pamolly678

We are taking a tour in August, 2013. Prior to joining our group, we are going to spend a few days in Paris - so excited! Two questions - better to stay in Paris in a rental apartment or hotel? And also, is the train trip from Paris to Milan worth the scenery or is it better to take a plane? Thanks!

Guenmai

As for which to stay in, that I can't answer. I stayed in hotels for decades and then switched over to apartments which I much prefer. It's different for different people.


Paris Hotels and Apartments

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...



http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...



Jump to the bottom of the thread and then scroll up to Dec 31,2010. In that section, I have

categorized the recommended hotels, by district, and have provided websites.



If you're looking for an apartment, you can try:



www.parisbestlodge.com



www.homeaway.com



www.vrbo.com


www.airbnb.com




Happy Travels!

stevewith

How many people are traveling and what is your budget? How long is a "few" days?

What kind of experience of Paris are you looking for? If you are planning an energetic go-go-go from dawn-til-midnight agenda of sightseeing and nightlife, you might not want to bother with the quirks of apartment renting. Hotels are set up to be easy for people from anywhere to use. If you've got a Paris fantasy of wanting to live like a local for a days in one of those sweet apartments with an inner courtyard and a fluffy cat, buying from the local baker every morning, then obviously you should find the right apartment.

Gretchen

If it is a first time, stay in a hotel. The desk can be a great help in making reservations. And as steve says above, an apartment requires some "doing" all on its own. And renting for less than a week can be difficult sometimes.
Paris to Milan is a pretty long way--eats up a lot of time on the ground and scenery from a train window isn't always attractive.

mamcalice

Gretchen has excellent advice. If you have been to Paris and are familiar with the city, an apartment is great. If not, a hotel will probably work better for you. The desk staff can help with directions, reservations, problems that may arise, etc.

pamolly678

Thanks for the help! It is my daughter and I; planning to stay 5 nights. As for budget, trying for $150 a night. We are planning on seeing as much as possible, know that we are going to book a tour of Versailles one day.

Man_in_seat_61

The Paris-Milan train is certainly more convenient and relaxing than the trek to the airport, airport security searches, and more airports at the other end.

As to the scenery, it's a nice run, see for yourself at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B09t_WJz_mM - I took that video last August.

Book the TGV from €29 in 2nd class, €35 in 1st class at www.voyages-sncf.com or www.loco2.com or www.capitainetrain.com with print-at-home e-tickets.

Gretchen

About Versailles. In 5 days you may or may not want to go for a day. I would play it by ear. It isn't hard to get to, and if you have seen enough of Paris (I NEVER have!!!) then go.