Paris riots and non-refundable stays
Dec 7, 2018, 12:50 pm
#1
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Paris riots and non-refundable stays
I am supposed to spend last week of the year at a Marriott in Paris with my family (small children), and thus I booked a non-refundable stay. Who could have thought of local situation going down so hard !
In case things don't improve and my wife is too scared, are a refund/credit for future stay impossible, or does anyone have any advice to get such exceptional commercial gesture ?
In case things don't improve and my wife is too scared, are a refund/credit for future stay impossible, or does anyone have any advice to get such exceptional commercial gesture ?
Last edited by vilntrav; Dec 7, 2018 at 12:51 pm Reason: typo
Dec 7, 2018, 2:10 pm
#2
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Unless the hotel is on the Champs Elysees and youre staying on a weekend, Paris is essentially normal.
I wouldnt have thought youd have much luck from any hotel (unless its damaged and has to close). Insurance is the fall-back in cases like this, but Paris is working as normal at the moment. What you may be seeing on US TV probably doesnt reflect whats actually happening in the city.
I wouldnt have thought youd have much luck from any hotel (unless its damaged and has to close). Insurance is the fall-back in cases like this, but Paris is working as normal at the moment. What you may be seeing on US TV probably doesnt reflect whats actually happening in the city.
Dec 7, 2018, 3:45 pm
#4
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French authorities Thursday announced that the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and dozens of museums, tourist spots and shops will be closed this weekend as they anticipate potential riots and violence during anti-government protests in Paris.
In addition, The Paris Opera has canceled scheduled performances this weekend for security reasons.
For its part, the U.S. State Department has not changed its Level 2 travel advisory warning, meaning that American tourists must exercise increased caution due to terrorism. The U.S. Embassy in Paris released its own demonstration alert, advising visitors to stay away from turbulent areas.
We were just at the Prince de Galles in October and vowed to visit this wonderful hotel and beautiful city more frequently.
We absolutely love Paris.
But the overturned cars on fire, smashed windows and tear gassed crowds took place 800 meters from the hotel. That doesnt seem like a relaxing vacation to me.
I would feel the same if the demonstrations were in NYC, DC or Los Angeles.
I think OPs inquiry is valid.
Dec 7, 2018, 7:09 pm
#5
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This is the risk in booking non-refundable. If you have travel nsurance then maybe you can get out of it. Otherwise, I agree that Paris will be much better than Detroit.
Dec 7, 2018, 7:32 pm
#6
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I have a friend who is staying in their 2nd home in Paris currently as their twice a year sojourn of several months.
He emailed me last night said situation really IS BAD because there is NO Leaders of the current protest groups that the police can negotiate with, like the French government has been doing such for decades and decades, as a tradition. But on this one, they dont even know how to because the "yellow vests" are such loosely groups. Things are rapidly deteriorated and spiraling out of control.
I would suggest OP to contact the hotel directly and ask if the stay can be postponed to future dates.
He emailed me last night said situation really IS BAD because there is NO Leaders of the current protest groups that the police can negotiate with, like the French government has been doing such for decades and decades, as a tradition. But on this one, they dont even know how to because the "yellow vests" are such loosely groups. Things are rapidly deteriorated and spiraling out of control.
I would suggest OP to contact the hotel directly and ask if the stay can be postponed to future dates.
Dec 7, 2018, 7:52 pm
#7
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I can only speak for myself, but while I might be concerned I certainly wouldn't cancel a stay '3 weeks out'. Again, 3 weeks away. Things change.
I PM'd a FTer who is Paris-based & asked her to post in this thread (probably tomorrow or over weekend). I expect her response to be similar to EuropeanPete (who also sounds like a local), but we'll see.
Cheers.
I PM'd a FTer who is Paris-based & asked her to post in this thread (probably tomorrow or over weekend). I expect her response to be similar to EuropeanPete (who also sounds like a local), but we'll see.
Cheers.
Dec 7, 2018, 7:58 pm
#8
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Agreed . Non-refundable is generally cheaper and has risks. Things happen-foreseeable and not. Get insurance. I'd try to cancel, but if the hotel is open and they won't let you, that's the deal made.
Dec 7, 2018, 8:00 pm
#9
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And again, a riot upset re: gas prices in France will be solved by Xmas 
. If nothing else, I bet the French decide to use their Xmas holiday being on holiday 
Cheers.
. If nothing else, I bet the French decide to use their Xmas holiday being on holiday Cheers.
Dec 8, 2018, 12:40 am
#10
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I can only speak for myself, but while I might be concerned I certainly wouldn't cancel a stay '3 weeks out'. Again, 3 weeks away. Things change.
I PM'd a FTer who is Paris-based & asked her to post in this thread (probably tomorrow or over weekend). I expect her response to be similar to EuropeanPete (who also sounds like a local), but we'll see.
Cheers.
I PM'd a FTer who is Paris-based & asked her to post in this thread (probably tomorrow or over weekend). I expect her response to be similar to EuropeanPete (who also sounds like a local), but we'll see.
Cheers.
Theres a good chance that whatever happens in the next few hours will tell you if things are actually escalating in a way which raises concerns about 3 weeks from now.
Dec 8, 2018, 4:10 am
#11
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I have a friend who is staying in their 2nd home in Paris currently as their twice a year sojourn of several months.
He emailed me last night said situation really IS BAD because there is NO Leaders of the current protest groups that the police can negotiate with, like the French government has been doing such for decades and decades, as a tradition. But on this one, they dont even know how to because the "yellow vests" are such loosely groups. Things are rapidly deteriorated and spiraling out of control.
I would suggest OP to contact the hotel directly and ask if the stay can be postponed to future dates.
He emailed me last night said situation really IS BAD because there is NO Leaders of the current protest groups that the police can negotiate with, like the French government has been doing such for decades and decades, as a tradition. But on this one, they dont even know how to because the "yellow vests" are such loosely groups. Things are rapidly deteriorated and spiraling out of control.
I would suggest OP to contact the hotel directly and ask if the stay can be postponed to future dates.
Dec 8, 2018, 6:56 am
#12
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I am supposed to spend last week of the year at a Marriott in Paris with my family (small children), and thus I booked a non-refundable stay. Who could have thought of local situation going down so hard !
In case things don't improve and my wife is too scared, are a refund/credit for future stay impossible, or does anyone have any advice to get such exceptional commercial gesture ?
In case things don't improve and my wife is too scared, are a refund/credit for future stay impossible, or does anyone have any advice to get such exceptional commercial gesture ?
Dec 8, 2018, 7:07 am
#13
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I found it amazing how cheap petrol prices were in the US when on holiday there recently, even with the weak GBP exchange rate!https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...taxes-protests
Dec 8, 2018, 7:21 am
#14
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I am supposed to spend last week of the year at a Marriott in Paris with my family (small children), and thus I booked a non-refundable stay. Who could have thought of local situation going down so hard !
In case things don't improve and my wife is too scared, are a refund/credit for future stay impossible, or does anyone have any advice to get such exceptional commercial gesture ?
In case things don't improve and my wife is too scared, are a refund/credit for future stay impossible, or does anyone have any advice to get such exceptional commercial gesture ?
come and enjoy the beautiful city of light.
Dec 8, 2018, 7:26 am
#15
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In general I agree with you, but a trip to Paris right now will be impacted:
French authorities Thursday announced that the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and dozens of museums, tourist spots and shops will be closed this weekend as they anticipate potential riots and violence during anti-government protests in Paris.
In addition, The Paris Opera has canceled scheduled performances this weekend for security reasons.
For its part, the U.S. State Department has not changed its Level 2 travel advisory warning, meaning that American tourists must “exercise increased caution” due to terrorism. The U.S. Embassy in Paris released its own demonstration alert, advising visitors to stay away from turbulent areas.
We were just at the Prince de Galles in October and vowed to visit this wonderful hotel and beautiful city more frequently.
We absolutely love Paris.
But the overturned cars on fire, smashed windows and tear gassed crowds took place 800 meters from the hotel. That doesn’t seem like a relaxing vacation to me.
I would feel the same if the demonstrations were in NYC, DC or Los Angeles.
I think OP’s inquiry is valid.
as to who wrote about the Gilets Jaunes having no leader, yes they don’t but that doesn’t mean they can protest anytime they want, they only do it on Saturday, probably there won’t be any manifs next week.
Take le it from someone who is here, PARIS is safe, thank you.
Nothing happened on George Cinq where PRD is, the damage was on Rue Kléber. This week the police is managing the crowds very well. And so far not much damage.
Last edited by Yahillwe; Dec 8, 2018 at 7:29 am Reason: Added more info