France Hotel Options for Families
From LoveToKnow Travel
Advice for Finding a Place to Stay
When choosing a place to stay while in France, there is no reason to sacrifice comfort or safety. This is true even for those who are traveling on a tight budget. If choices are thoroughly researched and families travel during off-peak times, France has quality accommodations that are well within even the smallest budgets.
One method for finding high-quality accommodations is to ask others for their personal recommendations. Reputation is not, however, always the most accurate way of determining a property for a family vacation. Therefore, it is important to research the facility beforehand because this will provide a more accurate view of the available places to stay.
It is also best to book well in advance, if possible. This limits the chance of problems arising when arriving at a new destination. It also guarantees special requirements, such as specific dietary needs or room locations, can be met.
Hotels
There are a wide variety of France hotel options available to families. These hotels can be found throughout the country, particularly around the major cities and tourist hotspots. France hotel options range from five-star luxury facilities to inexpensive, yet comfortable, accommodations.
In France, hotels vary widely and there are places to stay designed to cater to all budgets and tastes. France hotels can offer a safe and secure “base camp” location in the middle of a city or within the rolling countryside. Finding a hotel in France poses the same problems as in most countries. At the same time, there are also a number of hotels to choose from. The variety means any family should be able to find a hotel capable of catering to their needs.
When choosing a hotel in France, there are a few things to be wary of. For example, all hotels offer wide ranges of bed options. Twin rooms may come with two single beds, while a double room consists of a double bed. Single rooms are also available. These rooms, however, would probably not suit a family unless the room has adjoining doors to a double or twin room. Some hotels may offer family rooms or double rooms with a crib. Depending on the hotel, these rooms usually consist of a double bed and one or more single or pullout beds.
Many France hotels also require an adult sleep in the same room as any child that is 12 years old or younger. In this case, it might be necessary to book either a larger room or two twin rooms with one parent in each. Every family has its own needs. In addition, European laws governing the legal sleeping arrangements in hotels are strict and many hotels have their own rules. For this reason, its is important to contact hotels beforehand in order to sort out appropriate arrangements.
It is also important to remember that services provided by France hotels may vary from hotel to hotel. Just as with the United States, smaller hotels may not be able to supply the same services or activities larger establishments can. For example, families who would prefer to eat in the hotel restaurant should make sure such facilities are available. For this reason, it is important to check with the hotel before booking a stay. Be sure to also check into the menu options because picky eaters may not be happy with what is available. French cuisine is very different from what is found in most European and North American kitchens.
In addition to France hotel options, families who prefer an alternative experience while traveling can also take advantage of a variety of other choices, such as camping, RV parks, and property rentals throughout France.
Camping
If the family craves time in the great outdoors, there are plenty of campsites and RV parks in which visitors can enjoy a back-to-basics lifestyle. Coastal areas, such as those found in Normandy and Brittany, are very popular with tourists who arrive from across the channel. These areas alos offer a wide variety of outdoors accommodations.
Families that own camping gear may choose to pitch a tent at one of the many campsites in the area. It is also possible to rent camp equipment at most of these facilities. It is important, however, to check ahead of time to ensure rental is available.
RVs
For families that wish to sample the outdoors without the aggravation of pitching tents or enduring cold nights, static RVs (referred to as caravans) may provide a suitable alternative. These large RVs come with all the basic amenities, while providing ample shelter for medium and even large families.
Like standard campsites, the RV sites can be found throughout the country. These scaled down homes can be rented for any period of time for a fraction of the cost of a France hotel. Many sites also provide a range of activities that are specifically geared toward children and provide entertainment for the entire family.
With a little research prior to booking a site, families can find one that suits their needs. Lively sites full of children’s entertainment and activities are just as plentiful as quiet and relaxing sights. Those families that own and run their own RVs have an even wider range of sites to choose from. Traveling with an RV also offers a family the opportunity to explore most regions of France without the added hassle of changing and booking accommodations.
Renting A House or Apartment
A more expensive, but ultimately more rewarding, option for families is to rent a house or an apartment. This alternative offers a family all the comforts of home, such as their own kitchen and multiple baths, while traveling throughout France. Country retreats and townhouses are all available if families take the time to research ahead. This form of living gives visitors a more accurate view of French life as they integrate for a short time with the French community.
Renting houses, villas, or apartments can offer a family a wide variety of amenities to make the stay more comfortable. Most come with fully working kitchens with all modern appliances. They also include include other conveniences of home, such as television, furniture, and various other comforts.
Rental properties are widespread throughout France, so when visiting a region attempt to find out before traveling where renting is possible. Local tourist information offices often have contacts with property owners and may be able to put families in touch with that are willing to rent out a property. Alternatively, the Internet is the greatest resource for researching and even booking rental accommodations. Dedicated websites such as Total France and Rentcom are just two of the many sites available in which tourists can view properties and talk to owners about costs and travel periods.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 1,365 times. This page was last modified 16:39, 27 February 2006.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
Print this page
Follow ltk on twitter
Visit us on facebook