ところ（所）： a primordially Japanese word so it has huge different meanings; consult dictionaries. 場所：　a place, a location, a spot

So 所 doesn't only mean ''place'', right? But when you're talking about places you can use both 場所 and 所?

場所　is only use for place but 所　include mean of 場所, add.1charactor (He have kind charactor /彼はやさしい所がある）　2.add Measurment This apple costed 100 yen but discount　sales by 90 yen このリンゴ１００円のところ９０円で売ります) 3add Condition (Now yous should be hurry but train delay by accdents お急ぎのところ事故も為おくれます）　as mentioned 所 has meaning other than place. Use as place is