We have traveled to France several times but never stayed at an airport at CDG either before or after. We have encountered a timing issue and need to spend the night both upon arrival and before departure back to the US. We are flying Air France, Terminal 2E, 2F or 2G. Seeking recommendations for hotel and also restaurant in general airport complex.
Welcome to the forum!
Here's a recent thread that covers the possibilities:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/hotel-at-charles-de-gaulle
Here’s another thread with more great suggestions. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/cdg-airport-hotels
Here is a list of all the hotels at the airport.
https://easycdg.com/hotels-cdg-airport-de-gaulle/
The Sheraton, which I believe is now or is going to be a Marriott, is the only hotel within easy walking distance of terminal 2. The others are located on the free, shuttle train CDGVAL which operates daily between 04h00 and 01h00. The train ride takes just a few minutes to reach the hotels from terminal 2 (or terminal 1 which is currently closed).
We recently stayed at the Novotel at Terminal 3. It is connected directly to the CDGVAL/RER station; you never walk outside, so it's wonderfully convenient. Also, there is a Marks and Spencer food store in the station, so you can eat relatively cheaply if you prefer takeout.
We stayed at Holiday Inn Express. Ate in the city except for the breakfast. Was on (close) to free airport tram line. Stayed further out before but much easier to stay in a hotel on the tram line.
Citizen M often gets a mention, including in the linked threads. It is indeed very comfy and usually affordable, but the (huge) bed is against a wall (or a window) and could therefore block one of the sleepers if there's two of you. This may or may not be a deal breaker! I was alone so I did not mind.
Thank you so much, everyone, for your help here. The conversation has definitely made clearer where to head and what to avoid. And if there are more suggestions, we welcome them. We don't fly home until mid-October, and likely won't make our reservation for a few weeks.