Normandy, Brittany & the Best of the North_ With Paris (Fodor's) - Fodor's [184]
It’s always a good idea to make hotel reservations in Paris and other major tourist destinations as far in advance as possible, especially in late spring, summer, or fall. E-mail is the easiest way to contact the hotel (the staff is probably more likely to read English than to understand it spoken over the phone long-distance), though calling also works. But whether by fax, phone, or e-mail, you should specify the exact dates you want to stay (don’t forget to notify your hotel of a possible late check-in to prevent your room from being given away); the size of the room you want and how many people will be sleeping there; the type of accommodations you want (two twins, double, etc.); and what kind of bathroom (private with shower, tub, or both). You might also ask if a deposit (or your credit-card number) is required, and if so, what happens if you cancel later. Request that the hotel fax you back so you have a written confirmation of your reservation.
If you arrive without a reservation, the tourist offices in major train stations and most towns can probably help you find a room.
Many hotels in France are small, and many are family-run establishments. Some are affiliated with hotel groups, such as Logis de France, which can be relied on for comfort, character, and regional cuisine (look for its distinctive yellow-and-green sign). A Logis de France paperback guide is widely available in bookshops. Two prestigious international groups with numerous converted châteaux and manor houses among its members are Relais & Châteaux and Small Luxury Hotels of the World; booklets listing members are available from these organizations. France also has some hotel chains. Examples in the upper price bracket are Frantel, Novotel, and Sofitel as well as InterContinental, Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Westin, and Sheraton. The Best Western, Campanile, Climat de France, Ibis, and Timhotel chains are more moderate. Typically, chains offer a consistently acceptable standard of modern features (modern bathrooms, TVs, etc.) but tend to lack atmosphere, with some exceptions (Best Western, for instance, tries to maintain the local character of the hotels it manages).
Here is a sample letter you may use when making a written or e-mailed reservation:
Cher (Dear) Madame, Monsieur:
Nous voudrions réserver une chambre pour (We wish to reserve a room for) _____ (number of) nuit(s) (nights), du (from) ______ (arrival date) au ______ (departure date), à deux lits (with twin beds), or à lit-double (with a double bed), or une chambre pour une seule personne (a room for a single person), avec salle de bains et toilette privées (with a bathroom and private toilet). Si possible, nous voudrions une salle de bains avec une baignoire et aussi une douche. (If possible, we would prefer a bathroom with a tub as well as a shower.) Veuillez confirmer la réservation en nous communicant le prix de la chambre, et le dépot forfaitaire que vous exigez. Dans l’attente de votre lettre, nous vous prions d’agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l’expression de nos sentiments amicales. (Can you please inform us about availabilities, the room rate, and if any deposit is needed? With our friendliest greetings, we will await your confirmation.)
COMMUNICATIONS
INTERNET
If you use a major Internet provider, getting online in France shouldn’t be difficult. Most hotels have in-room broadband connections or wireless access. If you need to spend a lot of time online, make sure to ask when you book a room if there’s a charge for the service. Remember to bring an adapter for the European-style plugs.
If you’re not at your hotel, there are still many places to get online. Wi-Fi hot spots can be found at many of the cafés and public libraries in Paris and other metropolitan areas. In smaller towns ask at the local