Booking a hotel in Paris: where, when and how ?
To plan a stay in Paris, it is essential to book a hotel in advance. There is a huge choice of hotels in Paris; depending on the area you want to stay in, some may already be fully booked when you arrive. If you want a hotel in Paris that doesn’t cost you too much, getting in early is the best choice as you will be able to take advantage of better deals and have a wider choice of hotels! The B55 tells you more about it.
A selection of the best Parisian districts to stay in
Depending on what you want to stay in, some districts will appeal to you more than others.
The Bastille – République – Nation district
Straddling the 11th and 12th arrondissements, this is a lively and trendy district with a large number of restaurants, bars and shops of all kinds. There is the Opéra Bastille, concert halls such as the Bataclan, unmissable brasseries and a lot of luxury accommodation at good prices.
The Montsouris – Place d’Italie district
Located in the 13th and 14th arrondissements, it offers a calm and serene Parisian atmosphere. The district is sheltered from the crowds while retaining its tourist appeal. The Place d’Italie and its shopping centre offer the possibility of shopping, the Montsouris park allows you to go for a walk in a pretty Parisian green space. The Catacombs of Paris are also present in this district.
The Rivoli – Louvre – Marais district
In the heart of Paris, in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th arrondissements, it offers a wide range of shops, even open on Sundays. Rue de Rivoli is the place to do all your clothes shopping, but not only. The BHV Marais is also a must for those wishing to shop.
The Latin Quarter – Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Saint-Michel
Located in the 4th, 5th and 6th arrondissements, this district includes Notre-Dame cathedral and the quays of the Seine, the Ile de la Cité, the Pont-Neuf and the Pont des Arts. The Saint-Germain district, adjacent to the Latin Quarter, brings a lot of charm and simplicity with its rich bohemian and architectural atmosphere. Lovers of bookshops, literature and culture, this district is for you!
The Opéra – Grands Boulevards – Bourse district
This district, which is located in the 2nd, 8th and 9th arrondissements, is a chic area of the capital. Here, the price of accommodation is higher. Nearby, the Madeleine district, near the Saint-Lazare train station, also offers its share of typical Parisian theatres and high-end shops. If you like French gastronomy, Parisian chic and fashion, this is the area for you.
The Champs-Élysées district
Straddling the 8th, 16th and 17th arrondissements, it is famous for its name. Connecting the Place de la Concorde to the Place de l’Étoile, where the Arc de Triomphe is located, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and all of its arteries offer an exceptional place to stay in the heart of Paris. The 17th district and the Batignolles district also offer a beautiful location in the northwest of Paris.
The Montmartre district
In the 18th arrondissement of Paris, Montmartre is a true Parisian haven, authentic and very different from the rest of the city. This district dominates the city with the Sacré-Coeur basilica. It delights tourists looking for a romantic and cultural stay. The Place du Tertre, its small restaurants nestled in the cobbled streets and the Clos Montmartre vineyard make the district world famous.
Choosing the right hotel in Paris for your stay
When looking for a hotel in Paris, take into account public transport and accessibility to all parts of the city. In Paris, the metro, RER, tramway, bus and taxi services are often close to where you are staying: the best option is a metro station just a few steps from your hotel.
Another essential point before choosing a hotel is the classification of the hotel. In Paris, you will find a large number of 4 and 5 star hotels, but there are also, of course, 1, 2 and 3 star hotels that are well worth a look. Beyond the geographical location of the establishment, the comfort it provides during your stay can quickly influence the success of your stay.
Depending on the area you choose, the price will not be the same at all: a luxury 3-star hotel in the Champs-Elysées area (8th arrondissement) will be more expensive than a hotel of the same classification near the Parc Montsouris, in the 14th arrondissement.
What are the prices of a hotel in Paris?
The price varies according to the district, the number of stars, its location in Paris… However, in order not to neglect your comfort and the location of the hotel, don’t take a very cheap hotel that leaves something to be desired in terms of cleanliness. So, to find the best hotels at the best prices, the comparison sites are interesting.
It is recommended to take at least a hotel with two stars. You can book a hotel room from this selection of 2-star hotels, but don’t expect top-class comfort.
To make your choice, read the reviews left by previous guests, this will help you to know the real value for money and if the hotel is worth it! For a few dozen euros more, a 3-star hotel can be found in a nice area.
As for prices, Paris has prices ranging from €50 a night for a no-star hotel, €50-90 a night for a 2-star, €70-150 a night for a 3-star, €100-200 for a 4-star and over €300, minimum, for 5-star hotels (palaces) and up to €20,000 a night! In addition, chain hotels can offer smoother and cheaper rates than independent hotels… It’s up to you to decide what you prefer: Parisian charm or a classic room.
Book your hotel near your favourite neighbourhood! Booking a hotel in Paris may not be that complicated; choose the area that is most advantageous for you and make your choice of hotel in advance to enjoy good value for money in a prestigious hotel!
