Please help me choose between these two Paris apartments
Jan 20th, 2013, 04:21 PM
#1
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Please help me choose between these two Paris apartments
I do not need recommendations for other apartments and/or other areas of Paris.
We *only* have a choice between these two. I ask kindly that if you are going to post "neither", or try to get me to stay in another part of Paris or in a different apartment, that you don't bother posting. Sorry if that comes off sounding surly, but I just need help on which one of these two, based on space, area of Paris, amenities (one has a lovely balcony), and proximity to the metro and other transportation, etc, would be best.
1) http://cobblestoneparis.com/Triomphe_Elysees
2) http://cobblestoneparis.com/Balcon-Luxembourg
7 nights. 2 Adults and two kids. We won't be spending a lot of time in the apartment, just breakfast and a few dinners.
Thank you very much
We *only* have a choice between these two. I ask kindly that if you are going to post "neither", or try to get me to stay in another part of Paris or in a different apartment, that you don't bother posting. Sorry if that comes off sounding surly, but I just need help on which one of these two, based on space, area of Paris, amenities (one has a lovely balcony), and proximity to the metro and other transportation, etc, would be best.
1) http://cobblestoneparis.com/Triomphe_Elysees
2) http://cobblestoneparis.com/Balcon-Luxembourg
7 nights. 2 Adults and two kids. We won't be spending a lot of time in the apartment, just breakfast and a few dinners.
Thank you very much
Jan 20th, 2013, 04:44 PM
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I know how that is, it takes forever to narrow things down and then you've had enough.
ok, this is a tough one because there are some things I like and others I don't about each, so it is hard to choose. I like the first one better in terms of the apt. and it is a lot bigger. The issue is the metro stop it is closest to (Ternes) is not a very convenient metro line so you are going to have to transfer at the Etoile to go anywhere by metro. The top end just goes north to places I don't think you'll want to go, and the other end goes over in the 16th where you won't want to go either. And it is far enough away from things that you are not going to be able to walk to a lot of what you will want to do (except the Arc, of course).
The other apt. is nice for waht you see, I like the balcony, but it is much smaller and I am rather suspicious that there is no photo of the bathroom, actually. The rest of it is pretty nice, but the first one is better and bigger. Now to be honest, that isn't even near a metro line, just the RER B, so I guess it isn't really any more convenient to the metro in many ways. Walking down to Cluny metro is quite a walk to get the metro, or Odeon, I guess, but there are some bus lines along there you might want to use. I'll admit I'm not that familiar with the bus lines over near Ternes but most of them kind of go E-W so not a lot of help. But there is the bus 92, actually, which will go pretty much right by that apt (down ave McMahon to the Arc and then across to Invalides and then Gare Montparnasse. There are some other buses that go near there that go to the Opera and Madeleine, though.
Being near Luxembourg Gardens would be nice, and that part of Paris is a little more casual than the 17th over near Ternes, I think you might just like walking around that area more.
I can't picked based on the amenities as that is really up to you, I think, and what is most important to you. rue Gay Lussac is not exactly bucolic, by the way, it is a pretty major street. Not as big as some, but I can't quite envision a balcony overlooking it as being that great. There is a bus I take a lot that goes down that street, so I know it and from the map, that location isn't near bd St Michel but kind of in front of some schools down to the SE a bit. it isn't a real scenic street in that location at all and it's actually quite a bit farther even to the RER stop from there, you can't cut through directly west.
I guess I'd go with the one near Ternes now that I am seeing more where the second one is located.
ok, this is a tough one because there are some things I like and others I don't about each, so it is hard to choose. I like the first one better in terms of the apt. and it is a lot bigger. The issue is the metro stop it is closest to (Ternes) is not a very convenient metro line so you are going to have to transfer at the Etoile to go anywhere by metro. The top end just goes north to places I don't think you'll want to go, and the other end goes over in the 16th where you won't want to go either. And it is far enough away from things that you are not going to be able to walk to a lot of what you will want to do (except the Arc, of course).
The other apt. is nice for waht you see, I like the balcony, but it is much smaller and I am rather suspicious that there is no photo of the bathroom, actually. The rest of it is pretty nice, but the first one is better and bigger. Now to be honest, that isn't even near a metro line, just the RER B, so I guess it isn't really any more convenient to the metro in many ways. Walking down to Cluny metro is quite a walk to get the metro, or Odeon, I guess, but there are some bus lines along there you might want to use. I'll admit I'm not that familiar with the bus lines over near Ternes but most of them kind of go E-W so not a lot of help. But there is the bus 92, actually, which will go pretty much right by that apt (down ave McMahon to the Arc and then across to Invalides and then Gare Montparnasse. There are some other buses that go near there that go to the Opera and Madeleine, though.
Being near Luxembourg Gardens would be nice, and that part of Paris is a little more casual than the 17th over near Ternes, I think you might just like walking around that area more.
I can't picked based on the amenities as that is really up to you, I think, and what is most important to you. rue Gay Lussac is not exactly bucolic, by the way, it is a pretty major street. Not as big as some, but I can't quite envision a balcony overlooking it as being that great. There is a bus I take a lot that goes down that street, so I know it and from the map, that location isn't near bd St Michel but kind of in front of some schools down to the SE a bit. it isn't a real scenic street in that location at all and it's actually quite a bit farther even to the RER stop from there, you can't cut through directly west.
I guess I'd go with the one near Ternes now that I am seeing more where the second one is located.
Jan 20th, 2013, 04:45 PM
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The Luxembourg apartment description of the internet access is something I would need to check out to make sure it worked for me ("The flat-screen TV is Internet-Enabled for checking e-mail and web browsing"). I usually only book places with Wi-Fi these days.
You don't say the age of your kids, but kids over 10 like the Champs-Elyesees area at night more than Fodor's posters do, and all kids like riding the metro and buses. The Luxumbourg area is better, however, if much of the time you are going to be looking for space for your kids to just run around.
You don't say the age of your kids, but kids over 10 like the Champs-Elyesees area at night more than Fodor's posters do, and all kids like riding the metro and buses. The Luxumbourg area is better, however, if much of the time you are going to be looking for space for your kids to just run around.
Jan 20th, 2013, 04:50 PM
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Oh -- one more thing.
Balconies in Paris can be fairly useless if they hang over a lot of traffic or cafes with a lot of cigarette smoke, or you are traveling during a time of year when you would rather be inside with the doors shut for reasons of heat or air con. Also, European apartments usually have much less kiddie-proofing, so if either of your kids are very small, the balcony might be more nervous-making than an asset.
Balconies in Paris can be fairly useless if they hang over a lot of traffic or cafes with a lot of cigarette smoke, or you are traveling during a time of year when you would rather be inside with the doors shut for reasons of heat or air con. Also, European apartments usually have much less kiddie-proofing, so if either of your kids are very small, the balcony might be more nervous-making than an asset.
Jan 20th, 2013, 05:05 PM
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Kids are teen daughters 15 and 17. A bit nervous now about proximity of metro for both places. Arriving in Paris at 8pm, so the schlep to either apartment is going to be a pain in the a** I think.
Christina and goldenautumn, thank you especially for your detailed info.
WiFi is needed, so I have to check that out for apt #2.
Now it's basically space vs location. Is the first one really that bad location wise?
We appreciate all of your kind responses.
Christina and goldenautumn, thank you especially for your detailed info.
WiFi is needed, so I have to check that out for apt #2.
Now it's basically space vs location. Is the first one really that bad location wise?
We appreciate all of your kind responses.
Jan 20th, 2013, 05:09 PM
#9
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Have you looked at the balcony? It appears to hold a single chair - not much use for 7 people. My only other thought is that I wouldn't want to stuff so many people into an apartment that's not very large.
Jan 20th, 2013, 05:15 PM
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I like the first one, simply because I like padded seats at the dining room table. It looks bigger and more comfortable. Riding the metro is so easy, I'd be more concerned about the comfort of the place while I'm there.
Jan 20th, 2013, 05:22 PM
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nytraveler, good point. I was thinking it would be nice/fun for the girls for breakfast, but *realistically*, I have a feeling that the novelty would wear off after a few minutes of them squeezing on and off the balcony. They are both petite and about 100lbs, but true ,it looks pretty small.
Jan 20th, 2013, 05:31 PM
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>>I am rather suspicious that there is no photo of the bathroom, actually.
There are over 80 photos (hit the arrow), and there are a few of the bathroom. It's pretty small, but that's to be expected.
There are over 80 photos (hit the arrow), and there are a few of the bathroom. It's pretty small, but that's to be expected.
Jan 20th, 2013, 05:40 PM
#14
everyone is saying the first one has more amenities . . . I don't see it. #! has a sofa and the dining chairs and that's it.
#2 has a sofa, additional upholstered chair, plus the balcony (and the dining set)
I think the 2nd one would be more comfortable for 4.
and not sure why your are worried about the wifi w/ #2. It says >>Your flat is set up with FREE WIFI and UNLIMITED FREE TELEPHONE CALLS to over 70 countries, including the U.S., Canada and Australia.
#2 has a sofa, additional upholstered chair, plus the balcony (and the dining set)
I think the 2nd one would be more comfortable for 4.
and not sure why your are worried about the wifi w/ #2. It says >>Your flat is set up with FREE WIFI and UNLIMITED FREE TELEPHONE CALLS to over 70 countries, including the U.S., Canada and Australia.
Jan 20th, 2013, 05:41 PM
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I would want to be nearer a metro, and I like the second location a bit better, but with two teens I would go for larger rather than smaller, especially for 7 nights. A few dinners is not never, and if anyone gets ill or overtired it is nice to have more space.
Jan 20th, 2013, 05:50 PM
#16
I don't understand what Christina means about there being no picture of the bathroom for the Lux. place. There are several and it's a small bathroom.
I think it really depends on your family and how comfortable you are with being very close and cozy for a week. I'd be fine with that and probably would go for the place near Luxembourg gardens, but everyone is different about how much space they need. I also have an aunt who, when she comes to visit me in my center-of-my-city apartment, never tires of looking out my bay windows at all the action on my street. And I'm on a bus line and not even in Paris. So I think that, while not bucolic, the view over Rue Gay Lussac would be interesting and enjoyable to some (many?).
Anyway, I'd take the Luxembourg apartment because I like that location better.
Have a great trip!
I think it really depends on your family and how comfortable you are with being very close and cozy for a week. I'd be fine with that and probably would go for the place near Luxembourg gardens, but everyone is different about how much space they need. I also have an aunt who, when she comes to visit me in my center-of-my-city apartment, never tires of looking out my bay windows at all the action on my street. And I'm on a bus line and not even in Paris. So I think that, while not bucolic, the view over Rue Gay Lussac would be interesting and enjoyable to some (many?).
Anyway, I'd take the Luxembourg apartment because I like that location better.
Have a great trip!
Jan 20th, 2013, 05:59 PM
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Definitely #2!
The girls will love to be able to go and explore by themselves after they get their bearings and armed with map and address!
I can't imagine doing that with apt #1.
You will find that you can walk to lots of places w/apt #2.
Lastly, apt #2 has more of a true apt in Paris and a memory maker!
The girls will love to be able to go and explore by themselves after they get their bearings and armed with map and address!
I can't imagine doing that with apt #1.
You will find that you can walk to lots of places w/apt #2.
Lastly, apt #2 has more of a true apt in Paris and a memory maker!
Jan 20th, 2013, 06:10 PM
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I like the first one for your group. The front room has more area for the couch to unfold , I think the girls would feel it was more like there room, where as the 2nd one would be a bit cramped with the couch unfolded.
They are both fine for the girsl, the first one they will wander to the Champs El, the second one they will wander in the latin quarter which is where the university is and lots of young people or St Germain, which will cost you if they like to shop!
The metro is fine in the first one, better than the second one. It is very easy to switch lines, and the main metro that they suggest is a great starting point to get anywhere in the city. The second one is a little far from a metro, but really the walk to it will be fine and lots of good shops to pass on the way.
Both are lovely.
They are both fine for the girsl, the first one they will wander to the Champs El, the second one they will wander in the latin quarter which is where the university is and lots of young people or St Germain, which will cost you if they like to shop!
The metro is fine in the first one, better than the second one. It is very easy to switch lines, and the main metro that they suggest is a great starting point to get anywhere in the city. The second one is a little far from a metro, but really the walk to it will be fine and lots of good shops to pass on the way.
Both are lovely.
Jan 20th, 2013, 06:19 PM
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I agree with all of your points, chapla. One trip we had a very small apartment but a fabulous location and it made the trip. Being within walking distance of markets, sights, and a good metro stop is important, imho.
#2 Luxembourg
#2 Luxembourg
