I've decided at the last moment to go to Paris and Provence starting this Thursday (arrive Paris on the 15th). I've called 4 hotels so far with absolutely no luck i.e., no rooms available. Can anybody assist me with some hotel information? The main things for me are 1) SAFE location; 2) Clean place. I really appreciate any advice/information. I'll be staying in Paris three days then go to Provence. Again, thanks for any help.

Elizabeth, do a "text search" on this Forum. <BR>Type in PARIS, and on the right highlight France. <BR>You will then get all previous posts regarding. <BR>There are several hotels in the post that will come up in the list. <BR>It's title is: <BR> <BR>Booked Grande Balcons Hotel - What a Deal!! I'm nervous...why so cheap? <BR> <BR>

Elizabeth: <BR> <BR>Here's what looks to be a pretty good and detailed website. Listing by arrondisements 2, 3, and 4 star hotels with prices. Hope it works for you. <BR> <BR>http://www.paris-hotels-france.com/

Go to the Tourism office at 127 av. Champs-Elysee. They provide a free hotel service, matching youw with a hotel at the location and price you want. You have to present yourself there the day you need the hotel. And the Air France bus from the airport leaves you off nearby. This may not be the most preferable way to select a hotel, but I found it to be quick and easy and the hotel highly satisfactory. <BR>

Hey Elizabeth, <BR> <BR>Great news you've decided to take the plunge. December is usually slammed, with most hotels full, but I've looked on <BR> <BR>http://www.france.com/ <BR> <BR>and there seems to be lots of availability in some of the nicer neighborhoods - otherwise the Office de Tourisme really *is* good in a pinch. <BR> <BR>I had no luck whatsoever trying to get my rooms for the big Paris NYE fest I'm planning, so we're all staying with Parisian friends - but have fun on your trip!!!

Check out hotelboulevard.com - you can search by location, price, etc. and availablility, and book on line. You can also email them with your specifications and they will email you back. We used in on our last trip without any problem. Good luck. If that doesn't work then visiting the tourist office as another poster mentioned, when you arrive, should yield a room. (However, I assume you would rather have a room arranged in advance). Remember, spontaneous trips are fun! <BR> <BR>(Any 3 star or better hotel should be good - even a two star.)

Another avenue is to try booking with an American chain (I know, I know!) if you are in a pinch. Try Best Western or the Comfort Hotel chains - perhaps they can help identify a hotel with availability (we stayed at a Comfort Hotel Villiers a couple of times but it now books independently). These are frequently properties that retain some of their original flavor but are owned/operated by the chains. They won't be cookie-cutter like the versions in U.S. are. We also stayed at a family-run hotel in 15e called La Printania - nothing fancy but perfectly fine for a few nights (twin, ensuite for about $85). http://www.bestwestern.com/ <BR>http://www.hotelchoice.com/ires/en-US/html/HomePage <BR>http://www.hotelboulevard.com/fr/par...509/hotel.html

Thanks everybody! I appreciate your help and suggestions!