How to find international hotels?

[msmama]

Hi all!

Planning our whirlwind summer vacation (spending 2 years of travel budgets in celebration as I'm turning 40 this year) and having trouble picking hotels in foreign locales!

Particularly, I'm looking for hotels in London and Paris for me and my 9 year old boy for this summer.

I'm using Trip Advisor but as soon as I add "family friendly" to the search, but prices at least double!!

Any suggestions? I've been to London before, but Paris is new to me. Thanks!

 

[Alesia]

Why not just search without adding "family friendly?"

 

[tink1970]

Happy birthday! I know I used Rick Steves' books and website for London and Paris...he is quite good about listing prices, proximity, etc. DD and I stayed at one of his recommended small inns-the Lime Tree Hotel in London several years ago. I believe it has a minimum stay of 4 or 5 days in the high season so may not work for you but I would consider going on line or to the library and taking note of his recommended lodgings. Since most have a website you can see if they allow children, what they are near, etc. Also on some of the other boards here (I believe ABD is one as well as the cruise boards) there is often a thread or two about lodging/things to do in London, especially. I found my favorite St Andrews B&B (3 years in a row!) on trip advisor, so perhaps don't list family friendly since who knows what that means to them

Have a great trip

 

[jsmla]

We prefer to rent an apartment when in Paris. It's usually cheaper than a hotel and we love having the space and kitchen. There are some fabulous markets in Paris where you can pick up gorgeous produce, cheese, etc.

We like staying in the Marais, lovely old buildings and a real Paris feel with easy access to restaurants and the usual touristy stuff

 

[MommyinHonduras]

Not familiar with Europe but many hotele is CA the price is per person. So family friendly might mean larger capacity rooms or at least more than one person price quotes?

 

[supersnoop]

Many (if not most) hotels in Europe have rooms that sleep 2 people. Once you select "family friendly," you're probably getting quotes for rooms that sleep 4, which will be more expensive. If it's just you and the child, you should be able to get a room with two twin beds at the lower price.

 

[clh2]

Have you considered AirBnb?

We've done two in Europe, one in Prague, and one in Valencia. My DD has used them in other parts of Europe as well.

 

[GAN]

I would also suggest renting an apartment. I've stayed here and can vouch that it is beautiful and in a prime location -see for yourself....

https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p2570462

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

In London, I'd suggest a Premier Inn. We stayed at the the one near St. Pancras as we took the Eurostar to Paris for a day as well. We loved the location and it was a fairly new hotel in 2015 (so it's still pretty new) and the room was spacious and great restaurant on site and budget friendly. They have several in London so perhaps check out the ones in the area you'd prefer to stay?

I've stayed in Paris several times as well however for the life of me, I can't remember the names but I just searched on the internet and narrowed down to my favorites and in the area I preferred.

Good luck!
Heather