CarolA

I am heading to Paris very soon (arriving 3/19)

I was thinking of going to some other places on the trip, but the truth is I adore Paris and would probably rather spend the entire week there.

So... I went looking. I found a few open apartments from Rentparis and Locaflat.

Now, has anyone negoiated a "discount" for a late booking? It strikes me that the chances of them booking these things are getting low. (Most European Travel tend to book MORE then 2.5 weeks in advance!) I am not a natural negoiator, but... am willing to try. Suggestions? Past success?

(And does anyone know anything about this apartment with locaflat? 51 Rue Cler http://www.locaflat.com/aptlist/cler.html It looks very basic, but I like the location!)

seafox

I believe rentparis does do last minute deals, I as a return customers get e-mails from the occaisonally - does not hurt to ask. www.vacationinparis.com has specials as well - last minute cancellations etc.

CarolA

Thanks

I just sent RentParis an email. Locaflat has some specials too, just nothing that appeals to me.

I will check the other site you suggest. I have found a few potentials on VRBO. May send some emails tonight just to see what happens.

CarolA

Just in case anyone else tries this..

RentParis sent me a canned response saying "no specials" I think I am sticking to my original plan with the first few nights out of the city. I know once I get there I will be fine.

Locaflat does have some specials and they might be willing to work with me, but.... I just can't get a warm fuzzy feeling about them or the apartment.

Christina

I've rented from Locaflat, they are a well-established, professional Parisian apt. rental agency that has been in business many years. I don't need warm and fuzzy, I just want professionalism. They are a lot more professional than many of the things I've read on here about how owners behave and what they request (in terms of payments, contracts, etc), that is one reason I liked them.

Because they are a regular agency, not some individual or some agency of one person with a few flats, I would be surprised if they'd give you any special discount just for you alone, but you never know, you can always ask. Perhaps the special you saw were advertised for anyone. I think they always have a discount for more than a week or a few things like that.

CarolA

Locaflat had a lot of the other apartments that are vacant during that time on speacial just not the one I wanted. I did not contact them to ask about any deals. (I was not seeking special treatment, but as I travel a lot I know that most hotels/apartments would rather at least get SOME cash for the room as none LOL!) I will be honest thier website for some reason does not make me feel comfortable with them... it's probably just me.

Anyway I decided that the apartments on "special" weren't what I wanted and the Rue Cler unit just didn't feel right either so it doesn't really matter.

Back to plan one which has a few days out of the city.

basingstoke2

As mentioned, Vacationinparis.com does list specials on their website. Further, they are located in New Jersey so you can easily call their 800 number and discuss your needs. The prices on the website are in dollars and I have noticed that they have not significantly changed as the dollar has declined - most have not changed at all. You can lock in a price by credit card.

CarolA

Thanks. I looked at Vacation in Paris

As of today (March 4) most of thier specials were for Febuary LOL! The ones for March expired before I get there, but the truth is that most of them while very nice exceed what I need.

I will say that this website has one of my "pet peeves" on apartment rentals. Show me a calendar of what's open!!! It's not that hard to do LOL!

basingstoke2

Just call them. That will give you the most up to date info, even before things are posted.

CarolA

One last update. I did call Vacation in Paris and they have one potential.... I am sitting here debating right now LOL!

shelly_m

Which one is it? We're renting from them in April. Wonder if it's the same one.

CarolA

I booked it.

It's apt 194 which is not yet on the website, but she sent me the link to it's website which will soon be linked to their website. (If that makes any sense. Basically it appears Vacation in Paris has built the website, but not added it to thier listings)

One bedroom on Charles Floquet in the 7th. It was acutally the only opening and since it was not yet listed I got the "new special" LOL!

The only downside is that since it's new I don't get the key mailed to me, but will need to contact the manager when I arrive.

It's more then I need, but.....

basingstoke2

I am glad they came through for you. Enjoy your trip.

seafox

looking forward to hearing if you enjoyed #194 - have a great trip!