When choosing a hotel it helps to know what side of the river you want to reside in. Traditionally the Right Bank is chic and elegant, while hotels on the Left Bank are less formal and cheaper. The hotel rooms in Paris are much smaller than American hotel rooms.

In addition to choosing which side of the bank you prefer to stay in, it is important to select the style of hotel. You need to decide if you want a hotel with charm or a modern style that leans towards more American standards.

Do not expect elevators and if your hotel does have one, it will be very small since the buildings date back centuries many will not be wired for air conditioning. The higher stars do not guarantee larger rooms but of course the lobby and linens will be on the luxurious size.

The beds in hotel rooms are usually double beds, two twin beds joined together. Do not expect top sheets on the hotel beds since the French way of making beds is without. But since many Americans have complained many hotels are now adding top sheets.

The breakfast provided in hotels will not be eggs, bacon, pancakes and potatoes. This is not a Parisian breakfast and honestly this breakfast will be hard to find in Paris. Instead expect a continental breakfast with croissants, baquettes, hot chocolate, tea and coffee.

Sometimes hotels offer yogurt, cereal, juice and milk and catering to the American palate, eggs.
By calling the hotel directly, you can get a better rate and always ask for a discount when you speak to the hotel. If they don’t offer you a discount, ask them if they will upgrade you to a better class of room at that rate.

Be courteous, you may get a better rate or an upgrade. If the clerk is busy, offer to call back; being considerate of the clerk’s situation may also help you get a discount.

Call after the reservation office has closed for the evening; the front desk clerk, if he or she is not busy, is more likely to give you a lower rate than the reservation office or the hotel manager is.
Most hotels will match the lowest rate you’ve found online. Additionally, many chains have programs in which they offer big discounts if you find a rate lower than their lowest rate.

Check the hotel’s website for pictures of the lobby and hotel rooms. A good idea is to email the hotel with your specific questions, such as hair dryers in the rooms, if the hotel provides a complimentary breakfast.