Leely2

How outside the center is your current hotel?

I've been to Paris during Christmas/New Year's and it was not too cold to be outside (except for hours one night), but of course every year is different. I think you will probably use public transportation more than you would if you were visiting in June. Re-read some of the tips above about passes/carnets. I have always only bought carnets, so the nuances of the various transport passes are beyond me.

I have bought a museum pass more than once; getting it only makes money-sense if you plan to visit several of the museums within a few days' span. And yes, Dukey, there can be mighty long lines in Paris during the Christmas/New Year's break.

In terms of hotels, what is your budget? You might do a search for two long-running threads here: Paris Left Bank Hotels and Paris Right Bank Hotels. I usually rent apartments so don't have much inexpensive hotel advice.

You are going to have a great trip! It's a beautiful, beautiful time to be in Paris--how exciting for you.

mamcalice

Two hotels that have been recommended regularly on this board in response to requests for inexpensive hotels are the Hotel Familia and the Hotel Grandes Ecoles, both in the 5th.

passionfruitdrink37

The hotel I've booked is near CDG airport, and about 25 km awway from the city center. I will definetly check out the Hotel Familia and Grandes Ecoles. Thanks so much!

Leely2

Check eurocheapo.com for hotels. And search here for budget hotels Paris. I'll see if I can dig any old threads up.

CDG really seems far to me, especially for two young women who will probably want to enjoy some nightlife. (I saw your NYE post.)

janisj

"The hotel I've booked is near CDG airport"

Oh - that is a really <red>REALLY</red> terrible idea. You aren't staying for one night w/ an early morning flight. You are staying seven nights. Why ever did you book at CDG? It is an hour from the center and the travel is expensive.

In case you didn't realize it - the Metro does not go to CDG.

Leely2

janis, maybe you could try to be helpful and post some alternative hotels?

janisj

Since I don't yet know the OPs budget - that is pretty difficult at this point . . .

(What is w/ all the lectures lately? I've given thousands of useful/helpful recommendations/suggestions. So shoot me if I didn't this time)

Leely2

passionfruit, here are the Left Bank/Right Bank hotel threads.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ank-thread.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ank-thread.cfm

cynthia_booker

You and your friend could buy one carnet and share the 10 tickets. If all 10 are used and you just have a day or two left, buy single tickets as needed.

FrenchMystiqueTours

I've never stayed in a Paris hotel but I pass by this hotel on occasion and it is about as centrally located as you can get. The cheapest double is 85€ a night:

http://www.hoteldenesleparis.com/

mamcalice

The Hotel Beaugrenelle Saint-Charles in the 15th not to far from the Eiffel Tower is 81 Euro a night for a twin room.

While it is not the most central location, it is near a metro station and an easy trip to most sights.

suze

<The hotel I've booked is near CDG airport>

You need to change hotels. Truly. Besides learning about the various transportation options, this is the very best piece of advice you can take from this thread.

Move somewhere anywhere closer into the heart of Paris. Take a look at a map. There are "arrondisements" (neighborhoods) which are numbered. 1 is in the center of Paris then it goes out like a spiral/snail. Most people try for 1, 4, 5, 6 to be most central. 7 is by the Eiffle Tower. You can even be a bit further out in some of the teen-numbered arrondisements and use metro to get around. But NOT at the airport. Cancel the booking and find something actually *in* Paris.

suze

Oh and I do agree about the comments about walking and weather. I was there in August when we toured around mostly on foot. But in December I'd bring comfortable boots, coat, scarf, hat, gloves and still plan to walk a good bit.

passionfruitdrink37

Thanks so much for the advice everyone! I really appreciate it and am taking steps towards improving my trip. I'm not getting the Paris pass anymore, and I am instead getting the museum pass and a carneet. I've also cancelled my booking and I am looking at hotels in the city center. Hopefully, I will be able to find something within my (meager)budget that's not too far out.

StCirq

Tell us what your budget is and we can get specific about hotels. You do NOT want to stay at the airport - that would be a total waste of a trip to Paris. You're young and need to be in the city, not in some hotel wasteland 25 miles away. There are plenty of options, but we need to know what you've got in the way of a budget for accommodations.

janisj

"Hopefully, I will be able to find something within my (meager)budget that's not too far out."

You still haven't told us what your budget actually is --'meager' doesn't tell us anything. Once we knew how much you and your cousin want to spend per night, we can make specific recommendations.

suze

Much better plan!! There are plenty of 2-star hotels in central Paris where you can get a simple room that doesn't cost a fortune. If you state your nightly budget people can make some specific recommendations of favorites.

passionfruitdrink37

Might be unrealistic, but we're trying to go for something under 100 dollars a night. (CAD) is that an unrealistic expectation?

suze

OK so 79 euro/night. People above have suggested a couple in the 80-85 euro range. Won't be easy and won't be all that nice but if you are willing to take a very very modest place at least you can improve your location.

There's no price for which I would stay out at the airport when trying to see Paris is the goal.

kerouac

It is very easy to find hotels for less than CAD 100 a night -- but not next to the Seine. You might have to ride the metro a whole extra 10 minutes!

Here is an old link with a lot of suggestions: http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com...ad=3582&page=1