Paris, France: Hotel & Motel Planning Guide

When to Visit Paris, France

Paris sees an average of 27 million visitors each year, so you may want to plan your visit during the city's off-season to try to avoid some of the tourist traffic. While there's no season when Paris isn't bustling, there are times when the crush of visitors is far more noticeable. The summer months are the most crowded and expensive in Paris. Between July and August, visitors flood the city, and locals tend to flee. The Parisian summer is comfortable, with highs in the mid 70s, lows in the upper 50s, and ample sunshine.Summer events increase crowds even more. The Fête de St-Denis and Fête de la Musique take place in June, while the Tour de France and Bastille Day add to the excitement in July. If you're not interested in participating in these popular events, avoid these times. However, if you want to experience the festivities, a summer stay might be the best pick for you.You'll find moderate traffic and corresponding hotel rates between September and November and between March and May. International Ready-to-Wear Fashion Shows take place in September. The Fête d'Automne extends from September to December, offering a calendar packed with entertainment. Spring in Paris is often rainy, so crowds are moderate during this season as well.Freezing temperatures empty the city of all but the most dedicated visitors from December to February. If you're willing to brave the cold, you'll find the best hotel rates during this time. You can also enjoy the Fête de Saint-Sylvestre and Le Salon Nautique de Paris in December.

Best Discounts in Paris, France

If you want to take advantage of special discounts and offers on your Paris hotel stay, one of the best strategies is to book with a well-known global chain. If you have a favorite hotel brand that you enjoy in the United States, chances are you can find an extension of the same brand in Paris. This will allow you to collect or redeem loyalty points while you travel abroad.Best Western hotels like the Aulivia Opera offer a variety of special deals that can save you anywhere from 10 to 20 percent, depending on when and how you book your stay. If you collect Marriott Rewards points, you can cash them in throughout Paris at locations like the Courtyard Paris Arcueil, Courtyard Paris Saint Denis, and Courtyard Paris Boulogne. These Marriott hotels also offer special discounts for AAA members, seniors, government employees, and military personnel.Looking for added value from a luxury hotel stay? The Prince de Galles offers vacation packages with standout features. Book the Indigenous Paris package to add breakfast and welcome amenities to your stay, as well as a €50 food and drink voucher. The Luxury Romance package gives you a bottle of Champagne, flowers, and daily room service breakfast. The Hyatt Paris Madeline offers similar packages with picks like the Pamper in Paris deal, which includes a welcome drink, buffet breakfast, and VIP treatment at Le Printemps.

Best Value Options in Paris, France

Affordability and amenities come together in many of the value-packed mid-price picks in Paris. These hotels are excellent choices for travelers who want some plush amenities without spending too much on their trip. You'll get great value for the price at these locations.The Mercure Paris Montparnasse Raspail is in the Latin Quarter of Paris near the Jardin de Luxembourg and Gare Montparnasse train station. Rooms feature quality bedding, complimentary WiFi, tea and coffee makers, and iPhone/iPad docking stations. Room service is available daily, 24 hours a day.While the Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse Hotel has a higher price tag, it's still a great value for its abundance of amenities. Rooms here include a data port, WiFi, RJ-45/Ethernet outlets, web TV, and complimentary mineral water. You can start the day with a cold breakfast buffet or convenient room service. Gourmet dining is available on site at Le Bistrot de L'Echanson.The name says it all at Hotel Atmospheres. This mid-range property offers some of the most distinctive rooms in the city. Each one was decorated by photographer Thierry des Ouches and features one of his original prints as the inspiration for the entire space. You'll find carefully curated decor elements in every corner of the room, from furniture pieces to bathroom tiles. Amenities include Algotherm bath products, an in-room minibar, and complimentary WiFi.Le Grand Hotel de Normandie adds value to your stay with an extensive breakfast buffet featuring hot and cold drinks, cereal, croissants, rolls, jams, hard-boiled eggs, glass pot yogurt, and a wide selection of French cheeses. Rooms include standout features like a towel heater and boiling kettle.

Tipping Etiquette in Paris, France

Travelling abroad presents many questions regarding proper etiquette and tipping practices. At your Paris hotel, it's customary to tip the porter about one euro for each piece of luggage. You should tip the housekeeping staff between one and two euros per person per day. If you receive exceptional concierge service, you should tip here as well.When you're dining out in Paris, it's important to note that a tip between 12 and 15 percent is usually included with your bill. You don't need to tip more when dining, unless you feel you've received really exemplary service. Small change is acceptable since these tips aren't mandatory.Whether you're looking for a five-star hotel where you can bask in Parisian opulence, or you want to book a low-cost trip to this unforgettable city, you'll find a French hotel that perfectly complements your travel style.

A visit to Paris Recapped

Though countless pieces of literature have immortalized every beautiful bit of Paris, none have successfully captured its true charm. Millions of tourists travel to the most visited city, in the hope of falling in the same fashion ancient and modern writers once did. Museum lovers will never tire in Paris, the Impressionists in the Musee d'Orsay and the new wing of the Louvre are sure to strike a heartstring or two. Visitors can still view the old favorites, such as the Mona Lisa, Louis XIV's Palace of Versailles, Eiffel Tower and the Pompidou Centre. You can drive along the Champs Elysees, or perhaps visit the gracious Palace of Versailles and Disneyland Paris just outside the city. During your stay you can try a Parisian cabaret spectacular, sample the nightlife of Pigalle, or maybe dine out in one of the many quaint bistros of the Left Bank's Latin Quarter or the Bohemian Montmartre. Tourists can shop in elegant boutiques for next year's fashions, sit in an outdoor café and watch spontaneous fashion shows, or have a glass of champagne at the Moulin Rouge. Stay in the city, and never be out of date.

By the words of Thomas Jefferson, 'A walk in Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life. Indeed, Paris is a city that never fails to surprise you whether you are looking for things to see or do there or you are just looking for a hotel to stay in during your trip. This city has to offer more than 1000 hotels and it can be a bit of a struggle to find the best one for you because they all look just perfect. This easy guide will help you to find the best hotel in the city of lights and will make your visit to Paris unforgettable. 

Budget Accommodation in Paris

Many people assume that most of the hotels in Paris are expensive and while it is true, it does not mean that it is not possible to find places to stay there for those who are traveling on a budget. Residence Foch is one of the most popular choices among the travelers on budget “ it is cheaper than most of their competition, but they're situated near all the most visited attractions. Other options like Campanile Paris 15, Relais Bosquet Paris or Gramont Opera Paris offer great staff, nice and cozy rooms, and are a great choice if you are traveling with a family. Hotels like Alfa Hotel Nation, Eiffel Turenne and Grand Hotel Francais are also cheap and great for savvy travelers, plus, the rooms they offer are cozy and so much better than you would usually expect.

When in Paris¦

Most of the traditional Paris hotels are luxurious, so they perfectly fit for people who have an expensive taste. If you want to experience the real luxury of Paris and to make your visit there truly amazing, Four Seasons Hotel George V or Shangri-La hotel will be just for you. These places offer rooms with amazing views and beautiful Parisian decor.  Le Bristol hotel is also a great choice for those who want to see a classic French elegance at its best. On the other hand, impresses you immediately because it looks just like one of those beautiful hotels that you can only see in the movies. Small windows with lots of greenery outside and amazing luxury inside will make you want to stay in this hotel forever. 

Boutique and Independent Options in Paris

There are more than 100 boutique and independent hotels in Paris for those who want to have a less touristic experience. Among popular choices are Relais Christine, Saint James Paris or Keppler. Although these might not be exactly what you would call cheap hotels, they are tastefully luxurious and more private than others. They are located closely to most visited museums or districts, so it is a perfect choice for those who want to walk more around the city. Design Secret de Paris is close to one of the most popular districts Montmartre while 25 Avenue Montaigne is just 15 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. 

Airport Accommodation

It is easy to find somewhere to stay overnight near the biggest airport in Paris, because the variety is unusually big. There are more than 20 hotels near the airport, so it really depends on what you are looking for. Mercure Paris and CitizenM are a few of cheap hotels examples, but they are definitely get a lot of attention from people traveling through Charles de Gaulle airport. If you, however, want a stay in a one of a little bit more luxurious Paris hotels, Hilton, Novotel or Ibis are great choices for those who want a good night's sleep before a long flight. Relais Spa Paris-Roissy CDG is another great hotel for those who want to relax because this hotel has all the necessities and an amazing spa. There are less expensive and really luxurious options to choose from, so ultimately it is up to you to decide whether you want to pay extra and enjoy a really great stay or you do not mind a little bit simpler room for one night.

Best Time to Travel to Paris

Though many people would say that the best time to visit Paris is in spring or in summer, it really depends on the person. If you do not like to pack a lot and like easy travels, then spring or summer is a good choice for you. Of course, at the time the city is beautiful and you can enjoy a great weather while exploring the city. But remember that the city might be packed with tourists at that time and you have to start planning your trip earlier than usual to make sure that there are rooms available to book. However, autumn or winter is also beautiful in Paris and you get to see a different side of a city. During a colder period, Paris is also full of tourists but not as much as during the spring or summer. In winter Paris looks really magical, so in the end, it's just up to you to decide when you want to visit this city. 

Being a Tourist in Paris

Paris is a city full of different attractions and things to do for tourists, so plan your time there really well because it might be difficult to do everything you want. Of course, Eiffel tower is a must for every traveler, but this is not the only thing worth to see there. Museum Louvre is a must for those who love art, but even if you are not a big art lover, don't miss a chance to see the pieces of art painted by famous painters such as Leonardo da Vinci. Paris also is a great place to try out different foods and dishes because this city is famous for its restaurants, wine and even bread. Desserts such as macaroons are copied by many bakeries all around the world, but to experience the real taste of it, you must try the French ones.