Hotels in France

Tourist hotels are approved and examined by the authorities. They are split into 5 categories according to their facilities, areas and services. The categories are 1-star, 2-star, 3-star, 4-star and - for hotels of great comfort - 4-star L (luxury). Prices displayed outside the hotel and in bedrooms must be inclusive. They are unregulated and a surcharge can be levied for an extra bed or for breakfast. Rooms must usually be left by noon on the day of departure.There are about 17,500 hotels, inns and motels in France.

Finding a Room

It's always easier to reserve your accommodation through a travel agent before coming to France. You can also contact local Tourist Offices or the Syndicats d'Initiative: they will inform you on the local possibilities of accommodation.

Hotel Chains

There are dozens of hotel chains and reservation services for hotels in France which group standardized hotels or hotels each with its own character. The range covers all categories, from 'Relais & Chateaux', 'Chateaux et Hotels de France' hotels (3- and 4-star) or more economical hotels near major cities (Hotel Formule 1, Etap Hotel, Balladins, Bonsaï, Liberté, Première Classe). Hotel chains usually have central reservation facilities.

Rates

Quoted for per night for a single or double room. Rates are quoted per person if they include room and board. Hotels include taxes and service.

Reservations

Reservations should be in writing (letter, fax or email). At that time, an advance deposit should be sent to the hotel. Your reservation, room rate and receipt of deposit should be confirmed in writing, by the hotelier. To avoid problems, reservations should never be made orally.

Deposits

An advance deposit is required to secure your reservation. The exact amount is not fixed by law but, in general, the deposit amounts to the equivalent of 25% of the total cost and one night for shorter stays.

Whatever the type of accommodation you choose, pay a deposit. The deposit will not be refunded unless the contract stipulates it. If the hotel cancels your reservation, he must pay you the double of the deposit.

Arrival Time

Guests are expected to arrive at their hotel no later than between 7 and 10 pm. To avoid misunderstandings, it is best to let the hotel keeper know the approximate arrival time, especially if it might be late. If you a telephone reservation has been made without a deposit, the hotelier is not required to hold the room after 7 pm.

Cancellations

The French Civil Code, Article 1590, regulates the rights of hotel guests and hoteliers regarding cancellation. In addition, many hotels follow stipulations laid down by the international Hotel Convention. Be sure to request details of the hotel's cancellation policy along with the reservation confirmation.

ON-THE-SPOT Reservations

Passengers who want to book accommodations upon arrival may consult the Automatic Central Reservations Board in Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport.

Reservations can be made for the day of arrival at the Syndicats d'Initiative or Tourist Offices in Paris and other cities.

At a campsite

France offers more than 9,000 fully equipped campsites officially grated from 0 to 4* and 2,300 farm campsites. The Official Campsite Guide is on sale at bookshops, newsagents, FNAC [national chain of department stores selling books, CDs, computers …] and all good retailers, as well as by mail order (postage and carriage: 3 euro per copy).

Fédération Française de Camping-Caravaning [French Camping and Caravanning Association] (tel +33 (0)1 42 72 84 08). http://www.campingfrance.com

Camping off-site is permitted with the authorization of the landowner, but prohibited on beaches, roadsides or at designated sites.

For information, please ask at Tourist Offices or the Gendarmerie.

In tourist apartments

These are buildings housing apartments for rent, fully equipped and with a choice of hotel services.

Visit the website www.snrt.fr

In furnished accommodation

These are fully equipped holiday villas or apartments for rent to tourists: information from Tourist Offices and estate agents.

In Gîtes or Guest Houses

By renting a room in the owner's home (per night or per week, with breakfast and, occasionally with evening meal), you will have the chance to discover more about, and share in, the French way of life. www.gites-de-france.fr

In Holiday Villages

Non-profit making organizations who offer especially designed accommodation for families and groups, the holidays Villages also have excellent leisure activities. A stay in a holiday village is a great way to meet French people in a friendly environment and at the same time keep a feeling of individual freedom.

www.unat.asso.fr

In Monasteries

The following guides are of help :

Le Guide des Monastères

Maurice Colignon - Editions Pierre Horay

277 rue Saint-Jacques

75006 - PARIS

Tel: +33 (0)1 43 54 53 90

Fax: +33 (0)1 56 24 76 27

Email: editions@horay-editeur.fr

New guide in 2001 (15th edition). Price: 15.09 Euros.

Le Guide Saint-Christophe

Association Saint-Christophe

22 bis, passage Dauphine

75005 - PARIS

Tel: +33 (0)1 56 24 76 00

Fax: +33 (0)1 43 54 63 50

http://www.lodace.com