Hotel Formule 1

Yes, that is quite a lot of places. I count 8 cities and the whole region of Normandy. You might want to trip this down somewhat. There are some big cities there that are very far apart from each other, like Berlin and Munich or Geneva. Then you want to go to Paris too, as well as Normandy. How were you planning on doing all of this in 14 days? With your travel days, you barely have 1 day for each city. Were you planning on trains, planes or cars?

For a budget trip, all this back and forth travel is going to cost you a fortune. Perhaps pick 3 places, and stay put, doing some day trips. Suggest Berlin, Munich and Paris, 3-4 days each. For Normandy, I am guessing you want to visit Bayeux? If so, plan for a minumum of 2 days.

To answer your question about HF1. I have used them in UK, Brussels, and France. There are 3 person rooms, queen on bottom, twin on top, bunk-bed style. Toilet and Shower are down the hall. Location is the most important part. Some HF1's are in great locations -Liverpool, for example. Other times, they are faaarrr out, needing extended transport into town. At times, they are so far out, you need a car to get to trains or tube stops. London Barking HF1 is a 20 minute or more walk through town to the rail. The other London HF1, I forget its name now, is so far out you need a car to get to the train station. Brussels HF1 has a shuttle from/to the airport every 45 minutes, otherwise it would be an hour walk or more. So, location, location, location. Be sure to look it up before booking.

There is a HF1 in Paris, beside one of the Etaps, in the 18th. I have stayed in both. Etap is about 10-12 Euro per night more for ensuite. 10=15 minute walk to Metro, 10 minute walk to bus stop. Both are on Rue Dr. Babinski.

Look into Etap hotel (same chain)www.accorhotels.com for your locations it is alot better w/ excellent air conditioning and pvt bathrooms for just alittle more than Formule one.

Etap is a better bet. Rue Dr. Babinske's HF1 is about 45 Euro, and Etap, beside it is 55-58 Euro with ensuite. The question is -is it worth 12-15 Euro to not walk down the hall to the toilet and shower. My wife now thinks it is. Me, I do not care.

If booking ahead, 30 days or more, Some Etaps and some Ibis's have a discount. Might be worth looking into. The rooms bought on a discount are guaranteed and cannot be changed, kinda like priceline.

Thank you everyone for the information. We are renting a car for this trip. I know its going to cost a bundle. Will check into the accor hotels too.

You might consider B & B's. We travel on a budget driving a car/taking the train and stay in B&B's almost exclusively. Look at Trip Advisor or Alistair Sawdays Special Places to Stay. We have never been disappointed.

Since you'll have a car, also check out the Fast Hotel chain. Bathrooms in room, landscaped grounds with a bar and restaurant, usually. Much more civilized than F1 and in the same price range.