Planning a Parisian escapade? With over 1,500 hotels vying for your attention, choosing the perfect accommodation can feel overwhelming. Fear not, intrepid traveler! This guide will navigate you through the labyrinth of Parisian hotels, equipping you with the knowledge to find a haven that aligns perfectly with your travel aspirations.
First, let’s address the elephant in the room – what kind of traveler are you? Are you content with a simple, functional space that serves as a base for exploring the City of Lights? Or do you crave a truly immersive experience, where your hotel becomes an integral part of your Parisian journey? We, dear reader, are firmly in the latter camp. We believe that every aspect of your trip, including your hotel, should be memorable and enjoyable.
Our mission is to help you find comfortable, charming accommodations, even within a budget. We’ll steer you clear of dreary, inconvenient hotels located on the outskirts of Paris. Instead, we’ll recommend hotels that offer a pleasant level of comfort, ensuring a delightful stay in the heart of the City of Love.
Navigating the Parisian Hotel Scene: Demystifying the Basics
Before diving into the world of Parisian hotels, let’s clarify a few essential details. In France, the ground floor is known as the rez de chaussée, and the first floor is premier étage. This can be confusing for North Americans, where the first floor is actually the second floor. Remember this when booking a room on the 2eme étage, as it will require climbing two flights of stairs!
While elevators are common in Parisian hotels, they are often smaller than you might be accustomed to. Buildings in central Paris were built long before the invention of lifts, resulting in cramped spaces for modern-day elevators. Be prepared to possibly send your luggage up in multiple trips.
Speaking of getting around, Paris boasts an exceptional Metro system – a cheap, easy, and safe way to travel throughout the city. Choose a hotel close to a Metro station for convenient access to all the city’s attractions.
When selecting your hotel, prioritize a central location, preferably near a Metro stop. A nearby boulangerie (bakery) is a must for those irresistible Parisian pastries! Naturally, proximity to the sights you wish to explore is also crucial. A room with a view of the iconic cityscape? Even better!
Paris is divided into 17 administrative districts called arrondissements. While the arrondissements offer a useful organizational framework, we also recommend thinking of Paris as a collection of distinct neighborhoods, many of which extend beyond the confines of a single arrondissement. (Side note: in 2020, arrondissements 1 through 4 were merged into a single administrative district, now called… ).
Thanks to Paris’ excellent Metro and bus system, we often choose to stay in the higher-numbered arrondissements, such as the 15th or 17th. As long as we are close to a Metro station, it’s easy to reach all our desired destinations. However, certain areas tend to hold a special place in our hearts, and we recommend them for their charm and convenience:
- The 7th Arrondissement, especially near the 6th or in the Rue Cler area.
- Ternes, located between the Arc de Triomphe and Place des Ternes.
- The portion of the Marais that formerly belonged to the 3rd Arrondissement.
Deciphering Hotel Ratings: Understanding the Star System
You’ll find stars everywhere you look – on hotel buildings, websites, booking sites, and reviews. But what do these stars actually signify? Let’s unpack this seemingly straightforward system.
The French government tourist agency meticulously inspects hotels, awarding ratings from one to five stars, or – for the most prestigious establishments – the coveted Palace designation. This official rating system considers factors like room size, bathroom facilities (hotels with shared bathrooms cannot achieve more than one star), the size of the reception area, staff fluency in other European languages, and, for four- and five-star hotels, valet parking, room service, and larger rooms.
Those coveted Palace hotels boast a host of luxurious amenities, such as Michelin-starred restaurants, a high staff-to-guest ratio, lavish decor, and often a spa and pool.
However, many reviewers utilize their own rating systems, often incorporating guest ratings, personal experiences, the French government star rating, and other relevant factors. While we respect the government rating system, we also consider our own experiences, guest feedback, and various other elements. This holistic approach ensures that we recommend only hotels that consistently deliver exceptional experiences and high ratings.
Remember, a three-star hotel we recommend might be slightly less luxurious than a four-star hotel, but it will undoubtedly offer a delightful stay at a more affordable price!
Expectations and Realities: What to Expect from a Parisian Hotel
Paris, known for its charm and romance, also presents a unique set of realities. It’s a city where space is at a premium, and accommodations often reflect this. Prepare yourself for rooms that might be slightly smaller than what you’re accustomed to. Don’t fret! This doesn’t necessarily mean discomfort. Look for rooms with ample storage space to keep your belongings organized, creating a sense of order and comfort. If you plan to work during your trip, seek a room with a dedicated desk and free WiFi. Surprisingly, some of the most expensive hotels still charge for internet access!
Except in upper-tier and luxury hotels, don’t anticipate help with your luggage. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask at check-in. (Another reason to pack light!)
Room service is not a common feature in Paris, with the exception of upper-tier hotels. Most hotels offer a continental breakfast, often served in a converted basement cave. We recommend exploring a nearby boulangerie or café for freshly baked croissants and café crème. Don’t expect an “English” or “American” style breakfast in Paris. The traditional Parisian breakfast typically consists of coffee and pastries, perhaps accompanied by some fruit.
Embrace the Parisian rhythm, soak in the atmosphere, and savor your exploration of the City of Lights. Enjoy your Parisian escapade!
