GUIDEBOOK : On Target for Off-Season Europe

Accommodations: Many hotels reduce rates from 10% to 50% during the off-season, according to the 24-nation European Travel Commission. Many of the best rates are on weekends in big cities when demand from business travelers is light.

Among the reductions: 20% to 30% off hotel rates in Belgium during January and February, up to 20% off in Greece in winter, up to 20% off in Amsterdam in winter, lower weekend rates in France and Denmark, up to 20% off in Portugal in winter and spring and 30% to 50% off in Yugoslavia from November to April.

Coming events: The winter cultural calendar, compiled by the European Travel Commission, is full.

Among the big events:

Paris inaugurates the first full season of its new opera house, Opera de la Bastille, Nov. 13 with a production of “Otello,” starring Placido Domingo.

Salzburg marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Mozart with a production of his opera “The Magic Flute,” as well as a series of concerts, recitals and chamber music performances, Jan. 25 to Feb. 2.

The Royal Danish Ballet in Copenhagen has scheduled three world premieres during its winter season.

The Royal Academy in London is exhibiting a large collection of paintings by Monet through Dec. 9.

Luxembourg plays host to an international exhibit of antiques and fine arts, March 7-10.

The Danish Museum of Decorative Art in Copenhagen is featuring a centennial exhibit, “Flowers for Every Rhyme and Reason,” through Dec. 2.

For a winter calendar of events, send a stamped, self-addressed business envelope to European Events, Box 1754, New York 10185.