Choosing a hotel in Paris is not a simple thing to do, but it can be
made much easier if you spend a little time dealing with your own personal
nessesities. Because Paris has such a wide range of hotels, go through
the following list and consider each point. In general, hotels are
expensive in the capital, but there are less expensive ones to be found.
Hotels are rated by the French government on a star scale from one to four.
Four star hotels are the luxury hotels with all amenities. Personally,
I do not recommend most one star hotels simply because they have little
to offer, but that is not to say they are not clean or safe, just be aware
that there will be little more than a room with a bed in it. In order
to find a hotel that suits you best, ask yourself these key questions.
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How important is location? Do you want to be very close to the city
center, or do you not mind taking the Metro more often? Do you have
a specific location or area you would like to stay?
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What amenities do you want the hotel to include? Do you have to have
a TV, telephone, elevator, luxurious furnishings, shower, etc? As
you give up more of these the price will come down. Also, look for
a hotel that does not include breakfast. Most of the time breakfast
can run from $5 to $10 per person per night extra and adds up quickly.
Real Parisien breakfasts can be found elsewhere.
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Is price a major or the only factor? What are you willing to pay?
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Is size of the hotel important? Smaller hotels may not have elevators
and the rooms may be small. Larger hotels have more options.
If you are traveling as a party of three or more, finding a room or suite
to fit everyone will be more difficult. Smaller hotels will have
to divide you up.
I have stayed in very different types of hotels myself while in Paris.
I have stayed in a wonderful four star hotel that had everything I could
possibly want and more. I have also stayed at a smaller two star
hotel without an elevator, but ended up having a spectacular room well
within my budget. It just takes time to find out what is available
out there, but with a little effort in advance, you can find something
that is perfect for you. There are a few options out there to begin
your search. There are some good guide books that have plenty of
hotels listed to get you started. Also check the internet for websites
focusing on hotels in Paris.
I also recommend calling the hotel and confirming in person rather than
only through the internet or by email because many hotels do have concierges
that speak English, so do not be afraid to call.
I have chosen not to list hotels on this website because there are far
too many hotels and plenty of adequate websites out there, but if you are
interested in information on the hotels I have stayed in and my thoughts
on them, you can check that out here. |