We will be traveling through Spain and Southern France, and do not want to be locked into a schedule of reservations. Is it easy to find B&B's or Pensiones for around $70 US in these areas? What would we look for...ie in Germany there are signs for Zimmers.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
In France there is a group of small, family-owned inns called Logis-de-France. They are all over the country. www.logis-de-france.com Usually there is on-site parking and a decent restaurant, because very often the owner is a chef.
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
B&B Caux, France, near Penzas (near Montpellier) has the Stone House B&B....check out the web site. It is one of my favorite of all. Close to the sen coast as well, the town is off the tourist track and very pleasant.
B&B Toledo - La Posada de Manolo - near the cathederal...I have stayed there twice and will return in October.
Madrid - Hostal Montecarlo and Hostal Phillip V - both in the same building on Gran Via, and it even has a doorman! Either is a good choice.
All of these are in the price range you quote.
Posted by
Antwerp
34 posts
In French cities, the local tourist board offices are nearly always very helpful to help you find a nice accomodation for the night. The indicated price is realistic for smaller villages and towns.
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
Carol, whatever you do make sure that you are NOT going to be staying in a town that is popular during a French or EU holiday! Check Ricks' book to see what EU holidays may coincide with your stay, and then make reservations.
Some very good hotels have rates that are that low. Our RS pick in Arles, France was only $60 EU/nite, and served a fantastic B Fast for and additional $8.
We also stayed at a "Gite" for only $57 EU nite, that served Bfast. ( A Gite is small French house, apt, or room that is rented by a "farmer". They are rated by the French government, and you can count on the ratings.)
Posted by
Monein, Pyrenees, France
425 posts
Before you leave, check what is happening in the area you are visiting. People tend to forget things like the Tour de France in July, and the fact that the whole of France heads for the beach in August. If you ARE just travelling around without booking, the best option is to find the local tourist office and ask there - it will save you a lot of miles!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
689 posts
In general, I think France outside of Paris has very good hotel/b and b values, and in Spain, lodging can be downright cheap. So, $70 shouldn't be a problem. The best value and nicest places always book in advance, though, so if you're particular at all, I'd reserve. If you just want a decent roof over your head I think you'll be fine stopping at the TI or looking for signs, as long as you aren't traveling in high season or during a holiday (or in cities, a convention--I just tried to book in Malaga, in southern Spain, for October, only to find there's a medical convention in town and even the little b and bs are booked solid!).