richpodolsky

Has anyone used a company called Paris Vacation Apartments (PVA) to rent a vacation place for a week in Paris? They seem very nice, but 50 % deposit more than six months in advance is scary. Thanks in advance for your responses.--Rich

tdk320n

Hi
I used PVA 2 years ago to rent a fabulous apartment.
The apartment was exactly as pictured on the web site.
They were great to deal with. Very reliable and co-operative.
Everything went very smoothly and I would absolutely use them again.

Christina

It is scary, but that is typical, people who rent vacation apartments want large deposits in advance. Typically I've seen maybe 25-33 pct upon booking (which is what you are referring to) and the rest due maybe 30 days before arrival. But 50 pct upon booking isn't unusual, either. And some private owners or small places may not require you to pay the remainder until you actually get there. But many companies do as they would be in big trouble if people just didn't show up.

YOu can try looking for reviews on Tripadvisor or www.slowtrav.com (they don't have a lot). If you are uncomfortable, you might choose a company more people have experience with that you can read about on Fodors or elsewhere.

Anyway, I think the terms are normal. The thing I find very odd is that they seem to quote rates in USD. Why are they doing that, just seems strange. They aren't based in the US (they sound British or German, but appear to be living in Paris, their phone numbers are French cell phone numbers).

I really don't think they are bogus, bogus companies don't maintain elaborate websites like that for many years, they post ads on Craigslist or VRBO or HOmeway, ones where they are not maintaining the website. However, even if a real company, problems can develop, of course.

If you have one you really like on there, I'd try to find some references somewhere, it's probably okay.

Robert2533

We've used Paris Perfect a few times and their requirements are about the same. They have an 800 number should you want to talk to anyone. They own most of the apartments they offer.

http://www.parisperfect.com

grandmere

Every place that I have rented wants 50% in advance, and from their point of view, it makes sense, even if it means that we the consumer are having to commit earlier than we might be happier doing. Just buy travel insurance to protect yourself.

richpodolsky

Thanks for your thoughts. I was hoping to find someone who had used PVA recently to talk about the actual apartment vs. expectations. I'll keep looking.

AlessandraZoe

We've rented from PVA last Thanksgiving and they are lovely to deal with. We're using them again this Thanksgiving. Our apartment was exactly, if not better than, as pictured, and they bent over backward to make our stay enjoyable.

Knowing that rental market and the quality to price ratio of PVA offerings, the 50% down makes perfect sense. You are more or less taking one of their apartments out of the market for the future, and if you've plunked down enough money, you won't tend to burn them.

Judy

We've used them several times and have 2 rentals booked. We have been very happy with the apartments and the service.

rosemaryoz

There was just recently a thread discussing Paris apartment options here on Fodors, which mentioned that listing site. Have a read through and check out all the places mentioned to compare terms and conditions:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ghter-help.cfm

Nottingham

Have used PVA 2 times...and have rented for the 3rd time for next week....the are GREAT--
have no qualms about them....will continue to use them !!!