Hotels sold out for the Olympics? Here’s where to stay instead
You’ve probably already heard this, but the Olympics are coming to Paris this summer. If you are, too, you’ll need someplace to stay.
As we've previously reported, hotel availability is scarce in the City of Light. In fact, in many cases, popular hotels have already been sold out for months.
But don’t despair: There are several accommodation alternatives that will put you in the heart of the action while also providing incredibly comfortable stays. Best of all, these options provide unique stays and currently still have space for the July 23 to Aug. 11 Olympic stretch.
Here are three top accommodation alternatives for the Olympics that are still available to book.
Viking River Cruises
How about making your home away from home a floating one? Viking has several sailings on its "Paris and the Heart of Normandy" Seine river cruises that coincide with the Olympics and are not yet sold out. These cruises spend the first two nights in Paris and conclude with one additional night back in the City of Light. The itinerary also involves a stop in Normandy, France, where you can commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Although the ships usually dock in sight of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine is being used for long-distance swimming events (no, really, I’m not making this up), so no commercial boats are allowed to dock or sail on the river during the Olympics. Instead, Viking will use the port of Le Pecq, a suburb about 22 miles west of the city.
I docked here on a recent Viking Seine cruise when the river was too high to make navigating the city’s 37 bridges possible, and it was charming. There’s an easy-to-navigate train that takes passengers into the heart of Paris in about 40 minutes. However, the location is perhaps best suited for reaching Olympic events that will take place on the west side of the city. The Centre Aquatique Olympique, where water polo, diving and synchronized swimming competitions will occur, is just 6 miles from Le Pecq — a much more convenient option than circumnavigating the busy Paris streets.
The departure dates I found with availability include a sailing from July 30 to Aug. 6. The first two nights and the last one are spent in Paris. Rates start at $3,000 per person for a seven-night sailing.
Paris Perfect
I first tried Paris Perfect during a special birthday trip a few years ago. These are elegantly furnished apartments, all in prime sightseeing locations.
What makes them different from, say, Airbnb is that you’re not dealing with individual owners in an app-based environment. Instead, this is a management company that vets each unit and oversees all the apartments in the program, so they all have the same amenities, including hotel-worthy sheets and towels.
My duplex apartment felt like a boutique hotel but with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, plus a well-appointed kitchen. It even had a small balcony with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
For the Olympics, Paris Perfect still has availability, but it also has some rules. There’s a five-night minimum stay, and while you can cancel prior to 60 days out, when you hit the rapidly approaching two-month deadline before the Olympics, payments will be nonrefundable.
Among the properties I found with availability for the opening ceremonies was the Saint Chinian, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in the swanky Seventh Arrondissement. It's currently priced at $968 a night (note that there’s a seven-night minimum and an additional Paris tourist tax and damage waiver fee).
Related: A great hotel with even better views: What to know about the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile
Onefinestay
If you're looking for the perfect combination of a luxury Paris home and the ability to earn (or use) points for your rental, consider booking with Onefinestay, which participates in the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program.
For the Olympics, the company is not only offering its super plush multibedroom apartments in prime locations but also a range of special concierge services. For example, they can arrange private transportation to any of the 25 Olympic venues around the city and book exclusive sports lessons with top trainers so you can get into the spirit of the games. Additionally, Onefinestay will even provide Olympic gear in support of your country’s bid to win.
All of this, plus services like private chefs to whip up French delicacies in your personal kitchen (so you can watch the games from your Parisian living room), makes Onefinestay a great option for anyone looking to get pampered while enjoying the Olympic Games.
One option with full availability in July and August is the Rue de l'Yvette, which was built with the same iron frames and crafting techniques as the Eiffel Tower and also served as the former atelier of renowned sculptor Henri Bouchard. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom, three-story home can accommodate seven people and even has a private garden. There's a minimum seven-night stay during the Olympics, with prices per night starting at $1,600 (plus taxes).
Bottom line
If you're heading to the Olympics in Paris and have waited too long to find a hotel option, you don't have to settle for less-than-thrilling accommodations. Instead, consider alternatives such as luxury vacation rentals or even a river cruise to see the games in style. But don't delay — the Olympics will be here faster than you can say "100-meter dash."
Related stories:
- Paris Pocket Guide: What to see, do and eat in the City of Light
- The best hotels in Paris
- The 13 best things to do with kids in Paris
- Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a first-time or frequent traveler
- Best travel credit cards
- Dramatic views and even a pool in the heart of Paris: A review of Kimpton St Honoré Paris
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.