Palenque

I often stay at an ETAP in Berlin - in East Berlin suburbs but right on an S-Bahn (commuter train) line and only about 20 mins from the heart of Berlin - and cheap - about 35 euros for a nice modern room with a modern shower - modern cable TV, etc.

MsTriste

Thanks, all for the great suggestions.

I've spent hours trying to figure this out, without a guidebook.

I wanted to add (for others who may be in the same boat) that I found an interesting website http://www.bedycasa.com which is like a vrbo but cheaper, hooking up people who are willing to let you couchsurf (who knew?), homestays, etc.

tod

Stokebailey Hi,
What I did was go to the Ibis Hotel website: http://www.ibishotel.com/gb/hotel-de...-booking.shtml

Then click on "Happy 20" The city comes up - choose PARIS, then take it from there. I notice that not all rates at Ibis hotels around Paris are as low as Esplanade La Defense. Mostly others around 74euros. We have not booked any other IBIS hotels in Paris except Esplanade La Defense ( 3rd visit) because we don't need to be near any tourist attractions - Been there, done that! What we like is the open space, view, and quick trip to the Champs or even Louvre etc., all with one metro ride.

suze

Yes we knew about couchsurfing, homestays, etc.

It's just a matter of what kind of place you'd be comfortable. I'm a private person so staying with strangers would not be an option. Renting cheap apartments, dorm rooms, convents, or even staying in a hostel would be preferable to me.

Like I mentioned I'd move around less (saving money on transportation and time relocating new cities) and put a little more towards my nightly accomodations budget.

Just a matter of personal priorities.

tod

Suze you are spot on! Privacy an relaxation are paramount during my very expensive holiday abroad....dealing with people on their turf is not my idea of easing the stress levels.
MsTriste - you sound like someone who could handle anything and anyone. I really do hope you get a fantastic place to stay ( even if its more than one!). Please do let us know what great deals you may have found....always curious!

Christina

You don't really know anything about those people, either, as they are doing that to get around official regulations. Even B&Bs in Paris have some rules and regulations (there are more of them, there didn't used to be any, and ones on a couple official websites are registered with the city.

There are only a couple places in all of Paris even available for 40 euro or less, so it doesn't sound like a very good way to plan a vacation (and their locations may not be so great). I think this is one that is legit (but has no rooms at that rate) http://www.parisbandb.com/
and this one
http://www.bed-and-breakfast-in-paris.com/Dicillin.php?

It wouldn't be worth it to me, I'd change my plans rather than have poor places to sleep as that is important to me, I feel terrible if I'm uncomfortable and can't sleep, but some people just don't care about that and want what is cheapest. I would stay in a hostel if I had to rather than try to crash on some stranger's sofa (and why would anyone do that, I wonder, except for the ones renting rooms illegally). Well, I saw only one situation of "couchsurfing" on that website for Paris, anyway, one other was outside in the suburbs.

suze

On that budget I would simply skip Paris. And look into less expensive cities/countries AND renting apartments. I think this can be done. But I don't think it can be done well in Paris.

stokebailey

Last year I researched camping-type facilities within commuting distance of Paris. It looked potentially fun, I thought, in a semi-roughing it sort of way. Not really camping -- beds and floors -- but not quite not-camping either.

Hi, tod. Thanks! I only looked north and south in Paris Ibis website, not persistent enough. We have friends in La Defense area, so hmmmm.

blh

Here is an apartment listed over on slowtrav.com for 300€ per week. Several people who post on this forum have stayed here and really liked it. If it is available, it would be a great find. At the present exchange rate, it would be about $52/night. By having a kitchen, you can save a lot on food.

lincasanova

Next solo cheap trip to Paris I will most likely stay here.

http://www.mije.com/index_individuels_uk.asp

WWanderer

Portugal is certainly cheaper, and the northern part is less touristy. Porto is a fun city, for example.

You're going to have to block out your itinerary and then get very busy with hotel search engines, if you don't go the hostel route.