Hotels in France

How to Save on Hotels in France

France may have a reputation of being expensive, but it can still be affordable with some clever planning. Flights and accommodations account for most of your vacation costs so are the ideal places to look for ways to cut expenses.

Season is one of the key components to consider when planning a trip, as airfare and hotel rates fluctuate based on when it occurs.

Book Early

There are various factors that influence hotel costs, including time of year and location. Traveling to Paris during August can be surprising cost-effective because most local residents vacate early, leaving behind only tourists and hotel rooms available at much more competitive rates than in June or July.

Be sure to book hotels well in advance, and be flexible about when your arrival date will occur. That will enable you to take advantage of discounted, refundable rates that become non-refundable several days before check-in.

Discuss what's included with your hotel breakfast, and resist the urge to order something extra. Most offerings will typically consist of pastries (usually croissants and sometimes pain au chocolats), baguettes, jelly or jam spread on them, juice and coffee; you could save money and avoid hotel food crumbs by purchasing breakfast elsewhere (at an area cafe or bakery instead).

Stay in the Off-Season

Vacationing France during its off-season (April through May or September and October) can save money on airfare, hotels and dining out compared to high season travel dates. Weather remains pleasant while crowds are smaller - perfect conditions!

Hoteliers frequently offer discounted or reduced-price packages during the off-season, including meals and amenities such as pool access. Before making a booking decision online deals should always be checked first to maximize savings.

Avoid hotel breakfasts to save money and reduce costs altogether. By law, French hotels must serve breakfast on-site -- though its costs can range anywhere from 5-6 Euros at simple one-star hotels offering juice and pastries to 35-38 Euros or more in 5-star properties offering elaborate spreads. Instead, opt for nearby cafes or bakeries where similar services may be more economical.

At other times, another way to save on hotels in France can be found by staying in less tourist-populated neighborhoods - for instance the 12th, 15th and 17th arrondissements of Paris are great - or renting a villa, apartment or house weekly or monthly instead.

Rent an Apartment

Renting an apartment in France can be an excellent way to save money and immerse yourself more fully into life as a local. Choose between furnished or unfurnished apartments; the latter usually come equipped with floors, curtains, paint, and furniture upholstered as part of their rental agreement - while rental agreements usually contain information regarding both parties rights, obligations and penalties associated with violations of contract that should be carefully read through before signing. Most rental contracts are written in French so be sure you fully comprehend its content.

Some landlords require tenants to sign a guarantee equaling one or three years' rent, due to its difficulty of evicting tenants in France. Many laws favor landlords and the process can take several months. Landlords also have the right to request home insurance; you should obtain this prior to moving; having it will help get your deposit back if there's any damage at the property and act as your guarantor should they require one from you. If money is tight, French banks will act as guarantor but will require bank guarantees in return from them acting as guarantors for you if needed - although banks require bank guarantees from you in return!

Stay at a Hostel

France doesn't need to cost you an arm and a leg; with its currency almost on par with that of the U.S. dollar, lodging options that are dramatically more cost-effective may exist than you might imagine.

Hostels have evolved past being just for students and backpackers; now offering private rooms as well as dormitories at very reasonable rates, with many also serving breakfast ranging from simple croissants with butter and jam to full breakfast buffets in more opulent hotels.

Always inquire as to what's included in the cost of your room. It may be less expensive if you choose an alternative source such as a cafe and take back their meals for breakfast to save even more.