Get to know areas not adjacent to the top attractions, like the Eiffel Tower and Opera. Reference an online map to find zones even just a couple miles away from the center, where you'll find more budget options. For example, by choosing a two-star hotel near Republique instead of Champs Elysee, you can save more than 40 euros (about $60) a night.
Compare hotel options and make a reservation in just a few minutes using the Internet. Turn to trusted websites that do the work for you, like the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau at Hotels.parisinfo.com, which allows you to filter results by neighborhood and offers special discount rates. Just enter your destination, travel dates and number of rooms. Then sort the list by price to easily consult the least expensive hotels.
Try French versions of American booking sites, such as LastMinute.com and Hotels.com. If you can manage the language, search for your Parisian accommodation on the company's French page, which won't favor American brands and may organize its listings a bit differently.
Check with your selected hotel for the best rate. If it has a website with online reservations, have a quick look at the offers, which sometimes beat the low prices of booking services. And call the hotel. If you don't speak French, don't worry. You'll likely find a concierge who speaks English on the other end of the line. Ask about pricing for your travel dates, and if you feel comfortable booking a room over the phone, do so. The hotel will probably ask for a credit card (it won't be charged), so have one ready.
