How well do you know the stars? What, for example, is the difference between a one-star and a two-star hotel? It's not always so obvious. Here’s a quick overview of what you could expect from a hotel in Paris, listed by star rating.
Remember that, for the most part, the more central the hotel (and lower the arrondissement number), the more expensive the hotel will tend to be. A two-star hotel in the 1st arrondissement will almost certainly be more expensive than a two-star in the 18th arrondissement. And heck, you may be able to find a three-star hotel outside the city center for the same rate as a one-star next to the Louvre.
The one-star Hotel Eldorado offers up spacious rooms.
Doubles about €50-75
One-star hotels in Paris are generally small, family-run or non-chain properties. Rooms here may or may not have TV or telephone. Bathrooms may be shared with other rooms or private. These hotels almost never have an elevator.
Room size varies quite a bit. Some doubles at the one-star Hotel Eldorado and Résidence du Palais for example, are larger than doubles in some three-star properties. Room size is especially unpredictable given the fact that many of these hotels are in old buildings and were not constructed as hotels.
We recommend several one-star hotels, some of which are real charmers. Note that many of these do not offer online booking. You’ll have to call, email or go to the hotel’s Web site to make a reservation.
Breakfast, usually offered at an extra charge, is often quite simple. Some one-star hotels don’t have breakfast rooms and thus deliver breakfast to the room.
Almost all two-star hotels, like the Hotel Andre Gill, provide you with a private bathroom.
Doubles about €65-90
Two-star hotel rooms generally have basic amenities, including TV and telephone. All rooms are probably equipped with a private bathrooms, often with a hair dryer. The hotel probably has an elevator, and probably offers Wi-Fi (although you may have to pay for it).
Click to read our reviews of recommended two-star hotels in Paris. These are probably our favorite category in the city, as they represent what we think is the best value (considering price and private bathroom). Indeed, at last check, we recommend nearly 60 two-star hotels in Paris!
As with the one-star hotels, some of these don’t offer online booking. Also, room size varies quite a bit. However, many two-star hotels were built as hotels, so the rooms tend to be a more standard size. In many cases, the rooms were originally constructed without private baths, which were added later, cutting down on the size of the room.
A continental breakfast (usually just croissant, bread, coffee/tea, juice) is generally served in a breakfast room for an extra charge. Unless it’s homemade or special, these breakfasts are usually not a great deal.
Breakfasts at three-star hotels can be quite expensive.
Doubles about €90 - 150, and up.
Three-star hotels can be all over the place: They may still be small boutique hotels or they might be much larger business-class hotels. Regardless, three-star rooms are equipped with a TV, telephone, and likely also have air conditioning, minibar and safe. All bathrooms are private and equipped with a hair dryer and toiletries. The hotel will have an elevator and offer Wi-Fi (although, again, this may not be free).
We have reviewed several three-star hotels, which tend to be in our “worth a splurge” category, ideal for a “special trip” to Paris, or just for our readers who can spend more. As the city is filled with three-star hotels, we’ve tried to recommend only those that we think represent a good value.
Three-star breakfasts vary quite a bit. Some hotels are proud of their morning spread (and include cheeses, meats, and maybe even American-style eggs and bacon), while others stick to simpler, continental offerings. Regardless, breakfast tends to be an expensive add-on.
Four-star hotels
Doubles about €200 and (way) up
In Paris, four-star hotels may be small boutique properties or large, swanky establishments. There are probably many categories of rooms, from “standard” to “superior” and “suites.” Note that rooms may not be any larger than a room in any other category—but they will be packed with amenities and the bathroom will be very well equipped.
As we’re EuroCheapo, we don’t recommend any four-star hotels in Paris. However, if you do a search in our search box, you will see many four-star properties in the search results that are provided by our reservation partners. It’s worth a look, as sometimes there are some great deals to be had (especially at the last-minute, when properties are trying to fill their rooms).
Four-star hotels often offer breakfast buffets, usually including some cheeses, meats and hot dishes. However, these are often quite expensive (sometimes ridiculous amounts upwards of €20... or more).
Other hotel categories
On EuroCheapo, we also recommend properties that fall into other categories:
Unrated or zero stars
Doubles about €50-70
Don’t be scared! Some of our favorite hotels have no stars. These are typically similar to one-star hotels, but, for whatever reason, they haven’t been rated.
Youth Hostels
Dorms €20-25; Doubles €60-70
The hostels in Paris that we recommend usually offer dorm beds, as well as private rooms, with or without private bathrooms. These tend to be quite social places, and most do not have an age restriction. Still, they’re best for younger or more relaxed travelers.
Residential or Suites
Doubles €100 and up
These "residential" properties offer rooms with private kitchen, and may include dining areas, a sitting room, etc. These are certainly practical for longer stays.
Apartments
Apartments €100 and up per night
Renting a private apartment is currently a popular option for individuals and families, especially those spending many nights (or weeks) in Paris. They always include kitchen and dining facilities, which can save on restaurant bills.
On the downside, they can be risky to rent, and don’t offer the services of a professionally-run hotel (including an always-open reception and cleaning services).
Read more about where to stay in Paris
About the author: Tom Meyers is the Editor in Chief of EuroCheapo.com.
