Family hotel rooms in Paris are widespread, but availability is frustrating. This is not North America where standard rooms can accommodate a small family. What availability there is at short notice is often very restricted and expensive. At peak holiday periods when the kids are not at school you really need to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
One area, where Paris excels and is worth checking out are two large aparthotel chains, Citadines and Adagio. Both French, they have aparthotel blocks spread throughout Paris. In many cities apartments are a nightmare dealing with largely independent owners using largely unregulated agents.
Citadines and Adagio in addition to offering very good value offer the reassurance of dealing with reputable global hotel chains.
The most sought after areas for leisure visitors are around the Champs Elysees, Louvre, Opera Garnier and St Germain area of the Left Bank. You pay a sizable price premium for a hotel in any of these districts and for family accommodation if you are happy staying here, price is probably not a consideration.
In districts sought out by leisure visitors there tends to be a premium for rates at the weekend and especially for family rooms at school holiday periods. Conversely business districts struggle at the weekends as their core market disappears. At the weekend probably the best districts for value for money is at La Defense and Montparnasse districts. Neither is central but both have fast Metro and RER links that will get you to the centre in 20 minutes and save you a bundle.
For those on a budget and looking for family accommodation the hotel district around some of the main railway stations in Paris are particularly fruitful for value accommodation. Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon and Montparnasse are notable. If any of these are your arrival gateways in Paris, they are probably your benchmark district to check out. For those flying into Paris, all of the stations have very good links to the airports.
Paris has an excellent public transport system that is very affordable. For the small inconvenience of ten minutes on the Metro, you can reduce your hotel costs substantially to something affordable.
The main railway stations are public transport hubs with multiple Metro lines that will get you to wherever you want to go in Paris quickly and cheaply.
Room rates reflect demand and in this computer age room rates are not fixed, what you pay reflects how hard the hotel finds it to get customers.
The Novotel Paris La Defense has a kids' playground and games room to keep your family entertained. Some of the more expensive hotels also offer a babysitting service.
August is the quietest month of year as most of the Parisians flee Paris and business grinds to a stop. Again the business districts are very cheap all of August.
If you are under 35 and have a small group and you're on a budget then you may want to check out the Paris hostels. If you would not consider dormitory beds, most of the hostels in Paris offer a private rooms with en suite facilities.
On paper there is surprisingly little difference in price between the small independent 2- and 3-star hotels and the global 4-star chains for a family room. However, the cheapest rooms in a 4-star chain hotel offering family rooms are often a single double bed with sofa beds suitable for young children only.
To the east of Paris at the end of Line 3 of the Metro at Gallieni; the main Paris coach station used by Eurolines is nearby. Everything is the hand with a shopping centre next door, while the hotel features 24-hr reception, free Wi-Fi and private parking. The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with an LCD TV, a desk and a private bathroom. 351 bus direct to CDG Airport.
Rooms: Double/Twin, triple rooms (large bed and a bunk bed) and rooms for 4
Location/ Nearest Metro: Gallieni 100m (Line 3)
An extremely popular budget hotel to the south of Paris, within a 10-min walk of the nearest Metro station. A shared bathroom keeps rates low - though for a little more money, in 2018 new Cabrio rooms were launched with shower and private toilet. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property, as well as a 24-hr front desk. An affordable buffet breakfast is served daily. Vending machines for drinks and snacks.
Rooms: Double, Triple & Quad Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Porte Orleans 600 m (Line 4)
A popular hotel, just a 4-min walk from the Metro and a 5-min walk from the Edith Piaf Museum, this hotel features an on-site bar, where you can enjoy live music on certain evenings. Soundprooofed rooms have satellite TV and fridge. Most rooms have a private bathroom, some featuring a spa bath. A delicious buffet breakfast is served every morning for a supplement. 24-hr reception and free Wi-Fi.
Rooms: Double/Twin & Quad Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Menilmontant 200m (Line 2)
In the heart of La Defense, offering views over the Seine River and the Eiffel Tower and within five minutes' walk of the Paris Metro. This hotel features a fitness room, video games area and meeting spaces with a panoramic view of Paris. Free Wi-Fi throughout. Paid for buffet breakfast and restaurant serving creative French cuisine. Bar serving snacks.
Rooms: Double/Twin & Family Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Esplanade La Defense 200m (Line 1)
Located opposite Gare du Nord Station, five minutes from the Gare de l'Est train station and 30 minutes by train from Charles de Gaulle Airport. This very convenient location provides easy access to the main attractions in Paris. Breakfast and high-speed Wi-Fi are included in the room price at Ibis Style hotels.
Rooms: Single, Double, Triple & Quad Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Gare du Nord 100m (Line 4, 5, 7) & RER Line B, D
Located in the lively Montmartre district, the Moulin Rouge is just a 10-min walk, and you're only a 5-min walk from the nearest Metro. This hotel offers a communal kitchen for self-catering, as well as a 24-hr reception. Guest rooms are light and airy, with wooden floors, a private bathroom and an LCD TV. A continental breakfast is served every morning in the breakfast room, for a supplement. Vending machine. Books/ DVDs for kids.
Rooms: Double/Twin, & Quad Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Anvers Metro 300m (Line 2)
With stunning indoor pool and first-rate fitness centre this hotel is conviently located right opposite Paris Gare de Lyon train and Metro station. The bistro cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an excellent selection of wines, or cocktails. Guest rooms are spacious and air-conditioned with free Wi-Fi and 42" LCD TV.
Rooms: Double/Twin, Triple & Family Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Paris Gare de Lyon 50m (Line 1, 14) RER Line A, D
Attractive studios and apartments with a daily maid service and garden, just a 12-min walk from Gare de Lyon Train Station. Each apartment comes with a TV, an equipped kitchenette and a seating area with private bedroom for the apartments with free toiletries and towels. Buffet breakfast is served in the breakfast room at extra cost. Private parking is available on site for a surcharge.
Rooms: Studios Apartments for 1 to 4 people
Location/ Nearest Metro: Gare de Lyon 800m (Line 1,4 RER Lines A,D)
With breakfast and unlimited Wi-Fi included, this hotel is located opposite the Gare de l'Est railway station and 5-mins from Gare du Nord with direct trains to CDG Airport. Rooms feature satellite TV, free mineral water, desk, and comfortable beds. 24-hr front desk, room service and paid parking.
Rooms: Single, Double & Family Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Gare de l'Est 50m (Line 4,5,7)
Enjoy French cuisine from this hotel's restaurant atrium with views over the Les Halles garden. Superbly located with the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Marais district and the Georges Pompidou Museum all just a 10-min walk away. Air-conditoned rooms are spacious and have private bathrooms and satellite TV. Lounge bar with piano and singer.
Rooms: Double/Twin, Triple & Family Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: Chatelet Les Halles 250m (Line 1, 4, 7) RER Lines A, B, D
This newly renovated hotel features a 24-hr fitness centre, in the heart of the business district, just a 5-min walk from the Metro and RER train station. There is an exclusive terrace for Club Room reservations, while La Brasserie Restaurant & Bar offers superior French cuisine. Air-conditioned rooms feature satellite TV, a minibar and seating area. 24-hr room service and buffet breakfast.
Rooms: Double/Twin & Triple Rooms
Location/ Nearest Metro: La Defense 400m (Line 1) RER Line A
Relax in the garden with views at this is an attractively decorated, apartment-style hotel located between the Pantheon and Notre Dame on the Left Bank. Studio and duplex apartments are available for long or short stays. Apartments are fully furnished with equipped kitchen, seating area and a private balcony. 24-hr front desk, free Wi-Fi internet access. Laundry room.
Rooms: Studios, 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments for 1 to 6 people
Location/ Nearest Metro: Censier-Daubenton 450m (Line 7)