I tend to think that a lot of people who are treated rudely get what they ask for. I have seen some "ugly Americans" treat French, Spanish etc... RUDELY and then whine "people were rude to me" GEE... If your attitude is it's "crime infested" etc... it will be self fufilling. (And BenLee you have not talked to me. As a regular tourist I have been to Paris more then 10 times and NEVER been the victim of a crime. I have gone with friends, teen agers, coworkers etc.... no crime. As a matter of fact I have TWO crime stories over lots of Europe travel. One happened in the Tube you think was so much better. Traveling companion was a pickpocket victim. The other was in Spain same deal!)

And the "metro" is less advanced then the tube OMG that's so funny! The tube is pretty much admitted to be outdated and full of issues (by the British who are busy working on it because it breaks down all the time etc... they promised the Olympic committee it would be better and hopefully will make thier goal, but having been there this summer when several parts of it were closed for "repairs" I don't think they are there yet!)

If you go with a chip on your shoulder expecting "American" outgoing then you will be disappointed. It's a different culture where "reserve" is expected. They aren't your "friend" until they know you. That's not rude it's thier culture!

I have stayed at this hotel numerous times and really like it. You will see lots of AA flight crews.

Attitude is everything in life. If you go expecting "just like home" then probably the thing to do is stay home, you won't be happy! If you go with an open mind and realize "just because they don't slap you on the back" doesn't mean they are rude, it's just thier culture....you will have a good time.

(And get off the main tourist drags for food. It's great and affordable if you don't eat where they have 10,000 other tourists!)