Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - ? about fast train from England to Paris and hotel rec needed

Fares on the Eurostar train London to Paris or Brussels are generally often lower when bought in the US than in pounds - cheapest fares start at $90 one way or return - as low as $45 one way if under 26. Raileurope, oft maligned on this forum for high point-point ticket prices on Eurostar is your best bet as fares in London are often much higher - but there cheapest tickets of $90 must be booked far in advance to get - can book 180 days in advance - www.raileurope.com but i always recommend their agent BETS (800-441-2387) for their expertise in Eurostar ticketing and won't charge RE's $15 mailing fee for orders under $200 (RE has no fee for online orders $200 and over but to talk to someone by phone i think at RE is a $25 extra fee -BETS will, in my experience, answer any questions without charge. There is also a senior fare of $90 one way for those 60 and over and this is available everyday of the week (other $90 fare Mon-Thu only) and is a better deal as it can be changed once in Europe up until the time of the train without charge (and subject to availability). But to get a low fare you must reserve far in advance or else you could pay literally hundreds of dollars more.
Train takes 2.5 hours and you lose an hour on the clock when going to paris - service is about hourly daily. Trains leave from Waterloo International station in London and blow into Gare du Nord in Paris.