I'll be travelling to Paris for the first time this year, and am wondering how most people make phone reservations from the US if they do not speak French. Any hints?

I make all my hotel reservations in Europe either by fax or email, but you would have a difficult time finding any hotel in Paris where the person answering the phone didn't speak English --especially if you call during their business hours. Some of the smaller more remote hotels may have limited English speaking staff during the evening, but I would be surprised if you get a hotel where at least the person answering the phones doesn't speak English, especially during the day.

Patrick is correct in that during normal business hours (don't forget the time zone difference) you're quite likely to find English-speaking staff. <BR> <BR>However we always use fax or e-mail to book and confirm reservations. It's occasionally handy to have a hard copy of what was agreed (which always goes with us.) <BR> <BR>As well, speaking English is one thing; perfect two-way comprehension is another. It's easy enough to have misunderstandings between native English speakers over the phone; the chance for error increases speaking with those who use English as a second (or third) language. <BR> <BR>We often phone to check things out, but always get confirmation in writing. <BR> <BR>Rome.Switzerland.Bavaria <BR>www.twenj.com

As the others said during regular business hours you will find an English speaking person manning the phone/front desk but I'd still confirm via fax too, it can't hurt. As to misunderstandings, even when both people speak the same language, it can happen. My husband is French and I make all the arrangements (in English) and then sometimes put him on the phone to confirm what I said (in French), even then you can have a misunderstanding!! You can use a company like Best Western (they have toll free number and great web site) too and make all the arrangements through them. The BW's in Paris are not like motels in the U.S. - they are small (20-35) room hotels, often with a lot of "charm". We've used them and after I've made my reservations we will still call the hotel and be sure of specifics. Always, no matter how you do it, get the name of the person you talked to and a confirmation number tho.

If you do call (and it is quite unnecessary), be prepared to fax. <BR> <BR>I speak French fluently, and I've just about stopped ever calling. I've taken a lesson from Europeans who wisely recognize that with a time fax, there is no time pressure to get a spelling right, and so much less chance of misunderstanding. <BR> <BR>Fax to inquire. Fax to confirm. And carry the faxes with you. This is not a sign of paranoia nor of distrust. They will ensure that you are met by smiles. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex

I called several hotels direct (independent hotels, not chains) while making reservations and found that a, "Bonjour, parlez-vous Anglais?" was always met with an English, "Yes." I ultimately let Hotelboulevard.com make and confirm my reservations however...much less stress!!! And I too have a printed hardcopy (from Email) of my confirmation. I too will be a first-timer in paris in June. Let me know how your trip goes! <BR> <BR>Vanessa

To all responders: Thank You very much! All replys have been so helpful. I plan to return to this site after the trip, (and probably before) for the excellent and insightful advice and commentary. Thanks again!