Hotels, Relais and Châteaux

France would not be the destination of choice it has been for so many years without a hotel network second to none. There are a number of organizations rating the quality of service and accommodation offered by hotels, but none is more renowned than Michelin and its star system. Its red-covered Guide Rouge to France is published annually and contains information on mid- to upper-range hotels and restaurants in every part of the country. The Guide Rouge is widely available in book and travel stores.

Hotels are generally advertised on a price/quality rating system of 1 to 4 stars. The top hotels have four stars plus an "L" for luxury. The star system is based on a complex set of criteria and it is not unusual for the traveler to find a one star hotel with rooms that are more spacious, cleaner and overall more pleasant than those of the nearby two or three star establishment with a beautiful façade and a grand entrance.

The architectural inheritance of France, whose history is so rich, is breathtaking. Often, private monuments such as châteaux, mansions, mills, towers, coach stopovers, abbeys, convents and monasteries have been converted into charming hotels and inns that are sure to leave a lasting impression. The association Relais et châteaux is the best known organization to represent such properties. Among its members, prices vary, according to location and season, and it is possible to stay at a château for an unprincely sum. If you wish to stay at a small mid-range hotel, Logis de France is an umbrella organization for properties often located outside urban centers and generally moderately priced. Relais du Silence offer inns in pastoral settings with excellent service and a dedication to tranquility.

There is a large number of Web-based organizations that offer helpful tools to locate the right hotel, based on such criteria as location, price and amenities. Often, a preview can be downloaded. It is possible to make a reservation, directly and at no additional cost, through France Keys and France Hotels. Check the sites and links of Hotels on the Web, an organization recommended for its many well presented Internet links, France Hotels, Fac Hotel guide, Fodor's, Rail Europe, France Hotel Online and 123 France. If you are planning to stay in Paris, you can also use the search engines of Paris Tourist Information to find hotels by arrondissement.

However, not all hotels in France are the result of a conversion of a historical monument in rustic surroundings. If you are on a business trip, you may favor location above all. In such case, you should search among some of the large chains, all well established in mid- to upper-size French cities, or the hotels recommended by the Association of Business Travelers.