INTRODUCTION - France 2014 - page 27

I'm more impressed by a convenient location and a fun-loving philosophy than flat-screen
TVs and a pricey laundry service.
Book your accommodations well in advance if you'll be traveling during busy times.
Reservingaheadisespecially importantforParis—thesooner,thebetter.Whereveryou're
staying, be ready for crowds during these holiday periods: Easter weekend; Labor Day;
Ascension weekend; Pentecost weekend; Bastille Day and the week during which it falls;
andthewinter holidays (mid-Dec-early Jan).See here foralist ofmajorholidays andfest-
ivals in France; for tips on making reservations, see here .
Rates and Deals
I'vedescribedmyrecommendedaccommodationsusingaSleepCode(seesidebar).Prices
listed are for one-night stays in peak season, do not include breakfast, and assume you're
booking directly (not through an online hotel-booking engine or TI). Booking services ex-
tract a commission from the hotel of about 20 percent and logically close the door on spe-
cial deals. Book direct.