Page 284 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Paris

282  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

Ibis and Choice Hotels. These
establishments are practical,
relatively inexpensive and
useful if you have a car, but
they lack any real Parisian
atmosphere or character.
Many are in drab locations
on busy roads and may suffer
from traffic noise. The newer
motels of these chains are
smarter and better equipped
than the older ones.
Several chains – Sofitel,
Novotel and Mercure – are
geared to business travellers,
providing better facilities at
higher prices; indeed, some
of the more central ones are
positively luxurious. Reductions
can make these hotels good
value at weekends. Many of
them have restaurants attached.
Le Meurice in the Tuileries Quarter (see p284)
Hostels
Airbnb is a good place to Good Morning Paris offers
start – you’ll find anything from more than 100 guest rooms, There are several hostel
studio garrets to luxurious five- many in central locations. A organizations in Paris. The
bedroom houses. Housetrip is two-night minimum stay is Maisons Internationales de
another good bet, with around required when booking. France- la Jeunesse et des Etudiants
1,600 apartments listed. There Lodge has some good-value (MIJE) provides dormitory rooms
are also a number of more B&Bs on its books, and online for those aged from 18 to their
traditional lettings agencies, service misterb&b specializes in early 30s in three splendid 17th-
including At Home in Paris, LGBT-friendly homestays. century mansions in the Marais.
Haven in Paris and Holiday Bookings can be made online.
France Rentals. The Bureau Voyage Jeunesse
Also worth considering is the Chain Hotels (BVJ) has two hostels with
Citadines Apart’hotel chain, A mushroom crop of motel- double rooms and dormitory
which offers fully furnished style establishments on the accommodation, breakfast and
studios and apartments with outskirts of Paris accommodates luggage room facilities. Ethic
kitchens in several central Paris large numbers of both business Etapes has five centres in and
locations. Some hotel-type and leisure visitors. The budget around Paris with individual,
facilities are available, including chains – such as Formule 1, shared and dormitory rooms.
laundry services, breakfast and Première Classe and Fasthôtel – The Fédération Unie des
babysitting, for an extra fee. really have nothing except price Auberges de Jeunesse (FUAJ)
to recommend them. Higher is a member of the International
up the ladder are Campanile, Youth Hostels Federation.
Bed-and-Breakfast
The bed-and-breakfast, that
typically British phenomenon,
is known as chambre d’hôte
or café-couette (“coffee and
a quilt”) in France. B&B
accommodation is generally
available at moderate prices,
between €65 and €110 for a
double room per night. Alcôve
& Agapes offers rooms in some
enviable districts of Paris, all
within walking distance of a
Metro station. It is worth
enquiring about suites and
rooms with a private lounge,
kitchen or terrace. All homes
are routinely inspected. The wooden-beamed dining area inside Jeu de Paume (see p284)

280-283_EW_Paris.indd 282 03/04/17 10:57 am