Formule 1 Hotels in Paris

I haven’t stayed in Formula 1 hotels so can’t give you any advice on those, but you should seriously consider location when you book. There are some very pleasant and inexpensive hotels in downtown Paris and it’s always more fun to be in the middle of town than a Metro ride away. We stayed out in the 13th near Place d’Italie one year and the hotel was lovely but we missed walking out in the evening by the Seine and looking at all the lovely lights. Riding a hot Metro home on a hot evening just isn’t the same.

The Formula 1 Hotels web site in English is http://www.hotelformule1.com/formule1/ It appears as though they do not have any hotels in Paris proper. You would be quite a way out of town. Perhaps some of our French posters can elucidate.

I quote from their web site: "The roomy shower area and WC can be found a few short steps away from your room." This means that you will share a bathroom down the hall. That’s fine if you know it, but many Americans don’t like the concept of a shared bath.

When you check prices, consider the price of your Metro ticket too. You have to pay to get in and out of town and you will probably be staying outside the inner zones of the Metro so it will be more expensive even with a Metro Pass.

From what I’ve heard, the price is really inexpensive so if that’s your only concern, it may be the way to go. We’ve stayed in the Campanile chain when traveling in France and it was okay. They do have private bathrooms but are pretty standard Motel 6 type motels near a major freeway. When it’s late and you’re tired, they work, but the more charming and better located hotels are often very close in price and more fun for a "special" vacation.

Whatever you decide to do, I’m sure you’ll enjoy Paris. It’s a lovely city. Good luck.

ftdavis: I have seen Formule1 motels off the Peripherique which circles Paris. The seem like the Red Roof Inns or Motel 6s that you would see in the US. Maybe with more concrete. We haven’t stayed in them and I would echo SalB’s comments. If this is your first trip, try to get closer to center city. Donerail

Thank you both for your advice! I will look for a hotel closer to the center of Paris. I was thinking that location would be important and it sounds like it is.

Thanks again!
Tish

Tish, If you’re looking for a reasonably priced hotel in a great location, try Hotel La Sorbonne. If you click on the blue and red France.com at the top of this page, on the top left of your screen is a button marked "Hotels." Click on Hotels and do a search, probably for small hotels and choose 2 star.

The France.com link for Hotel la Sorbonne is https://visitfrance.travel/hotels/hotel.cfm?hotel_id=495 and you can read my comment there. It is clean, pleasant and the location absolutely can’t be beat. You are in the heart of the Latin Quarter with direct connection to CDG airport and there are three Metro stations within an easy walk.

I’ve heard people say to avoid 2 star hotels and they’ve obviously never stayed in one. We’ve stayed in quite a few and they all have private bathrooms, good beds, some have hair dryers, all of ours have had showers and they’ve all been spotless.

We’ve reserved through France.com for years and never had a problem. Another hotel that will pop up immediately is Hotel Clement. It’s worked itself out of our self-imposed price range but is a nice hotel in a quieter location. We like the bustle around la Sorbonne and it was always quiet at night so we had no trouble sleeping. I doubt if they have air conditioning, but it would be worth e-mailing them and asking. We’ve never needed AC in Paris but last summer we certainly would have. (We went in November last year!)

SalB,

Thank you for your suggestions as well. Now that I have a better idea of where to look I am finding more budget options! I’ll be sure to check into the ac situation too.

Thanks,
Tish