Royal Regency

Great timeshare apartment for a stay in Paris. Way bigger than expected. We were in a studio but it was more like a full 1 bedroom. In a suburb of Paris (think Brooklyn to NYC) but very easy to catch Metro into center of Paris (10 minutes...3-4 stops). Suburb was still in city so it's like downtown Paris with less neon. Great shops, open air markets, restaurants etc. all around the timeshare. Inside, separate kitchen only missing an oven, separate bathroom, nice facilities. And...it's a little cheaper in Vincennes than in downtown Paris.

This is really an apartment building in a small, attractive suburban town of apartment buildings and some townhomes on the outskirts of Paris. It's rather basic accomodations; but quite acceptable. Nice, but small kitchen with full sized fridge and dishwasher, (medium sized fridge & Dishwasher by USA standards though), microwave, toaster, coffee maker; basic dining table and chairs, TV (with cable: BBC and SkyTV available) in living room (only), sleep sofa (though not comfortable to sleep on) and cocktail table in the living room. Living room has sliding glass doors to a small balcony. Our one bedroom unit had a very small bedroom with two twin beds and a small night table; but no dresser, closet or chair(s). Only closet was in the hallway; (more a linen & coat closet, but also had some shelves and a small safe that rents for 12 Euros per week). Bedroom had one small window. Unit lighting was somewhat inadequate except in the hallway between rooms. Bathroom was spacious, but only a single sink and a combination tub/shower; AND THERE WAS NO SHOWER CURTAIN to keep water off the bathroom floor and the shower pressure was really low - barely a trickle of water came out of the removable (for hand holding) shower head. Built-in wall mounted blower/dryer was in the bathroom.

There's a small fitness room off the lobby with a small (non- commercial) treadmill and stationary cycle. A small restroom off the lobby too and a lounge area with a wall mounted flatscreen TV and billiard table. One lousy internet-connected PC was in the lobby for use at 1 Euro per 10 minutes; but its speed was SLOWER than a dial-up connection. Also, the PC not fully accessible; when front desk is unmanned (ie: nightime) then the Internet connected PC is not available for use. Better to go during business hours for a 10 minute walk down the street to the electronics/cell phone/internet cafe. Also, no laundry facilities onsite, but a laundromat is available a 5 minute walk away. Did not see or use the free garage parking. A grocery store was a block away and a wine shop next door. Metro is about a 20 minute walk; rather far, but it is a pleasant walk on the local streets. The RER train station is about the same distance but it's cheaper to take the Metro subway to Paris (especially if you buy 10 tickets at one time (a "carnet" for around 11 Euros) than the RER train, which is more expensive to Paris from Vincennes than Metro. Metro is one price, no matter how far you travel; (note that within Paris proper you can transfer without charge from Metro to RER train and vice-versa, but cannot go to the suburbs like VIncennes without paying extra on the RER train, while you can using just Metro). In any event, DO NOT rely on getting a taxi at either Royal Regency or at the Vincennes Metro station as even though there's a taxi stand at the Vincennes Metro station, there's almost never a taxi waiting there. Instead, taxis must be called for from Paris and they start their meters when they get the call in Paris (or wherever) and head to Vincennes, not when they pick you up in Vincennes. There is a large bus station at the Vincennes Metro, but, because of one-way streets, the bus only goes within a few blocks of the Royal Regency, not directly past it (except if you're taking the bus to the station from the Royal Regency, where there's a return stop a block away). A bus ride costs the same as a Metro ride (one interchangeable (Metro or Bus) ticket). One word of warning: BEWARE of PICKPOCKETS in the Metro stations, especially at the Vincennes station at night, (ie: after the evening rush hour), when it's rather desolate.

Overall, we enjoyed our stay at Royal Regency; mainly because of the small town feel of Vincennes and the only 30 - 40 minute commute (including a 20 minute walk) to the heart of Paris.

We spent valentines week at this resort. The location was superb! We were a short walk from the metro. It was wonderful there even in the winter. The staff is great and they speak beautiful English too. The condo was perfect, although furnishings a little outdated. Who cares, it was perfect for PARIS.

Been to this hotel twice in timeshare units. Excellent property in an interesting neighbourhood with easy access to anywhere in Paris via Metro and bus. Friendly and helpful service.

The very best part about this resort is that it is in Paris! It's situated in a residential neighborhood and reminds me of an apartment rather than a resort. It's very comfortable, and the front desk staff was very helpful and congenial. We had a two bedroom unit with only one bathroom and NO closets or dresser drawers! Not one closet except for the small entry coat closet. The kitchen was also very small but functional and cheery. The overall condition of the apartment was drab and needs updating.

A car is definitely not necessary, however you need to enjoy walking and to be physically fit because the Metro is about a 15-20 minute walk. I enjoyed the walk immensely because we passed many neighborhood patisseries, bakeries, flower shops, vegetable and fruit stands, and the time passed very quickly. Walking home from the Metro at night was not a problem either, and we felt very safe. Be sure to purchase a Carte Orange (sold only Monday-Thursday) which is good for unlimited Metro, RER, and bus usage for one week at a cost of $19. I forgot to mention that there is a bus which stops 1/2 block from the timeshare and which takes you directly to the Metro stop. We never bothered to use it because the walk was so pleasant.

The only reason I gave this resort three stars instead of four or five was because it is rundown and because it lacks amenities. Make no mistake about it, we thoroughly enjoyed this exchange and would do so again in a heartbeat. Staying at the Royal Regency put all of Paris at our feet!

Very good for families , near Disney. Friendly staff and underground parking available for free.

Excellent resort, very helpfull staff (speak 3 or 4 languages) will help you with your travel arragements in Paris. Great residential area and just 15 minutes by Metro to Paris Center.

We took the RIR out to view this resort (?) and we were impressed with it. We came home and banked an exchange with RCI but after a year or longer, no luck and gave up, sadly.

The staff was friendly and showed us around, including the rooms with kitchenettes.

Still hoping. Let us know when a rental is available.

Niner