To afford the best chances to pick the right Paris hotel, I recommend the following 4 steps:
- Have a basic understanding of the French rating criteria (see previous page)
- Check guests’ reviews on Travelocity
- Visit the hotel’s own Web site
- Do not hesitate to e-mail your questions to the hotel.
Many travellers use Travelocity.com to write reviews on the hotels they stayed at. No hotel satisfies 100 percent of its guests throughout the year, so both extreme judgments and moderate opinions can be found on this open forum. My advice is to favor moderate reviews with some flesh on the bones. They will usually give you a useful picture of what to expect from the hotel, good and less good.
Visiting the hotel’s Web site will usually allow you to see multiple views of its rooms and bathrooms. I insist on visiting the hotel's own Web site since it usually is the place which offers the greatest number of photos.
Lastly, e-mailing your questions to the hotel owners may or may not get you an answer, usually depending on the proficiency of the receptionist in your language. Receiving informative answers to your questions is a good sign that the hotel cares for his prospective guests.
Following these 4 steps should help you minimize the risk of being disappointed during your stay in Paris. This is no guarantee though. Remember that cultures differ from each other, and your expectations of service might not be fully understood. In such case, communicate with the owner. They are usually keen on serving you to the best of their means.
Have a safe and pleasant trip to Paris!
Phil Chavanne and his team of Parisian writers share the goods on Paris and Paris hotels with travelers who wish to prepare well for their trip to the French capital. Meet the team at Paris-Eiffel-Tower-News.com: A Paris guide full of inside information on Paris and Paris hotels.