Extremely Efficient Bathrooms

European bathrooms are notoriously compact and efficient, but Paris has a reputation all its own.  I think we scored quite a nice room in Paris on such short notice with a great location, and you can see just how efficient the bathroom is.  The counter top is just large enough for the sink, your knee is in the shower while using the toilet, and for the ladies, shaving your legs requires a bit of flexibility.  Yet, it was all that we needed.  I was thrilled to have a hair dryer provided by the hotel, as I wasn’t going to backpack across Europe for weeks with one on my back.  Although this is the smallest bathroom we came across during our European trip, I came to miss some of it’s features convenient for backpackers.  With the tile walls, we could easily suction cup a laundry line across the bathroom, lowering toward the sink for drips.  The working drain stop made it easy to soak and wash clothes in the sink, although we did come prepared with a suction sink stopper just in case (another Rick Steves tip).

A Two-Person Elevator

Even the elevator was absolutely no larger than necessary (yet a luxury, as there are always stairs).  When we first arrived at the hotel with our packs on our backs, Mike and I had to ride up individually – there was no room to spare!  But after a romantic day or night out in the city of love, isn’t this is just an extra excuse to get closer to the one you love?