I need some help. I am going across from Dublin to Paris for 2 days in Sept (01-03). I have no idea where to go and I have a limited budget - approx $200 for 2 days.Can I find anything around that region? This is just for lodging. I am already set with airfare.

Are you going on ryanair? Be aware that you end up about 45-60 minutes from Paris. Is staying IN Paris - - or more accurately - - is SEEing Paris your true desire? The only reason I ask is that France outside Paris is a joy in its own right, and you'll be alble to do much better with that limited lodging budget constraint.<BR><BR>Check into www.logis-de-france.fr for example.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

goals are way up there<BR><BR>budget is way down low<BR>

Paris has very reasonable hotel costs IMO in comparison to many major world cities. YOu can easily find decent budget lodgings at $75-100 in central Paris, most 2-star hotels will be in that range. The only caveat is that September is a very busy time in Paris so you should book a hotel room as soon as you know your dates for sure or you may have trouble getting the best value rooms, or getting one in a good location. You can find cheap hotels on www.parishotels.com, www.hotelboulevard.com, www.123france.com and www.france-hotel-guide.com for a few places that make it easy to search. Also, www.paris-touristoffice.com has all hotels searchable by area and star rating (maybe price), you could use that also.

Is it ever a good idea to stay in smaller towns outside Paris to save money on chambres d'hote? is that roughly the same as "zimmer" in a gasthaus in Germany?<BR>

I don't think it's a good idea at all, to stay in the suburbs. Whatever you might save in hotel cost (and I say might, as you may save nothing or very very little--you can easily get a budget hotel in central Paris for less than US$100, even around $60-75 if your goals are modest) you would waste in travel time and costs, and it would be a worse experience if you really want to see Paris. I think it can be bad enough being a tourist in that you may not experience as much or see things in a real way, but being a commuting tourist is even worst. I'm sure some will disagree with that sentiment, but I like cities and what they offer. I don't like little suburban areas for ambience or anything. Many of the suburbs around Paris are not particularly interesting or scenic, either.<BR><BR>Chambres d'hote is the French name for B&B which you won't find much in urban areas in France. I haven't been to Germany so don't know about that term, but it sounds like it.

Budget Travel had a recent article on inexpensive lodging in Paris - try Frommers.com to see about getting a copy

topping<BR>