Paris Travel Guide: Looking for Accommodations

Travel packages to Paris offer accommodations at hotels located throughout the city. Paris supposedly has more guest accommodations than in any other city in Europe. These hotels vary from luxurious hotels like the Ritz and other exclusive hotels. There are small, homey type hotels in each of the sections of the city, too.

The hotels of Paris are separated by the business area and the tourist area. The luxury hotels are usually on the north side and the less luxurious hotels are on the south side. Some of the more luxurious and grand hotels are located near the Champs-Elysees.

There are a number of old mansions and palaces that have been converted into hotels. These are located on the Right Bank. These are small hotels with reasonable rates. The Left Bank has a number of small hotels. The Left Bank is one of the busiest tourist areas.

The low season for travel to Paris is mid-November to March or July and August. This does not always mean cheap rates because fashion shows and other events throughout the year can cause a raise in rates.

The rate for twin rooms is more than that for doubles. Single occupancy rooms are expensive. Room rates are quoted per room and not per person. Some hotels will have shared bathrooms. If you get a room with a bathroom, you can expect to pay a higher rate.

There are discounts available with some packages and some hotels offer special deals for students, families, or senior citizens. Also be aware that your room rate will also include tax and service. Tipping is not necessary unless the concierge provides an extra service such as arranging for show tickets or the maid does laundry for you.

When making your reservation, be sure to ask if breakfast is included in the price. If there is a minibar in the room, the items in it are extra and will be expensive.

Payment is in Euros. The exchange rate is lower at hotels than at banks. You will want to pay your bill with Euros or with a credit card or traveler's check.

When looking for a hotel, we usually look at how they are classified. French hotels are classified into five categories. The categories are one to four stars and there is a four-star deluxe rating. Some small hotels may not be classified. Not all hotels will have a dining room, especially those with less than four stars. August is usually a vacation time for Parisians and hotel dining rooms may be closed.

Another item to ask about is whether the hotel has an elevator. The hotel may have two or more floors and no elevator. You may not feel comfortable dragging bags up and down the stairs. Or, you need to have this as a consideration if you are traveling with someone who is disabled.

If you have a friend who has traveled to Paris, you may want to discuss your trip with them. They can tell you about the hotel they stayed in and you can determine if it is a fit for you. You can also ask your travel agent. Many travel agents have visited Paris and can offer suggestions. You may pay more than the package deal you were anticipating but the accommodations may be a better fit for you and your family.