I am going to Orleans in a few weeks for a wedding and have been told to stay at a FORMULE I hotel, but cannot find any information on this hotel. I would like to book before I leave. Do anyone have any suggestions? <BR>Thanks!

Hi Kim -- <BR> <BR>Formule 1 is a chain of French motels, a hip, modern version of motor lodges. You're right, there's nothing on the Web about them. <BR> <BR>The difference between &lt;les hôtels Formule 1&gt; and your usual motels alongside the freeway is that you can quite easily not see a single person while you're there, except other guests. There's no receptionist at check-in; you just follow the directions & swipe your credit card to get the cardkey to your room. (Of course, there is a staff member present somewhere on site, if this is too much like rocket science for you.) <BR> <BR>They're basic but I've heard they're great. I don't think you're able to reserve ahead of time - just show up. And they're the favorite of lots of British pop bands who tour France, mainly because of their price: around 150FF/room. <BR> <BR>Have fun at the wedding! I *love* how dressy French weddings are - have you also been invited to the vin d'honneur? <BR> <BR>Cheers

FYI, Formule 1 hotels belong to the Accor group, one of the biggest hotel groups in the world that operate Sofitel, Ibis, Novotel... and Motel 6 in the States. So maybe the best way to reserve is to go to your local Motel 6. Otherwise, try a search for "Accor" on the web.

Bravo Vincent ! <BR> <BR>http://www.accor.com/ACCOR/english/107.htm <BR> <BR>They're 'sposed to be much cooler than your standard Motel6! <BR> <BR>So, Kim, tell us about the wedding . . . ! <BR>xo <BR>T

You should know that Formule 1 hotels have only very basic comfort and NO PRIVATE bathroom. The ETAP hotels (from same Accor group) are a bit more expensive but have a private "bathroom" (showercabin + wc). <BR>If you plan to go in July or August, do make reservations as many North Europeans will be travelling to the south and this kind of hotels are very popular.

I drove down from London to the Dordogne last year and stopped half way in a Formula 1 Hotel. <BR>They are extremely basic, have no bathroom facilities in the room, and are not particularly friendly. <BR>But, they are cheap, clean, easy to find, reasonably comfortable and if you are just using them as a bed for the night they are quite adequate. I wouldn't stay in one for any length of time, but they are not really designed for this. <BR>You can book in advance, we did, but I did it by phone, I don't know of any web site. <BR> <BR>Enjoy the wedding <BR> <BR> <BR>Kevin <BR>