Accommodation in Paris is often a major travel expense. To save money, you can choose a hostel instead of a hotel - a hotel that looks like a hostel. This type of travel is very popular among Europeans and Americans, but it still inspires fear and difficulties for Russians.
There are two ways to find a hostel: go to suitable addresses after arriving in Paris, or book a room in advance on the hotel's website or on a special portal for booking rooms. The first method is associated with a certain risk: during the peak season, there may not be places. But you do not have to risk money by paying for a few days of stay or transferring your credit card number via the Internet.
Another, but important disadvantage - a Schengen visa without booking a hotel (and sometimes full payment), most likely, you will not be given. You can bypass this requirement if you have friends in Paris - ask them for an invitation (as if you will live with them during your stay in France).
A safer way is to book your Paris hostel in advance. Some hostels provide reservations only 3 days before arrival, this option is also not suitable. Also, pay attention to the following parameters:
Hostel accommodation. It is best if it is located close to the places you plan to visit, in a safe area, close to the metro and train station.
Services provided and work schedule. Is there room for luggage, breakfast, kitchen, internet, lounge, shower, etc. Some hostels are closed at night or during the day, which creates certain difficulties for tourists.
Terms of payment. Some hostels in Paris require a credit card number and will still be charged if you don't show up, while others require a call and email to book a reservation.
When booking online, you should know some of the designations that are the same for all hostels. In some of them it is possible to book an entire room (apartment) or only one bed (dorm). Accommodation is possible single (SINGL), double (DBL) or triple (TRIPL), of course, living alone is always more expensive. It is often necessary to also indicate meals: breakfast (BB), breakfast and dinner (HB), or full board, breakfast, lunch and dinner (FB).
