Paris Rental Apartments..need help!
Feb 8th, 2014, 10:29 AM
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Paris Rental Apartments..need help!
Hi Everyone,
I am trying to decide on which apartment to rent during my stay in Paris from July 8th-14th. I would love your opinion on the apartments, especially the LOCATION. Thank you.
1. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/554876 (address: 90 blvd Voltaire, 75011 Paris)
2. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2295690 (address: 22 rue de la chaise)
3. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/282273
4. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/667351
Thank you again
I am trying to decide on which apartment to rent during my stay in Paris from July 8th-14th. I would love your opinion on the apartments, especially the LOCATION. Thank you.
1. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/554876 (address: 90 blvd Voltaire, 75011 Paris)
2. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2295690 (address: 22 rue de la chaise)
3. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/282273
4. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/667351
Thank you again
Feb 8th, 2014, 10:33 AM
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We love the 11th so I would pick either the first or the third. The second one would be next for me and if this is your first time to Paris it is the one I would go with.
The 11th is a bit farther out and ould require more transit to get to the sites than the second one in your list.
This it totally based on location, I didn't look at anything else...
The 11th is a bit farther out and ould require more transit to get to the sites than the second one in your list.
This it totally based on location, I didn't look at anything else...
Feb 8th, 2014, 10:42 AM
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Thank you Jamikins. Although the first one is a little far out, is it a nice neighborhood/street? It will be my first time in Paris but I do want to stay somewhere more authentic and less touristy...and I really love the apartment.
Feb 8th, 2014, 10:51 AM
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It's definitely less touristy...not sure of your age but if you are looking for active bars, restaurants and cafes that are open late then you will like it. It's quite trendy with lots of great cafes for sipping wine in the evening and people watching. We are mid30s and love the vibe, but we don't go to bars or nightclubs although there are lots around Oberkampf. It is certainly edgier than the second one and I think for my first visit I would prefer the location of the second one. If you want to walk out your door and walk to sites the second one is a better choice,although in a much more touristy area.
Feb 8th, 2014, 11:05 AM
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Hi Abbie. Did you read the review of the sofabed in #3? And #2 has no reviews which would make me hesitant. I am not familiar with the area of #4 but that has a lot of positive reviews. But #1 is a great central vibrant location so you wouldn't spend so much time on the metro.
Feb 8th, 2014, 12:09 PM
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I love those apartments in the 10th and 11th and have bookmarked them. The one in the 6th is just too small and cluttered looking. As for the reviews, the apartment that I rent in the 6th had no reviews on it when I booked it, but it turned out to be perfect. I've stayed in it more than once as have friends and I have been in contact with the owner for 5 years now.
As for areas, any of those areas would be fine. I've stayed all over Paris, but personally favor the 6th, 10th, and the 19th. I know that the 19th is far out if one is a tourist though.
I've definitely bookmarked the one in the 10th. I love all the light coming in and that it's a wide open space.
I have never had an Airbnb experience in Paris, but just had a great one here in the U.S. In Paris, it's been apartments either through www.homeaway.com or www.vacationinparis.com, or with Parisian friends who own apartments in both the 10th and 19th.
Have fun apartment hunting, but don't take too long as Airbnb places can go really fast.
Happy Travels!
As for areas, any of those areas would be fine. I've stayed all over Paris, but personally favor the 6th, 10th, and the 19th. I know that the 19th is far out if one is a tourist though.
I've definitely bookmarked the one in the 10th. I love all the light coming in and that it's a wide open space.
I have never had an Airbnb experience in Paris, but just had a great one here in the U.S. In Paris, it's been apartments either through www.homeaway.com or www.vacationinparis.com, or with Parisian friends who own apartments in both the 10th and 19th.
Have fun apartment hunting, but don't take too long as Airbnb places can go really fast.
Happy Travels!
Feb 8th, 2014, 12:33 PM
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I think for a first time visitor the second one would be a great location. It is in one of the most sought after parts of Paris and considerably more central than the other locations. Even though it is in an area that would be probably considered more touristic than the other choices-it will be much easier to get to the things that most tourists come to Paris to see. Plus it is near the Bon Marche which has a terrific gourmet market and the walking is terrific all around this neighborhood. And the metro and bus connections are better IMO.
The outlier for me is the last one-it is pretty far out and gets into a area that can start to be hilly. It is really not an area I would steer first time visitors towards. I have lived full time in Paris in many different neighborhoods for many years and still live there part time every year and while I understand the impulse to not want to be in a touristy area, I think honestly on a first visit I choose something in the 1st, 2nd, 4th 5th 6th 7th neighborhoods since so much of what is to see is in these areas.
I do have to say that like some others it is always nicer to rent from airbnb when you have reviews and even though I am pushing you to be fairly central, Paris isn't huge as compared to a city like London, so ultimately I would base my choice on the one you feel best about as a total package....
The outlier for me is the last one-it is pretty far out and gets into a area that can start to be hilly. It is really not an area I would steer first time visitors towards. I have lived full time in Paris in many different neighborhoods for many years and still live there part time every year and while I understand the impulse to not want to be in a touristy area, I think honestly on a first visit I choose something in the 1st, 2nd, 4th 5th 6th 7th neighborhoods since so much of what is to see is in these areas.
I do have to say that like some others it is always nicer to rent from airbnb when you have reviews and even though I am pushing you to be fairly central, Paris isn't huge as compared to a city like London, so ultimately I would base my choice on the one you feel best about as a total package....
Feb 8th, 2014, 01:09 PM
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The apartment in the 6th is a good location. I've been staying in the 6th since the 1970s although I've stayed all over the city. But, it's a question of whether you could stay in such a small apartment for a whole week. If you do take that one, Bon Marche, department store, has a gourmet market next door to it, and you'll also be close enough to walk to Poilâne bakery at 8, rue de Cherche Midi. I've been going to that bread bakery for decades. Delicious. The apple tarts ate heavenly as is the bread. The bread is flown here, to L.A. and used at some restaurants.
Happy Travels!
Happy Travels!
Feb 8th, 2014, 01:23 PM
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Hi Abbie,
I have been to Paris several times and have stayed in many different parts of the city. Each area is unique and has many things to discover. Although some in this post have mentioned that choice #2 is in a more touristy area, it is also close to Luxembourg Gardens, the river, Musee D'Orsay, etc. and it is very nice to be able to walk to the sites that you will likely visit. For a first visit to Paris, you will still get the feeling that you live there, because you are taking an apartment rather than a hotel.
Of course value and comfort are also important. One thing that I really don't enjoy is an apartment where the bed is also the only seating in the living area. It looks like choice #2 has it's own regular bed, so that would not be an issue for you in that location.
On my last visit (2013) we stayed in an apartment in the 16th between Trocadero & Bois de Boulogne and quite enjoyed it.
I am sure that no matter which location you choose, you will have wonderful time.
Enjoy your trip, you are going at a lovely time of the year.
I have been to Paris several times and have stayed in many different parts of the city. Each area is unique and has many things to discover. Although some in this post have mentioned that choice #2 is in a more touristy area, it is also close to Luxembourg Gardens, the river, Musee D'Orsay, etc. and it is very nice to be able to walk to the sites that you will likely visit. For a first visit to Paris, you will still get the feeling that you live there, because you are taking an apartment rather than a hotel.
Of course value and comfort are also important. One thing that I really don't enjoy is an apartment where the bed is also the only seating in the living area. It looks like choice #2 has it's own regular bed, so that would not be an issue for you in that location.
On my last visit (2013) we stayed in an apartment in the 16th between Trocadero & Bois de Boulogne and quite enjoyed it.
I am sure that no matter which location you choose, you will have wonderful time.
Enjoy your trip, you are going at a lovely time of the year.
Feb 8th, 2014, 01:25 PM
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I also love that first apartment. Whichever one you pick, I hope you report back.
In picking an apartment, it depends on what's important to you. I'm usually in Paris for a week or more at a time and a comfortable, roomy apartment is REALLY important to me. Also, since I really don't like subways, and prefer to either walk or take the bus, so I also tend to select areas with good and plentiful bus connections.
Since you're going to be there a whole week, then experiment with the bus system. Back in the 70s and 80s, I just jumped on buses and went all over the place and that's how I learned the system. I didn't even have a bus map or schedule back then. Plus, being on the bus, you can see where you're going, see the city, and get your bearings at lot better than underground in a subway system.
I also like to jump on and off the bus in various spots if I see something interesting out the window. The subway is good if I need to get someplace really fast. But, I'm usually not THAT much in hurry since I'm on vacation.
Happy Travels!
In picking an apartment, it depends on what's important to you. I'm usually in Paris for a week or more at a time and a comfortable, roomy apartment is REALLY important to me. Also, since I really don't like subways, and prefer to either walk or take the bus, so I also tend to select areas with good and plentiful bus connections.
Since you're going to be there a whole week, then experiment with the bus system. Back in the 70s and 80s, I just jumped on buses and went all over the place and that's how I learned the system. I didn't even have a bus map or schedule back then. Plus, being on the bus, you can see where you're going, see the city, and get your bearings at lot better than underground in a subway system.
I also like to jump on and off the bus in various spots if I see something interesting out the window. The subway is good if I need to get someplace really fast. But, I'm usually not THAT much in hurry since I'm on vacation.
Happy Travels!
Feb 9th, 2014, 08:32 AM
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Also just one more comment about the location of number 2. It is in the side of the 7th that touches the 6th, not the heart of the 6th which would be considered the tourist central part of the 6th. It is a lovely area where real Parisians (at least the ones with beaucoup bucks!) live and shop.
Feb 9th, 2014, 08:53 AM
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As for the apartment that's advertised as St.Germain des Pres, I just noticed that it has a 7th- district zip code. I didn't notice that before. I thought it was in the 6th. But, in the description it says it's near Sevres Babylone metro station which is a good line to be near. I zip over to that station all the time. I've stayed in the 7th (at a hotel) and one of my best Parisian friend lives in the 7th. It would put you close to tourist sites. But, since you'll be there a week, does the closeness matter that much to you? It's not like you're going for say, 3 days, like a lot of tourists and need to rush to see everything.
Back in my beginnings in Paris, what I used to do was pick about 2-3 districts a day to explore in depth and then move onto 2-3 new ones each day. I could do it that way as I'd be in Paris a week or more and had time to take my time. I don't need to do it that way anymore as I've been there so much that I just go where I need to go on any given day.
Happy Travels!
Back in my beginnings in Paris, what I used to do was pick about 2-3 districts a day to explore in depth and then move onto 2-3 new ones each day. I could do it that way as I'd be in Paris a week or more and had time to take my time. I don't need to do it that way anymore as I've been there so much that I just go where I need to go on any given day.
Happy Travels!
Feb 9th, 2014, 09:56 AM
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I think I'd like to rent the guy who owns the one in the 6th, Remy, a bachelor who loves reading and travel But that's a good location, I think that area is considered St Germain. And as for size, it looks plenty big enough for a single tourist, I don't know what you'd need so much space for, anyway. I'm sure it's bigger than a hotel room, what are you going to do there, anyway. I routinely travel alone and stay in hotels for several weeks, after all, most people do. I do get claustrophic in very small hotel rooms so book doubles for myself, but I'm sure this apt is bigger than that. It's near Sciences Po university, actually. Having said that, I think it is overpriced compared to some others for its size and bathroom, etc, no doubt because of its location. I think it's the same price or a bit more than the first one, which seems a lot bigger and nicer. And this one may be hot in July, I agree (they all will be without AC), but this one doesn't seem to have much possibility for air.
I wouldn't even consider the one in the 10th as a location. I don't think it's usually a good idea for a tourist who has never been to a city before and doesn't know it at all to stay in outer areas.
I like the first one best. I don't like the "romantic cocoon" one at all in terms of the cheap furnishings and general style, I think its ugly. But the location isn't too different from the first one, so that's just personal choice.
But that's a good location, I think that area is considered St Germain. And as for size, it looks plenty big enough for a single tourist, I don't know what you'd need so much space for, anyway. I'm sure it's bigger than a hotel room, what are you going to do there, anyway. I routinely travel alone and stay in hotels for several weeks, after all, most people do. I do get claustrophic in very small hotel rooms so book doubles for myself, but I'm sure this apt is bigger than that. It's near Sciences Po university, actually. Having said that, I think it is overpriced compared to some others for its size and bathroom, etc, no doubt because of its location. I think it's the same price or a bit more than the first one, which seems a lot bigger and nicer. And this one may be hot in July, I agree (they all will be without AC), but this one doesn't seem to have much possibility for air.I wouldn't even consider the one in the 10th as a location. I don't think it's usually a good idea for a tourist who has never been to a city before and doesn't know it at all to stay in outer areas.
I like the first one best. I don't like the "romantic cocoon" one at all in terms of the cheap furnishings and general style, I think its ugly. But the location isn't too different from the first one, so that's just personal choice.
Feb 9th, 2014, 10:09 AM
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If I were you, the first thing I would do is determine if a property is a LEGAL rental or not. Airbnb et al are coming under increased scrutiny all over the world including in Paris.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/ar...ing-stays.html
http://www.independenttraveler.com/t...cation-rentals
http://lifehacker.com/how-can-i-avoi...rbnb-801021511
And in France's Le Soir newspaper you find the following on Paris.
http://translate.google.ca/translate...80%26bih%3D687
I happen to own a condo in a desireable vacation destination. The Condo Rules and Bylaws do not allow rental under 30 days. Talking to the onsite property manager a while ago he told me that for the first time in his 20 years there, he had been made aware of a 'vacation renter' twice in the last year. In both instances they were immediately told to leave.
Ignoring all the legal and moral implications of the issue, THAT is the situation you do not want to find yourself in. You arrive and the following morning perhaps, there is a knock at the door and you have an hour to leave. Where you go is your problem.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/ar...ing-stays.html
http://www.independenttraveler.com/t...cation-rentals
http://lifehacker.com/how-can-i-avoi...rbnb-801021511
And in France's Le Soir newspaper you find the following on Paris.
http://translate.google.ca/translate...80%26bih%3D687
I happen to own a condo in a desireable vacation destination. The Condo Rules and Bylaws do not allow rental under 30 days. Talking to the onsite property manager a while ago he told me that for the first time in his 20 years there, he had been made aware of a 'vacation renter' twice in the last year. In both instances they were immediately told to leave.
Ignoring all the legal and moral implications of the issue, THAT is the situation you do not want to find yourself in. You arrive and the following morning perhaps, there is a knock at the door and you have an hour to leave. Where you go is your problem.
Feb 10th, 2014, 03:45 PM
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Well done! I just looked at the photos and it appears quite roomy. I think you'll be happy. One trip we walked from the I'le de la Cite to the Richard Lemoir market and it was not that far. So you'll be within walking distance to Notre Dame and perhaps further. But do go to the market on Sunday morning for rotisserie chicken and wondeful potatoes to take back to your apt. It's amazing!
Now you can do the fun planning!
Now you can do the fun planning!
