KayF

I would guess it's their booking system, not that they don't have rooms. I'd try emailing them (or fax/phone) or try somewhere else.
Kay

kerouac

I would say that you are trying to book far far too ahead in the future; even a site like Accor Hotels doesn't let you book more than 3 months in advance by internet.

WillTravel

To be pedantic, that's not quite true. Some Accor hotels may have that restriction, but I tried just now for random February dates, and Accor hotels in Paris are available.

kerouac

I should point out that the Apollo Hotel, just like the majority of the other hotels across from Gare du Nord probably get about 70% of their clientele from walk-in traffic coming off random trains.

I walk by these hotels almost every day, and I have rarely seen any of them with a "COMPLET" sign on the door.

kerouac

WillTravel, I am pretty sure you are correct concerning Paris, due to all of the trade shows and conventions. But for most of France, you get a "too early" message -- or at least you did the last time I tried to book "too early."

Robespierre

How much credence should be placed in a reservation system that returns "not available" instead of indicating that the date isn't for sale yet (and preferably gives the date when it's open for bookings?)

kerouac

Well, the SNCF does things like that.

ChicagoDallasGirl

Last night I tried booking a room for June 2009 on Hotel de la Porte Doree's site and it showed 'no availability'. So, I inquired by filling out the contact form on the site and a few hours later received a nice e-mail advising: "We are not taking reservations at time time for 2009, but we will be ready to do so in September, please recontact us then so we are sure to save you a place."

kerouac

People have weird ideas about how far ahead of time they need to reserve in Europe.

plafield

I think it depends on the hotel. There are some very popular places that are amazing values that book way out. We just reserved for 8 nights at Hotel Jeanne d' Arc for next May. They were happy to take the booking and said they already have most of April booked and are getting many inquiries for May already. But that's in the Marais, great little place for 89E a night, 2 minute walk to St. Paul metro. It makes sense that the Gare du Nord area isn't a hot spot and folks stay there mostly for easy traveling convenience for a night or two so it isn't necessary to book so far in advance.

ireland2

Try Villa Saint Martin. Within walking distance (less than 5 mins.) from Gare du Nord safe, clean ,affordable and staff could not be more helpful and great breakfast check it out