UKC

Hi,
I'm planning to go to Chamonix in the end of September for ten days or so of climbing.
My friend lives there near Les Praz, but he lives in a van, so I'm trying to find cheap accommodation for one person.
However, Chamonix seems to be set up for large groups and families, presumably for skiing, so I am finding it very hard, not knowing the area at all. And none of the hotels list their prices; you have to fill out a lengthy enquiry form, with dates, for each hotel before they will give you a price quotes, which is just stupid, because a) I don't have the flights booked yet, and b) I don't want to waste 20 hours of my life doing that, and c) I don't want half of France having my email address and phone number.

So I thought I'd turn to UKC, which always seems to be able to sort out all my problems in life!

Can anyone recommend any cheap accommodation nearish to Les Praz? Where I can book for one person?

Cheers.
Serena.

In reply to Serena Lambre:

I've stayed here a few times in the past and it was good. It's been 9 years since I last stayed so a lot has probably changed by then.
http://www.gitevagabond.com/web/summer.htm

In reply to Phil Payne:

AirB&B ?

In reply to Serena Lambre:

A tent?

In reply to Serena Lambre:
Lots of options here :
http://www.chamonix.net
Many of these won't take individual bookings in the winter but most will in October .
I tend to stay here if it's just one or two nights because it's near the MBC ( brew pub) , bit scummy but beds are clean . Actually scratch that , pun intended. Just remembered that we stayed there for two nights several years ago before an aborted haute route attempt and all got flea bites , which combined with raging hangovers due to the abort was nice.
http://www.chamoniard.com/infos_GB.php
But prefer here for longer ( the family that run it are really nice ) it's in argentire so not that near la praz
http://www.lesrandonneurs.fr

In reply to Serena Lambre:

As someone mentioned Vagabond, though it is the other end of town. Your best bet may be a tent at the Mer de Glace campsite. Right by Les Prazs, very clean, excellent facilities including a meeting room, buvette, free wifi and places very close for someone sleeping in a van. Walking distance from Felegere cablecar.

In reply to Serena Lambre:

A lot of places will be shutting down towards the end of September. Chamonard Volant should still be open: it's friendly enough, warm and handy for the Midi lift and Montevers train if that's your thing.

In reply to Serena Lambre:
One civilised alternative is http://www.garedesglaciers.com this is the old Midi cable car station from 1924, converted and owned by Rene Robert, top Chamonix photographer. Email Rene about the Studio, and he will give you a decent price. It's in Les Pelerins, Bus stop outside, and all the local climbing info you could possibly need (his grandfather was Frendo, yes, THAT Frendo!).