Paris Cheap Hotel

jlescault

Hello,

I am off to Paris next month for a long weekend and wanted to ask what’s the best way to get a decent 3 star or 4 stars hotel, relatively cheap.

I appreciate accommodation can be pricey in Paris and I’ve provisional booked a hotel not far from Gare Du Nord.

Thank you in advance 

gwynlas

There is a Paris Tourist office web site which will advise and book accommodation for you. Otherwise you can just Ggle it yourself. If you are not familiar with Paris hotels be aware that breakfast for which you pay extra is often just baguette, jam and diluted orange juice. It is usually better value to go somewhere like McDs..The last time I stayed at the Soft Hotel there was a refrigerator in the room and they advsed you to buy refreshments at local shop. Check local map beforehand as it can be as  quick to walk to your hotel as use transport.

martindow

gwynlas said:

 If you are not familiar with Paris hotels be aware that breakfast for which you pay extra is often just baguette, jam and diluted orange juice. It is usually better value to go somewhere like McDs..

I agree that French hotel breakfasts are usually poor value, but I normally go to local bakeries, which often have a few seats inside, for coffee and croissants. 

k3lvc

Paris as with any big city is a minefield for hotel availability and costs. You need to decide on the area you want to be in, the transport links/costs from arrival location and then start with Trivago/Booking etc.

If you pick any of the Accor chain (Ibis/Novotel/Mercure/Sofitel etc) then joining theiur loyalty scheme will save you 5% on their best rates

And the breakfast advice is great - so many places to grab something fresh with a view that hotel breakfasts are to avoided

maman

My experience of the Accor chain all over France (but not in Paris) is that they do a good buffet breakfast. I'm happy with Ibis. It's basic but you know what to expect. 

I suppose it depends how you like to eat. Personally I like a good breakfast then I'm happy to grab a snack at lunch time and then a late dinner. 

thegreenone

martindow said:

I agree that French hotel breakfasts are usually poor value, but I normally go to local bakeries, which often have a few seats inside, for coffee and croissants. 

Definitely agree.  You can also people watch (a favourite occupation of mine) and plan your day's sightseeing.  Also, please try your best French.  I was certainly given better service in one cafe than the lady in front of me, who spoke only English.

As for hotels, it does all depend on where you want to be.  Perhaps choose your sightseeing/visits first, mark on a map and pick a mid'ish point.  The Metro is very easy to use and you can buy a pack of 10 tickets very reasonably at any station.

Oh and prebook as much as you can.  It takes away the spontaneity but some queues can be veeeeerrrrryyyy long.

Worried_fool

There is a reason why accommodation costs much less around the Gare du Nord than in other parts of the city. Be prepared for noise and general ugliness around your hotel (which might be an issue if you go to nearby cafes for breakfast and people-watching) or choose a different area.

jimbo6977

The area around Gare du Nord is "vibrant" if you're writing a brochure, or a dangerous dump if you prefer the truth. 

I would look in Montmatre.