Cheap Sleeps in Paris

I love Sandra. No one has put in as much legwork as she in finding smaller spots, (perhaps that are marketed mainly to other Europeans) that are in the middle of everything and are reasonably priced. I have used this book twice, and (GASP) I gave it to my mother to use! Everything worked out splendid. If Sandra says a price and location in her book is as good as it gets, believe her. If some decry that her cheap sleeps are not so cheap anymore, this may have to do with the fact that Europe in general is reaching dollar parity with the U.S. Let the reader blame the tanking U.S. dollar for the fact he can't stay in Paris for 22$ a night anymore. I guess I have reached an age where I do not want glitz, or fashionable place anymore. What has become important is little of what the Irish call 'craic' and some measure of authenticity. When Sandra says the owner is delighful, or a quintessential Frenchman, she aint kidding. And believe me, you will remember the little things of your trip, such as what Sandra can lead you to, then the big things. Use her book without reservation!

Cheap Sleeps in Paris is wonderful.When I travel in the states, I usually go away for a long weekend, and I'm able to take advantage of weekend rates at hotel chains I know. It doesn't take much know how to get a good room in a Hilton, for example. We have lots of companies that try to keep up a consistent level of quality, and rooms tend to be pretty much the same in different cities.But in Paris, that strategy doesn't work. My stays are longer, and I just can't afford to spend 8 nights in the same kind of place I'd choose here in the US. Most of the hotels in Paris are small and ideosyncratic. It's not just that there are differences from hotel to hotel -- there are even differences from room to room within the same place. The quality of your experience depends more upon the individuals running a specific hotel than it does here in the states, where there are companies that try to maintain a culture of quality that you can count on in different cities. In Paris you're often dealing with someone who owns and operates one hotel, and the quality of the place depends a lot on that person's attitude.I found Gustafson's book to be very helpful. I went to Paris twice last year. The first time I didn't use her book, and I got an awful place in a marginal neighborhood and I wasn't able to dial out with my laptop (which I need to do for work), despite the fact that the hotel's web site said that I could. "Oh, you need an executive suite for that, they cost 3 times as much, and they're all full."The second time I did use this book, and I got a place in a much nicer neighborhood, for 2/3 the cost, with a very comfortable bed and very nice bath with shower. And I could actually dial out with my laptop. That doesn't sound like much, but I had a very hard time finding a place that would let me do that. Although it's not a focus of Cheap Sleeps, she does mention a few places that are net friendly, and that was important to me. Most people will obviously have other priorities. But I believe this book will help them as well. I've just requested another reservation at the same place for the fall. I've read some reviews here that complain about the places not being cheap enough. My room will be $68/night, in the 16th (ie., a yuppie neighborhood), on a quiet street, and it comes with a nice bath, shower, and television with cable. Not to mention the all important phone jack. I know the Franc is weak now, but when I compare that to what I pay in New York, San Francisco, London, LA, or what I'd have to pay here in Chicago, it seems pretty cheap to me.The important thing, though, is that it's not so cheap that you wouldn't want to stay there.Here's the bottom line: how much are you spending on your trip to Paris? This book is cheap. It will probably make a real difference in the quality of your trip; I know it did for me. If not, what are you out, compared to what you're spending already?

I read this book virtually cover to cover before going to spend just a few days in Paris. My recollection is that it had some of the best directions I ran across for getting from the airport into the city. When faced with the confusion of the airport, I just wanted to find a cab. But we ultimately decided to try the bus/train/Metro. And we made it with no problem. We stayed at one of the recommended hotels--Grand Hotel Des Balcons. It was a nice little hotel, which was amazingly affordable and was not just patronized by Americans. One night at dinner we were seated next to another American couple at a restaurant recommended in "Cheap Eats" (Au Petit Prince). They too were relying on both "Cheap Sleeps" and "Cheap Eats" and were also happy with every recommendation that they had relied on.My only complaint is that the books are published separately. There should be a combined Cheap Eats/Cheap Sleeps or at least a package deal offering a discount if you get both.

This book is filled with vivid descriptions of many of Paris' less expensive hotels. Sandra includes some pricier gems as well for those who can afford to splurge. But she avoids the chain hotels that don't offer the character of the smaller Parisian hotels. She describes the accomodations accurately including furnishings, lighting and room size. Many times she recommends specific rooms along with their canopy beds or terrific views! She warns you when there may be street noise and includes the nearest metro stops. After I read this book I felt as though I knew many of the owners of the small hotels. When I finally got to Paris I saw that she had hit the nail right on the head with the hotel that I finally chose. Thank you!

I was amazed at the thoroughness of this book. The author concentrates on mid-range boutique-type hotels that are a good buy for the money. She even includes web site addresses so you can view photos of the building, lobby, and rooms. In fact, I cross-referenced this book with hotel websites, and found a great little hotel. The added bonus of shopping hints at the back of the book is a nice touch. However, the rough sketch maps of neighborhoods (the chapters are divided by neighborhood) were far from helpful - not easy to match the book's maps to, say, a Michelin map of the city. Highly recommended as a resource for truthful hotel information; and the author obviously loves playing detective for details such as renovation of rooms to include ensuite bathrooms. Recommended!