The high cost of hotels in Paris

QUESTION; Since watching the Rugby World Cup, we have set our hearts on visiting Paris. We hope to use my husband's air miles to get one free ticket, but would like some idea of how much we would have to pay for a reasonable three-star hotel in a central area or close to the metro. We would probably consider travelling in February next year. - Sue Smit

ANSWER: Hotels in Paris are not cheap. Your best bet is to book through one of the discount hotel websites or try a few local travel agents to see what they can offer you. Overall, though, you should be able to get a three-star hotel for 60-80 Euros in outlying areas. An example here would be the three-star Ibis Porte D'Italie Hotel Paris, located in the Rue Du Val De Marne, costs from 62-82 Euros from discount websites. These prices include taxes and service charges (be sure to check when booking any hotel, as they can add substantially to the cost). Obviously, prices closer to the centre are more expensive and you can count on paying around 100 Euros per room. For example, the three-star Mericourt Hotel located in Le Marais (between Republique and the Bastille Opera) will cost you from 70-100 Euros. A good hotel in a prime location, such as the Novotel Les Halles, will set you back around 200 Euro per night. For your interest, if you decided to stay at the Ritz, one of the city's classiest five-star hotels, expect to pay at least 600 Euros a night.
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