Hi, it's our first visit to Europe. We will arrive in Brussels on July 1 and leave on July 11 and have a room from July 1-8 in Brussels. We have to be in Brussels from July 5-7, but have the rest of the time to ourselves. Not sure how best to spend this time - there is so much to see or do in Europe. I was thinking of spending the first three days (july2,3,4) in Belgium - visit Antwerp, Ghanet and Brugges, and visit Paris in the last 3 days, or vice versa. Any suggestions????????

Also, would really appreciate suggestions for economical places to stay in for the last 3 days of our trip.

Hi L,

I would save the best for last and visit Paris at the end.

You can fly into Brussels and oout of Paris.

What's your hotel budget?

around 100 canadian dollars would be perfect - the cheaper the better - but can not do without ensuite washrooms, which I've heard is not available in a lot of cheaper hotels in Europe.

livincanada, do you mean washrooms or toilet/shower ensuite?

A clarification is in order. You really only have about 1.5 days as you leave and travel to some other destination on the 9th and depart on the 11th. This gives you only 1 full day to spend in your final destination.

Ghent and Brugge are amazing- I would for sure make time to visit them.

I meant ensuite toilet with a shower/bath.

would you rather spend the night in Brugge & Ghent or in Paris?

Hi L,

100CD is about 70E.

This hotel has been recommended by another Fodorite. It is not centrally located, but is close to a metro stop.
http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/h75012lux.htm

Try this place -- www.hoteldelapaix.com
it's a scootch more than your budget, but well located.

Lots of hotels under E70, with a small but fully-equipped and functioning bathroom (toilet-sink-shower). Don't begin looking near the Louvre, look ten minutes away by Metro, and thou shalt find.

WK

Thanks you guys - it's been great seeing all of you respond so readily. We've finally made up our minds that we'll stay in Belgium for the first week, and leave for Paris on the 7th. Like you said ira, save the best for last. I am SO looking forward to this trip.
Thanks for all the info - I will be asking for more advice as we move forward with our planning.

You are welcome, L.

Have a great visit.

If it were me, I'd base myself in Ghent July 1-4 doing an easy day trip to Brugge and a day trip to Antwerp (have not done this, but assume it's easy). Being slightly less touristy, I think you'll get better hotel rates in Ghent. We loved the Hotel Erasums in Ghent, but we got one of the larger rooms (it was huge and well appointed). They may have smaller rooms in your price range.

Then you can easily get to Brussels for July 5-7 and take the high speed train to Paris for the rest of your stay.

We did a Ghent/Paris combo over 8 days a few years back and thought it a perfect pairing.

Hotel Loiret in the Marais. It's centrally located near Hotel de Ville. Walk to Notre Dame, Ilse St. Louis, Place des Vosges, Pompideau. There is a close metro stop for everywhere else. Last October a room with bathroom (toilet, sink, shower) was 60 euros. That's about $85 Canadian. There are great places to eat around the hotel and great sites to see. For a budget hotel I thought it was a very good choice.

You are welcome, L

Have a nice trip.

c2paris, are you sure about hotel loiret? I checked on the web and their rates are 124euros for a double room. Or maybe the one you guys stayed in was a different one. Do you have any contact info for them?