The plunge in the Aussie dollar is rapidly bringing an end to the good times for travellers to the UK and Europe.

Hotels are close to gorgeous London parks (Ian McIntosh)

A 4 star hotel in London for instance now costs around 400 pounds a night - that today (March 29, 2015) converts into $768. Scary stuff, I am sure you agree. Bit of a joke as well when you think of the 5 star hotels in Asia you can buy for around $200 a night. My wife loves the finer things in life but has a theory about expensive hotels."I would rather wear it," she blithely says. And so I spend a lot of my time these days looking for properties that offer the creature comforts we all demand - at a decent price. Meanwhile Fiona heads for Harrods or Massimo Dutti in Paris.

Most of the time I get it right but you do make the odd error. As a base, I use booking.com and comb through hundreds of properties on offer. Thankfully you can select the area you want and the star rating - which makes the search that much easier. On my most recent visit to London and Paris I looked at a number of hotels and was not really disappointed with any of them - although a couple were overdue for a fresh broom.There is something to be said for staying in a smaller hotel as against the Hiltons and the like - the people in reception for a start really want to help and quickly get to know you. One hotel chain that does seem to specialise in smaller more intimate hotels in Paris and London is Best Western. Negotiating the lift is part of the fun in Paris - there is often just enough room for one person plus a suitcase. Breakfast, usually served in the basement, should be part of the deal - lots of bread, fruit, yoghurt, cereal, coffee, tea, croissants cheese and cold meats. True, you are not going to meet the Queen down there - but you can eat your fill - and probably sneak out a sandwich for later - although I didn't tell you that. Always pay for as much as possible before you leave Australia because the price is then fixed.

Bedroom - The New Linden

I started out in London staying in a hotel in an area I know well and really like - Westminster. The Duke of Leinster is is short walk away from the Royal parks for those of you who like to jog in beautiful surrounds each evening. The Lancaster tube and a few pleasant pubs including the Leinster Arms are a walk away. This hotel serves the best sausages and mash in London. Another plus is the fact that the Leinster is not an expensive cab ride from say Victoria Station. The girls in reception were delightful and a small but reasonably swift lift soon had us on the fourth floor.

Pleasant surprises continued. The room was freshly painted and carpeted and the bathroom fairly new as well. We had a flat TV, iron and board, safe (old mechanical style not easy to use) fridge, desk, hair dryer plus tea and coffee making facilities. The double bed was comfy and lighting was generally very good. All of this for around 100 quid a night. I was on to a real winner until later that afternoon when the room warmed up and I poked about looking for the air conditioning. There was none - not that cooling is important for most of the year. 

All considered, we quite enjoyed out stay. Continental breakfast was included and if you wanted it cooked the extra charge was only £2.50 for sausages and eggs. The main dining room is a floor below reception but we preferred the small area set up for breakfast near the front entrance by a picture window overlooking the street. Service was always prompt and with a smile. No complaints about the bathroom - plenty of hot water and the towels were thick and big. Take a decent cake of soap with you though. Another plus was the fact that a selection of newspapers was available in a rack by reception each morning. If you feel you need a step up - across the road is the Blakemore Hyde Park - cost is around 200 pounds a night. The second London hotel was nearly - The New Linden is also in Leinster Square Bayswater. This property is really close to great pubs, major shopping complexes and restaurants, as well as the Royal Parks. The value was there - three nights for just over 300 pounds including breakfast – but the decor was a little drab, there was no fridge and again no air-conditioning. I was on the top floor overlooking the square. Breakfast was simple but filling - no complaints. The shower was great along with the big, thirsty towels.

Remember I have stayed at all of these hotels - so if you need more information or assistance please contact me on ianmac@travelagentupdate.com. My advice is independent and free.

How to find budget hotels in Paris

So, on to Paris, the real home of small family style hotels. First on the list was The Aviatic, well positioned at 15 Rue de Vaugirard on the left bank close to the Montparnasse Station and central St Germain. The 43 rooms here have all been completely renovated and the person responsible deserves a gold medal. His or her work is a benchmark for small hotel operators. Despite the small size of the rooms, everything is just about perfect - from decor to lighting and the bathroom although I would have eliminated the bath. Breakfast is fine along with the reception staff. The best news is this property usually has a special deal going – check the website.

Hotel Millesime

Next we have the Hotel Millesime, again on the left bank at 15 Rue Jacob, a short walk from the Notre-Dame and a pleasant stroll along the River Seine embankment to The Louvre, Concorde Square and beyond. This property is very cute - housed in an ancient building that was a monastery. The rooms are quite big by Paris standards, reception very helpful, the lift big enough for two but the property it is a little tired and you wouldn't want a room by the lift. I am informed that this hotel is currently undergoing a complete restoration so check the website for details.

It certainly was the best value but The Hotel Choiseul Opera had me worried – just 69 euro a night – breakfast an extra 13. I walked to 1 rue Daunou – the hotel is well located close to the Opera House, shopping, bars (including Hemingway favourite, Harry’s Bar) and restaurants. The receptionist was charming and I was soon heading to the second floor and room 206. The lift is small even by Paris standards – just room for me followed by my faithful old Air Canada suitcase. Despite my misgivings the room was fine with a well stacked minibar, small desk with three power points, comfy queen size bed with a lighting master switch either side. The goodies included air conditioning, heated towel rail, full length mirror, safe at face level to make its use simple and an excellent shower. Soap and shampoo were provided. Free wifi and a new Philips TV completed the package. Breakfast in the morning with the hotel cat watching on was delicious and filling.

Lounge - Hotel Cordelia

Last but by no means least, again in the Opera district, is the very delightful Cordelia Hotel, 11 rue de Greffuhle. I spent a night here and enjoyed it so much I have made a new booking for later this year. As well as very comfortable and well equipped rooms there is a delightful lounge and bar on the ground floor.

If you want to jump up a star, look at the Concorde Opera now operated by Hilton which features one of the most beautiful foyers in Paris - now used as a bar as well as a lounge. This hotel was originally linked to the railway station next door and was the darling on trans Atlantic travellers. The Victorian era rooms are huge with high ceilings and Hilton is slowly renovating each one one with a new look and in particular beautiful bathrooms. The renovations should be completed by the start of the European summer but check – nothing worse than waking up to the tune of a jackhammer. Opera is a great location by the way if you love shopping with Printemps and Galeries Lafayette usually only a walk away from your hotel.Another elegant hotel in Paris to look at if you want to go really upmarket is the Victoria Palace Hotel, 6, rue Blaise Desgoffe. So there you have it. Spend your money on a hotel room - or on touring/shopping.

Casablanca airport transfers - a good idea?

Just to be on the safe side, I decided to organise a transfer from Casablanca Airport to our hotel.

To be exact a private taxi organised and paid for through suntransfers.com. (screen grab above)

All the details were correct, we arrived at 7.15am on July 13 (was the date an omen?) from Charles de Gaulle. We were to be taken to the Kenzi Tower Hotel, Twin Centre. Only problem was no one turned up to pick us up. We looked around and concerned locals called the so-called priority lines we were given. The number turned out to be in Spain. 

Moroccan taxis (reversehomesickness)

Anyway, we ended up getting a local cab - the most beaten up Merc I have ever seen - so bad the roof lining had been pushed back into place using a staple gun. The driver was pleasant enough - but we were very happy to arrive in one piece. My email of complaint was answered quickly but our payment was never refunded. The return journey went without a hitch - the driver found us at the hotel and took us to the airport in a near new car. 

To conclude: Organising a transfer from Casablanca Airport is a good idea but don't rely on Suntransfers

Ian Mcintosh is Australia's senior traveller.