We are driving into Paris from the Rhine region in July. We were thinking of staying in a hotel on the outskirts and then taking a metro into city. This would avoid hassles of driving in Paris and parking etc. We are 4 adults travelling.

Any suggestions on reasonable hotels or locations that may suit. We would also consider parking the car in park and ride and stay in the city. Just not sure if that would be smart from safety (2-3 days) and cost (parking).

Thanks

Hemant

Sydney, Australia

Are you then needing to use the car after staying in Paris? Can your car rental agency offer you parking while you are in Paris (staying in the much more attractive central area) and then giving the car back.

We shall be needing the car after Paris. I have not inquired if we could handover the car in Paris to the agency. Usually they don't like it to be returned in another country.

Regards

Hemant

Then you might look for a large "chain" hotel at one of the "portes" such as Porte Maillot. On another board someone said there was a Mercure there with parking facilities.

hemant,

I really think you should stay in central Paris:

- There are large and safe public self park garages throughout the city center which charge about EUR 22 for a 24 hour period, so with 4 people EUR 5.50 per person per day. This is very competitive vs. the higher cost for a public transportation ticket to outlying areas. One of these garages will almost certainly be within easy walking distance of any well-located hotel, just ask when you book. Many of them can be found here:
http://www.vincipark.com/appli/wvncp...dex_paris.html

- The eastern suburbs are really not the best, so aside from staying at Disneyland Paris, you will be certainly not be any "safer" than in town, especially taking public transportation later in the evening.

- Driving in Paris is really not difficult with a map showing one way streets (just buy one at a gas station when you get to France), good directions and a designated "navigator".

Hope this helps,
Andre

Thanks for your responses. I shall look at city parking stations.

I had looked up Novotel in Bercy. That seemed near from the ring-road. Is that an ok area?

Hemant