I will be in Paris in early October. Would it be advantageous to book closer to my departure for a better rate or is booking in advance the better way? I am finding that the hotel websites have lists of different rates and when I contact the hotel directly, the rate is even higher than what they list on their sites. It is very frustrating!

Thanks!

I've actually never had that experience, so don't know what to say. All the Paris hotel websites I've seen and used (and I've seen a lot) had pretty straightforward rates based on type of room and date period (eg, discounts perhaps in August, but it is marked as a special rate period). I suspect you are not looking at the hotel's own website, but something like Expedia? Well, some of those websites have some discounts, if you find one you like and trust, use it. The terms are often different, such as prepayment or cancellations.

I did just book a hotel through booking.com for the first time in Paris as it had a rate noticeably cheaper than the hotel's own website (about 40 euro a night). It's affiliated with Priceline, I think. But some hotels that may have higher rates or not full occupancy would rather list with some discounters than lower their official rates for everyone, I guess (which would affect business travelers, also).

You may get a better ate close to departure on one of those last minute websites, sure. But October is very busy in Paris, so you will simply end up with a Hotel that is not very desirable, most likely. It may be a big business chain hotel and on the edges of town, or something like that. If you don't care and just want any room, you can risk that. Hotels get very full in October, so you may end up spending a lot of time just finding anything at that point. You can't compare right now because August is low season for Paris hotels, so what you see on one of those websites won't bear much resemblance to October at all.

If you are only concerned about money and don't care much where you stay, probably your best deal is finding something in advance and prepaying.

Hi 0

I suggest booking as soon as possible so that you can get a room at the hotel that you really want. Not sure why the hotels are giving you higher rates when you contact them directly, so I recommend booking your reservation on-line. I stayed at Hotel Madison on Blvd. St. Germain in the 6th arrondissment. It's in a nice neightborhood, close to 2 Metro stops, and breakfast is included. Hope that helps, and bon voyage!

October is a very busy month in Paris, with fashion shows and all kinds of conferences, so you should book asap. I always call hotels and always get a better rate than I can find on any internet site, so don't know what's up with that.

dolce - I don't know what you are prepared to pay and how long you intend staying but I would book right now - don't wait to get the tail end or hope for a cancellation.
If you are arriving, or even in Paris from a Friday to a Monday, you can book a lovely double roon en-suite at the Ibis La Defense ( a direct metro to Champs Elysees) for an incredible price of just 49euros. The rooms are modern and of a good standard of cleanliness. We always ask for a twin room - that way we get a bed the size of a normal King. I just can't sleep in a double.
We love this hotel and that money, boy what more can you ask for?! You have to book on their website.