Hi all,

I was wondering if you could help point me in the right direction. I am hoping to find out ideas on how to minimize the hotel/rental costs for 5 to 6 people staying in Paris and London for 4 days each in April 2009. I have been looking at hotels, but that's a killer. maybe a apartment rental? any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

Most apartments won't hold 5 or 6 people - you'll have to search - but probably can find some. As for hotels - you will need a couple of rooms (unless you're talking 2 adults and several small kids - in which case you can look for a family room).

Obviously a simpler hotel with shared bath will save some money. What is your budget? And your expectations?

And is this including children - or all adults? (And I'm asking age and size - not relationships.)

Apartments will save you quite a bit in London and less in Paris but still some savings.

Many will rent for 3 or 4 nights, but not all, so it will take a bit more searching than if you want a full week in either city.

What is your nightly budget?

I have to disagree a bit w/ nytraveler (we were posting at the same time) about few apartments sleeping 5 or 6.

Many 2 bedroom flats are set up to sleep 5 or 6 and sometimes even 7. Usually 2 in each bedroom and 2 on sofa sleepers or day beds in the living room. And of course most 3 bedroom flats will sleep that many.

The group would be mostly adults. I figure a minimum of $400 total/nigh is required. I am hoping for clean safe accommodations. we are not looking for the ritz.

Try www.londonguestsuites.com & if you find something you like & it says 7 day minimum you might ask about a shorter stay as maybe you'll fit a slot within a couple of other bookings.

Six of us rented a 3-bedrom flat in Queens Gate Gardens through London Connections several years ago. It was a lovely place and had a couch in the living room that a niece who was doing an college exchange year slept on a few nights.

do you have a link to London Connections?

Or you could get a 6-bed hostel room to yourselves.

The website is londonconnections.com. There is a U.S. address and phone number for them.