Paris Hotel Rooms
If you are booking a hotel in Paris for the first time, and particularly if you are coming from the USA, you need
to be aware of several differences.
First of all, space in the City is at a premium. This means that your room, unless you are in an expensive
hotel, is likely to be much smaller than you are used to in the USA. No point complaining, it's just a fact of
life.
Second, many hotels are in older buildings. Their elevators are likely to be tiny and cramped, so it will be a
squeeze for you and your luggage.
Third, European hotel prices are much higher than those in the USA. This is true, even when the dollar is
stronger than it is now.
Fourth - and I guess this boils down to personal preference anyway - I find Paris beds very hard. Some people
like that, I don't. Actually, it's not just Paris, I've found this to be true in many other parts of France
too.
These are all drawbacks, but please don't let them put you off. The Paris experience is well worth these
inconveniences.
Fifth, forget the car. You will have problems parking it, both at your hotel and elsewhere, and it really isn't
worth the effort. Paris is a very walkable city and the Paris Metro is a great way of travelling around. The only
time it may be worthwhile is if you are planning to visit some of the attractions a little outside Paris, but even
then, you can book a trip with one of the tour operators.
Hotel Availability
There are thousands of hotels in Paris - to suit all budgets.
Availability will vary according to season, but also according to the incidence of any major exhibitions or
events.
There is a high season, which basically is from 1st April to 31st October. Correspondingly, the low season is
from 1st November to 31st March. But there are specific occasions, such as Christmas, New Year, Easter and Bastille
Day (14th July), when Paris will be jam packed with visitors, so you will need to book early if you plan to be
there at those times.
The same applies when the major trade shows and exhibitions take place, especially the Motor Show (October every
two years) and the major fashion shows. When the most popular events are on, it can be extremely difficult to find
any hotel, not just your preferred one. This is a good reason to use one of the major online hotel booking agencies
(see below).
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