10 Important Things to know before booking a hotel in Paris

This article will show you the most important things to know before booking a hotel in Paris so you can avoid common mistakes and find the perfect stay for your trip!

The first thing you’ll probably do when planning your trip to Paris is to book a hotel. While Paris has LOTS of them, not all are created equal, and booking the wrong one can make or break your trip.

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To make sure you don’t book the wrong one and dread every moment you go back to your hotel room, in this article, I am sharing some of the important things you should know before booking a hotel in Paris.

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

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Cabaret at Moulin Rouge: A cabaret in the iconic Moulin Rouge is a must: (4.7/10)

Things to know before booking a hotel in Paris

1. Hotel rooms in Paris are usually tiny

If you come from a country where everything is big (big houses, big apartments, big hotels), you’ll be surprised by how small hotel rooms are in Paris. And it’s not just hotel rooms! Even apartments where we locals live are quite small.

If you need a large room, check the square footage of the room before booking or check the reviews of previous guests to make sure you get what you’re looking for.

But in most cases, even those that are considered big by Paris standards might be a tad bit smaller than what you’re used to. 

2. Not all hotels have AC

Another thing to keep in mind when booking a hotel in Paris is that not all of them have air conditioning. This is one of the biggest complaints I hear, especially from travelers from North America, where AC is the norm.

That’s because, in France, air conditioning isn’t as common due to a mix of environmental policies, cultural habits, and historic buildings that weren’t designed for it, which would make it costly to install.

Many hotels either limit AC usage or don’t have it at all, though more and more hotels are starting to install it since heat waves are becoming more frequent.

So if having an AC is important to you, double-check before booking that the hotel has one, especially if you’re visiting in the summer when it gets really hot.

3. Elevators are tiny or sometimes nonexistent

While still on the topic of amenities, another important Paris hotel tip you should know is that elevators in buildings are not a given. Paris is an old city with buildings dating back hundreds of years, long before elevators existed.

While some hotels have done a good job of modernizing their spaces, many still don’t have elevators due to how costly and complex they are to install. And for those that do, they can be extremely tiny!

So small that some only fit one person and a suitcase. If you’re traveling in a group, you might even have to take turns using it – again, because space in Paris is a luxury.

If you don’t feel like lugging your suitcase up multiple flights of stairs or have reduced mobility, make sure to double-check that your hotel actually has an elevator.

4. Not all Hotels are Wheel Chair Friendly

Speaking of reduced mobility, Paris isn’t a city that fully caters to accessibility. Many buildings are centuries old, and while some have been renovated, accessibility wasn’t a priority when they were first built.

Not all hotels have elevators, ramps, or accessible bathrooms, and even when they do, they may not meet modern accessibility standards. Some hotels might have an elevator, but the hallways and doorways could still be too narrow for a wheelchair, or the bathroom might lack proper grab bars.

If you need an accessible room, never assume it’s available! Always check with the hotel in advance and ask if they have all the amenities you might need. Sometimes, even hotels that claim to be accessible may only have a few adapted rooms, so it’s best to confirm the exact features before booking.

Outside the hotel, accessibility in Paris can be challenging, with uneven sidewalks, cobblestone streets, and metro stations that often lack elevators. Buses are a better option, as most are wheelchair-friendly.

5. You’ll have to pay a tourist tax

Like in most major cities, you’ll have to pay tourist tax when you book a hotel in Paris. This tax is charged per night per person (except for kids) and can range from €2.60 to €15.60, depending on the hotel’s star rating. 

While most travelers assume it’s included in the price they see on booking websites, it’s actually not. You’ll have to pay it separately on-site either at check-in or check-out, so keep this in mind when budgeting for your hotel.

6. A hotel near the Eiffel Tower may not be the best option

As dreamy as it might sound to stay right next to the Eiffel Tower (because who wouldn’t want to be near Paris’s most famous landmark?), it’s not the best idea.

Hotels near the Eiffel Tower are expensive, and surprisingly, it’s not that central to other major landmarks like the Louvre or Notre Dame. Plus, the area is always packed with tourists, and the streets are filled with vendors trying to sell souvenirs. And the restaurants are mostly overpriced tourist traps.

The best Paris hotel advice I can give is to stay in a local neighborhood like the Latin Quarter, Le Marais, or Saint-Germain. You’ll still be well-located, surrounded by local shops and restaurants, and even get better value for your money. 

7. Breakfast is Usually Simple

If you’re expecting a big breakfast buffet with eggs, bacon, pancakes, and an endless selection of hot and cold dishes, you might be disappointed. Breakfast at most Parisian hotels is pretty simple. Typically, a selection of croissants, bread, butter, jam, coffee or tea, and orange juice. 

Some places might include yogurt, fruit, or cheese, but hot dishes like different types of eggs, baked potatoes, or sausages are rare unless at higher-end hotels.

While some hotels offer more extensive breakfasts, they’re not the norm. If a hearty breakfast is important to you, check reviews before booking or plan to head to a nearby café, where you can get a more filling meal with eggs, omelets, or a classic Parisian breakfast set.

8. You Can Find Cheaper Hotels Outside “Central Paris”

Another important thing to know before booking a hotel in Paris is that you don’t always have to stay in central Paris.

Yes, staying in the 1st to 9th arrondissements is definitely convenient, but it comes at a price. Hotels in these areas tend to be more expensive simply because they’re closer to major Parisian landmarks.

If you’re traveling on a budget, consider looking at hotels in the 10th to 20th arrondissements (except for some parts of the 16th and 18th, which can still be pricey).

Hotels in these areas are often more affordable, and as long as you’re near a metro station, getting around will still be quick and easy. You’ll only be a 15-20 minute metro ride from the city’s top attractions but with lower hotel rates and often more local, authentic surroundings.

If you want to balance affordability with a good location, consider areas like the 10th, 11th, or 14th arrondissements, which have plenty of great restaurants and cafés but are still well-connected to central Paris.

9. Most hotels are not pet-friendly

Paris is a pet-friendly city, and you’ll often see locals dining at cafés, riding the metro, or strolling through the streets with their dogs. It’s even illegal for landlords to refuse tenants from having pets. 

But when it comes to hotels, not all of them allow pets, so if you’re traveling with a furry friend, double-check the hotel’s pet policy before booking.

For those that do allow pets, there are usually rules and extra fees. Some charge a fixed pet fee per night, while others require a deposit in case of damages. Certain hotels may also have size or breed restrictions, so don’t assume all pets are welcome.

If you want a truly pet-friendly stay, look for hotels that go beyond just “allowing” pets. Some offer dog beds, food bowls, or even pet-sitting services.

And of course, Paris has plenty of parks and green spaces where your pet can play, so staying near one might be a good idea!

10. Avoid staying near big train stations

While staying near a major train station might seem convenient for getting around, areas around stations like Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, and Gare de Lyon aren’t the best, especially at night.

These areas tend to be busy, noisy, and not the most charming parts of the city. You’ll find a lot of fast food spots, budget hotels, and late-night activity, and while they’re generally safe, they can sometimes feel a bit sketchy, particularly after dark. Pickpocketing is also more common in and around train stations. (Ps. I have an article on how to avoid pickpockets in Paris you can check out.)

All major train stations are well connected to the metro, so there’s really no need to stay right next to one. You’ll have an easier, more enjoyable stay in a different neighborhood while still being just a short metro ride away from your train.

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Final Thoughts on Things to know before booking a hotel in Paris

Booking the right hotel for your Paris trip goes beyond just checking ratings! You want to choose a hotel that has all the must-have amenities for YOU. One mistake travelers make is assuming certain features are standard just because they are back home, only to be caught off guard.

If you’ve checked booking platforms but still aren’t sure whether a hotel has everything you need, don’t hesitate to contact them directly. It’s your trip, and you’re likely spending a lot on it, so it’s worth making sure the hotel can meet your needs.

That said, you’ll probably spend more time out exploring than in your hotel. If you can’t find the perfect place, try to find a balance that works for you.

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• Common Paris Etiquette
• How to avoid being pickpocketed in Paris
• Mistakes tourists make when making a Paris itinerary
• Big Mistakes to Avoid in Paris
• Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Paris

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