I was trying to book the tren hotel for a family of 4 on the french railways web site for December and just not able to book through is there an alternative?not raileurope as their prices are almost double.
Thanks.

What's the reason? Are you missing a step? I booked similar train (to Barcelona) OK on http://www.voyages-sncf.com/ but that was several years ago. Don't use English version; if you don't know French try using translate.google.com; it should translate all messages

As far as I can see there is only one sleeper train daily #409 19h47 PARIS AUSTERLITZ/09h10 MADRID CHAMARTIN. Cheapest price is 288 for 4 tix. When I booked they charged the card but only send me the reservation number and not actual tickets. Tickets can be printed from a vending machine in PARIS AUSTERLITZ station by entering reservation number and using the same CC that was used in booking. If your card doesn't have a chip or you left it at home then you may be out of luck and have to get the ticket from the ticket window in the station (there are lineups there).

You are right it is 288 euros for 4 but it won't let me book them saying some tariffs aren't bookable on line(according to Google translator).I am trying to book a one way anytime between DEC 17-21.
Thanks for the reply.

what it means that their reservation system believes that 72 euro pp rate is sold out but full rate is bookable; keep trying preferably during French business hours (2 am to 12 pm EST). some systems may be updated after hours and behave flaky. I think was seeing the same and eventually was able to book. if everything fails Easyjet flights are in the same price range (70 and up).Also there is even cheaper 8pm $90 flight from CDG to MAD operated by LAN Chile

i just tried, dec 18 & 19 reservation is going through for 424 but not for 288

Thanks guys!
I am able to book the 424 euros also but at that cost it doesn't make sense.I will try to book during french business hours.If that doesn't work will just get a cheap flight between cdg-mad.Its just that the kids would have the night train .

The pros about this train are: downtown to downtown trip, savings on airport transportation, hefty luggage fees on budget carriers, savings on 1 hotel night. Cons: tight compartment, no room for luggage except overhead shelf (which doesn't accommodate larger suitcases)