Vonse

I'm considering this apartment on Ile St. Louis: http://www.vrbo.com/360183 but I'm a little nervous about renting through a private party instead of a rental agency. The apt gets rave reviews on VRBO and seems like a great deal for the location compared to other apartments, but I'm wondering whether it's too good to be true.

nytraveler

Well I'm sure the location is good - but the apartment seems to be minute. If you look at the two bedroom photos you can see the room is only about 2 feet wider than the bed - and the balcony seems to be barely bigger than the chair.

I would be hesitant to rent a place so small.

jubilada

I have not stayed there but I think it looks perfect. Reviewers specifically say not too small.
And location is marvelous.

Rastaguytoday

Have you checked any alternatives?

It's like buying a house or car, don't just walk up and pay your money.

amamax2

We have rented apt a number of times, all with good experiences. It is a leap of faith, but if you do your due diligence, you should have no problems.

While, I too, have not stayed here, I see no red flags. The apt looks lovely and is in a fantastic location.

Mathieu

You have my vote too. It looks charming, and I like that it is bright with lots of natural light from windows and skylights.
I've been scouting around for apts as well and this looks like a very nice one. I think it's a perfectly acceptable size for Paris 4th. Morning coffee and croissants on the balcony.... ! (If the rain ever stops, lol).

Vonse

Thank you all for your input! The location, charm, light, balcony+terrace and views drew me to this apt. Because of this the size doesn't bother me. In any case, it's still larger than most hotel rooms in Paris at this price.

Rastaguytoday: I've been looking at a LOT of apts, but this one really struck me. I'm encouraged by the reviews and the fact it is almost fully booked.

Anamax: I've never rented an apartment before. You mentioned due diligence. Can you be more specific?

ncounty

I just returned from a private apartment rental in Paris. It was wonderful. I have rented using vrbo before in Buenos aires and it also went fine.

MelJ

It think it's a terrific apartment in a great location! The views are wonderful. I've used VRBO many times--always with individual owners--and I've never had a problem. I'm bookmarking this apartment. Please come back and let us know if you take it and how you liked it.

girlonthego

Looks like a very nice apartment. I would only hesitate as to the fact, you must be an early riser. The sun will be coming in early. I seen no real window drapes, skylight shades. It would be something to ask the owners. I am not an early riser so I would want to make sure there were window coverings.

Suspaul

Looks great to me! We have rented many times in different countries in Europe and the US using VRBO and have always been pleased. We just returned from Madrid in an apartment rented thru VRBO, another fantastic experience. I'd say go for it, excellent location and looks like plenty of space for two, just my opinion tho.

Have a wonderful visit to Paris.
Susan

janisj

girlonthego: If early sunlight is a problem . . . eye shades solve that

janisj

oh -- and it looks like a real find. Small-ish, but I've rented smaller. And it looks very well decorated/organized.

I'm going to book mark it for a future trip

amamax2

Re: due diligence....

This is what I look for/do when I am considering an apt (and it actually sound like you have done most of my checklist):

1. I scrutinize the language on the ad. Does it seem like the person knows (in this case) Paris like they have lived there or are there a lot of errors in information? How is their grammar (because in a lot of the scam ads, the English is atrocious)? I understand they may not be a native English speaker, but I feel they should have a rudimentary knowledge for posting in English and for me to be able to communicate with them. Are there any funky terms to the rental (ie security deposit many times the rental price?)

2. I look at the reviews. Does the unit have reviews? I know someone has to be the first, but that would make me hesitant. Do the reviews *seem* genuine, or do they repeat the same kind of phraseology over and over. Do they all just say *excellent* or do the reviewers give specific information? If there was a negative review, how did the owner respond (if they did) and would whatever was complained about bother me?

3. I look at the pictures of the apt. Do they show most, if not every, room, including the bathroom? Or is is mainly artsy shots or tourists destination shots?

4. I look at the calendar. Are there other bookings or is the calendar empty? Especially if there are quite a few reviews, there should be bookings.

5. I google streetview the apt. Does it truly exist? Does it look like what I saw in the owner's pictures (if you can tell)? Is it over a restaurant or bar that might be really noisy? Are there supermarkets, bakeries, a laundromat close by? (Even though I have had apts with a washer/dryer, sometimes with four of us I find it easier to just go to the laundromat and spend two hours doing all the wash than small loads every day. Plus I always meet interesting people at the laundromat.)

6. I google the apt and see if it is listed anywhere else and if I can glean more information on it.

7. I google the owner's name to see if there is anything *out there* on them that again would help me see they are legitimate. For this particular apt, when I googled the owner I found her facebook page (she is indeed from New Zealand and living in London) and something else where she reviewed an immersive Italian class. For the place we are renting in Lake Tahoe this Fall, I found out the owner is a doctor in San Francisco.

Neither 6 nor 7 are deal breakers, but it helps me feel more comfortable - I don't want to find threads saying "so and so ripped me off."

8. Finally, I post on here and tripadvisor to see if anyone has stayed in the apt, or can see anything wrong with it. I have found the people on these two boards are great at seeing things I miss after looking at so many apts! And I have sometimes found someone who actually stayed at the apt before that I can email questions to.

9. Last, after all that, if it all checks out, I usually email the owner with a question to see response time and get a feeling for him. And, of course, scrutinize the rental contract for anything hidden.

HTH!

If you do rent this (or another), please come back and review it here!

Vonse

I'll definitely report back, if we get it. I haven't heard from the owner yet and we're toying with the idea of taking our son and getting a two bedroom.

Anamax: Thanks so much for taking the time to respond with your list - it's very helpful!

bea_001

AnaMax, what a wonderful and useful reply. I've rented many times through VRBO and just once had a horrible experience in Denver, Colorado. In Paris, I've had no problem whatsoever.

lynclarke

aramax2- We are also apartment renters wherever we go. I add one more screening step. I look on google for nearby hotels. I then read the reviews of people who stayed at that hotel. I have found interesting comments like "uncomfortable with the ladies of the night who stroll the area at night!" or "Double glazed windows cut down on much of the loud street noises coming from the disco club on the corner". ERK!! But, I have also found useful comments that the apartment owner did not point out in the original ad like 24 hour quick stop nearby, the distance to the nerest metro, or lovely childrens park nearby etc.

SATraveller40

I don't know if this is too late, hopefully not. We stayed in this flat for a week in April this year (2012). The location is superb! Loved being on the Ile and exploring the little shops and not having to go out for every meal. We are older - I am late 50's and my husband is 70.

The flat was well maintained. There are beautiful views from the terraces on both sides of the living room. One side you overlook the Seine and the other the rooftops of Paris. The cooking facilities are very small and updated, but can be a bit difficult to use if you are not accustomed to European appliances (we were not).

Negatives were that the flat is on 2 levels. The entry level has a small bedroom with a tiny half bath (sink and toilet). Then there is a spiral staircase that leads to the living area upstairs. The stairs were a bit difficult for us to negotiate. The shower and sink are upstairs - off the living area. So that was a bit wonky.

However, overall it was a terrific experience. The owners give you a guide book that answers and all questions you could possibly have about your stay. Their agent was there to meet us when we arrived and was very helpful. There were thoughtful basics in the flat (wine, coffee, sugar, milk etc.). A wonderful experience if you are able to deal with the 2 levels.

TPAYT

We've stayed in apts. on the Ile on 4 different trips. The location is outstanding with 3 bakeries, 2 small grocery stores, fresh produce, cheese, meat, & wine shop all close at hand.

We also have rented through VRBO in different places in the world with great success. amamax2 has some great tips for a successful transaction.

The 2 floors wouldn't bother us, and the size seems just fine for 2 people. Compared to most hotel rooms this looks terriffic. I'll be bookmarking it for our next trip.

Vonse

SATraveller40, thanks for taking the time to report. I went ahead and booked the apartment, and so far the owner has been very responsive. It appears he posted some new photos showing the stairs. I can see how they may be difficult for those with mobility issues. The bedroom photos also note the blackout window treatments, which is nice. So excited!