Checked on Paris

You published in mid-April a letter from Catherine Fletcher who wrote of her hotel, the Etoile Park, in Paris. As I was in Paris the following week I thought I would, as a good travel agent should, check it out. Everything she wrote was true: convenient location, clean, friendly. The prices were, however, closer to $100 double rather than $75. It is hard to keep up with the dollar’s fall. The rooms are very, very small and rather sterile; minimal closet space. In my mind there are better values in Paris.

A tip, if one plans to be in Paris more than two days--the Carte Orange for the Metro and buses is a good value and saves waiting in line to buy tickets each time. Take a passport photo with you. If not, there are photo machines at the Metro stops where the passes are sold. The orange card identifies you and they give you a yellow ticket to get through the turnstiles.

France is shockingly expensive for Americans. Good planning, buying package deals and prepaying as much as possible will save a great deal of money and disappointment. The food is still wonderful and the French are very glad to see us. Other than the big-city abruptness we find here, they are most pleasant and friendly.

HAL TERRELL

The Travel Store

Los Angeles