Paris

[poosemon]

Went to Paris earlier in the year and had a great time. We went with two other friends so stayed in a cheap hotel near la defence, and also drove so was far cheaper then eurostar etc. Also meant we could go via reims and eperny and see champagne houses, have a tour, drive around the the old f1 circuit at reims, and the go into the town to see the spectacular cathedral and town on the way to paris, and on the way back took in the west coast of france and enjoy some moules frites on the way back to the ferry (and pick up some cheap booze in the hypermarket...)

The hotel we stayed in was cheap and if your are happy with nothing more then just a head over your room and a reasonable bath/shower it was great. Be wary of stupid tripadvisor reviews, the hotel we stayed at was marked down by some people for been too far away from the metro, not too sure what they were expecting but it was no more then a 10 minute walk so perfectly acceptable. In two days we did most of the usual tourist sights, and apart from spending more time in the attractions we wouldn't be too sure how to spend a 3rd day. We did do a lot of walking but really enjoyed it. Also make sure to find a nice parisian restaurant on one of the evenings and enjoy some good food

*edit this is where we stayed http://www.booking.com/hotel/fr/la-regence-courbevoie-paris-la-defense-5.en.html dont expect it to blow you away, but for a cheap clean hotel which to be honest is nothing more then a place to sleep it did the job.

 

[[TW]Fox]

Meh! Hotwire - cheap luxury

Found it no cheaper, often more expensive, than Hotels.com when comparing.

 

[Camalot]

Most of my bookings for this trip have been through Hotels.com. I also get a further 10% off via Quidco and for every 10 stays, I get a night free (In reality, I get a discount equal to the average nightly spend over the previous 10) which in theory is another 10% off.

The Prague price is before Quidco cashback, too

Do you then use a separate site to book flights?
Tried last minute and can't get Prague under 400!

 

[Hatter The Mad]

Found it no cheaper, often more expensive, than Hotels.com when comparing.

But the hotels are substantially better (for the money), no?

 

[[TW]Fox]

Do you then use a separate site to book flights?
Tried last minute and can't get Prague under 400!

No flights this time, I'm driving.

But the hotels are substantially better (for the money), no?

I was comparing like for like.

 

[pacegod]

Even the French think Parisians are rude and obnoxious!

That is a typical British view of the french and Parisians.

We have lived here for 6 years and find Parisians incredible friendly. Londeners on the other hand!

Yes Paris can be exspensive, but you can find some cheap places to eat and drink on most streets.

As has been said, avoid the guys who pester you aroud Montmartre. The usual trick is to want to tie a piece of string around one of your wrist. Just keep walking and say no.

There are pick pockets around tourist attractions and the metro, but all major cities have it, just be aware off whos around you, particularly groups of 2 or 3 girls with one male, big give away.

 

[N17]

Get the train to Lille

 

[Hatter The Mad]

I was comparing like for like.

How do you know what you were comparing on Hotwire? Going by the stars/amenities?

 

[[TW]Fox]

How do you know what you were comparing on Hotwire? Going by the stars/amenities?

You can see which hotels are which when you click 'See standard rate hotels'. I don't feel the hidden ones are worth the value when you consider the chances of getting something you don't like.

There are only a handful of hotels on the secret rates bit for less than I paid anyway - and even then the maximum saving is about a fiver. And thats for an unknown hotel. In addition there is no mention of parking facilities or the cost which can often be up to £20 a night. Just doesn't seem worth the savings.

 

[Hatter The Mad]

(note that I'm talking about 4/5 star hotels here, I don't have experience buying lower from Hotwire)

You can see which hotels are which when you click 'See standard rate hotels'. I don't feel the hidden ones are worth the value when you consider the chances of getting something you don't like.

It is quite hard to end up with something you wouldn't like in Paris due to the really narrow location controls and with controls over the star ratings. Secret rate hotels are mostly established global chains, like the Westin.

There are only a handful of hotels on the secret rates bit for less than I paid anyway - and even then the maximum saving is about a fiver. And thats for an unknown hotel. In addition there is no mention of parking facilities or the cost which can often be up to £20 a night. Just doesn't seem worth the savings.

I found that to be the opposite, each to their own!

 

[[TW]Fox]

(note that I'm talking about 4/5 star hotels here, I don't have experience buying lower from Hotwire)

Yes, so am I. The majority of hotels I've booked for my upcoming trip are 4 star (With a few exceptions, there was very little for less than LOLHUH per night in places like Innsbruck so I've ended up with an Ibis). Despite this I've managed to average £50 a night over the entire trip using the sites I've detailed above

I found that to be the opposite, each to their own!

Perhaps it's a destination thing. Prague is not particularly expensive hotel wise anyway.

 

[MADMAN]

paris looks awesome in those pics lol