Paris Weekend Break

Tips for booking a hotel in Paris

1. Do not arrive in Paris without a hotel booking. You may be left disappointed and without a room, or having to pay a premium for any rooms that are available. These rooms tend to be at the top end of the price scale.

2. If you have a tight budget, try to sleep 2, 3 or 4 people to a room. Most hotels will provide extra beds at little additional charge and room rates are often unaffected by the number of people occupying them.

3. Selecting a hotel a short distance away from the main tourist attractions in Paris will reduce rates, but make sure that transport is on hand.

4. Always reserve your hotel as room only, or half board. You do not want to restrict your cuisine to that of the hotel and its fixed dining times.

5. See if you can find any online reviews of the hotel that you are considering. The views and opinions of past guests are the best references, or warnings, that you can find.

6. Check your hotel’s location for bus stops and metro stops. If you can avoid taxis you will save money.

7. Reserve your hotel through an online booking company. They are cheaper than booking direct and it is easier to get your money back if you cancel, or have a problem.

8. Try ringing your intended hotel before you confirm any booking. Do they have an English speaking receptionist or switchboard. This may be a benefit to you in getting local information and tourist tips.

9. Find out if your baggage can be stored before and after you vacate your room. This may be invaluable if you remain in Paris after your room checkout time.

10. If you require twin beds rather than a double bed, check that this is the case before confirming your booking.

11. If you see significant price discrepancies between two similar hotels, look for a valid reason. There usually is one and it will probably relate to location or transportation.

12. If you have a problem with your reservation on arrival at your hotel, notify the booking company immediately (if it is not resolved to your satisfaction). Do not sign anything accepting a change or alteration in your reservation arrangements. This will null your original agreement and prevent you from resolving the matter with the booking company at a later date.

13. If you can provide online feedback on your hotel through an external booking company website, do so. This will help other travellers like yourself, and it adds an extra incentive for hotels to offer the highest levels of service possible.