A wonderful story about the Paris Perfect folks
Apr 8th, 2008, 04:39 PM
#21
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BostonHarbor, I hope your niece Ellen, and sister, are doing well. You're a great aunt to think of PP and they are wonderful to help you in this way. We stayed with them a couple of years ago and as others have said their kindness is not surprising.
This is one of the many reasons I love Fodors and the kind people who post here.
Please keep us updated~
This is one of the many reasons I love Fodors and the kind people who post here.
Please keep us updated~
Apr 9th, 2008, 02:59 AM
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It's nice to read about how, when a person is in difficulty, there are good people who give generous help. Phillipe deserves the public acknowledgement that has been given to him here.
But that's the way the world is. When we read here of pickpockets and scam artists and bothersome street vendors, it is easy to imagine the world is full of bad people. There are far more good people. I have never been in a difficult situation where there were not volunteers available to help extricate me from it.
Let's hear it for Phillipe and all the other good guys. And let's not forget them.
But that's the way the world is. When we read here of pickpockets and scam artists and bothersome street vendors, it is easy to imagine the world is full of bad people. There are far more good people. I have never been in a difficult situation where there were not volunteers available to help extricate me from it.
Let's hear it for Phillipe and all the other good guys. And let's not forget them.
Apr 9th, 2008, 08:59 AM
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Padraig said: <i>When we read here of pickpockets and scam artists and bothersome street vendors, it is easy to imagine the world is full of bad people. There are far more good people. I have never been in a difficult situation where there were not volunteers available to help extricate me from it.</i>
Such true words. It is easy to focus on the bad stuff because bad stuff knocks us off our game. For the most part, people are generous, helpful and kind. We certainly found that in almost every corner during this episode, including here in the forums.
Such true words. It is easy to focus on the bad stuff because bad stuff knocks us off our game. For the most part, people are generous, helpful and kind. We certainly found that in almost every corner during this episode, including here in the forums.
Apr 9th, 2008, 09:49 AM
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Boston Harbor...I wonder if parisperfect.com will get apartments in the 6th. They all seem to be in the 7th.Would you happen to know? I just had an apartment in the 6th through vacationinparis.com which is a really good company,too. I just like to have options. Happy Travels!
Apr 9th, 2008, 10:59 AM
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I think they might have one or two in the 6th. I also think they might have a new one in the Marais. They have quite a list of apartments! You could check out their website (www.parisperfect.com) and read up on the various apartments. My group stayed in both the Sancerre and the Champagne and the view of the Eiffel Tower was spectacular!!
Apr 9th, 2008, 11:31 AM
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In the past couple of years they have added a few apartments in some othr areas...Ile St. Louis, Ile de la Cite, rue de Seine in the 5th and 2 pretty much on the 6th/7th border.
Just look at their website and you will easily find all the information about the apartments and their locations..it is all there!
Just look at their website and you will easily find all the information about the apartments and their locations..it is all there!
Apr 9th, 2008, 04:51 PM
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I checked their website yesterday and didn't see one on rue de Seine which is in the 6th. I've stayed on that street for over 20 years. I saw one in the 7th bordering the 6th on rue St.Peres...next to the chocolate store.I know that area well, but the apartment there was too big and far too expensive...from what I remember. Plus, I don't want to be anywhere near a chocolate store as I'm deadly allergic to the stuff...even the smell. Happy Travels!
Apr 9th, 2008, 08:01 PM
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Thanks for sharing this great story.
I too rented(Chardonnay) from PP ; Madelyn, Philippe, and Carolyn were all lovely to work with. We later accidentally "bumped into" Carolyn a few times, including during a stroll on the street, when we felt like "real" lcoals, conversing on the street wtih an inhabitant!
Guenmai, PP's apartments are "perfect" , but you PAY for that. Madelyn is VERY into interior design, the perfect rate antique and upholstery, etc. Thsi all adds to the cost.
I'm currently workihg with the agency you mentioned, VacationinParis, to find a flat for a friend and family, and they've been GREAT and give very helpful, patient, service and advice. Their apts cost about 1/2 to 1/3 of the ones at PP! This does not in any way detract from the true kindness of Madelyn and Philippe, in both Fodorites' dealings and the OP's first story, but people should be aware that their rental charges are much higher than those for comparably sized , but perhaps less elegantly and furnished and renovated flats, through other agencies and owners. Some of these are also in the excellent 7th arr, but may not have that "Parisperfect" view of the Eiffel Tower. I'm probably going to book one that is $175 night, all charges, included, and is on a great little street in the 7th.
I too rented(Chardonnay) from PP ; Madelyn, Philippe, and Carolyn were all lovely to work with. We later accidentally "bumped into" Carolyn a few times, including during a stroll on the street, when we felt like "real" lcoals, conversing on the street wtih an inhabitant!
Guenmai, PP's apartments are "perfect" , but you PAY for that. Madelyn is VERY into interior design, the perfect rate antique and upholstery, etc. Thsi all adds to the cost.
I'm currently workihg with the agency you mentioned, VacationinParis, to find a flat for a friend and family, and they've been GREAT and give very helpful, patient, service and advice. Their apts cost about 1/2 to 1/3 of the ones at PP! This does not in any way detract from the true kindness of Madelyn and Philippe, in both Fodorites' dealings and the OP's first story, but people should be aware that their rental charges are much higher than those for comparably sized , but perhaps less elegantly and furnished and renovated flats, through other agencies and owners. Some of these are also in the excellent 7th arr, but may not have that "Parisperfect" view of the Eiffel Tower. I'm probably going to book one that is $175 night, all charges, included, and is on a great little street in the 7th.
Apr 10th, 2008, 02:22 AM
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guenmai
I checked and the Reisling is on rue de Seine...they say 5th in listing...
Re: Quality of Paris Perfect and some others...Personally, I don't think any Vacation in Paris can compare. Parisian Flat and Paris Vacation Apartments are both very nice. I have one of them next week and the other in the fall.
I checked and the Reisling is on rue de Seine...they say 5th in listing...
Re: Quality of Paris Perfect and some others...Personally, I don't think any Vacation in Paris can compare. Parisian Flat and Paris Vacation Apartments are both very nice. I have one of them next week and the other in the fall.
Apr 10th, 2008, 09:50 AM
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Thanks, folks.....CaliNurse...Yes, the vacationinparis.com people are great. And the apartment I had #122 was in a perfect location and in my neighborhood of 20 years. I wanted to stay in the area as I know restaurant owners etc..there. It's very convenient for me to hop over to a restaurant in a few minutes. I'm sure you'll find a really nice apartment.
Plus, the BIG advantage is paying in dollars. But, I also have parisperfect.com on my list and if some smaller and less expensive apartments pop up, then who knows...maybe I'll try them out although their prices are indeed high. Happy Travels!
Plus, the BIG advantage is paying in dollars. But, I also have parisperfect.com on my list and if some smaller and less expensive apartments pop up, then who knows...maybe I'll try them out although their prices are indeed high. Happy Travels!
Apr 10th, 2008, 12:00 PM
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I have to agree with CaliNurse. We stayed at PP's Cabernet in 2005 and the experience was truly lovely: wonderful flat, amenities, people, neighborhood and view! My budget just can't justify their price increases over the ensuing years, however, and we've moved on to finding lovely flats for substantially less money. Yes, if money is no object, the folks at PP (lovely people all) do a wonderful job, and you are sure to be pleased. They are just the kind of folks who do go out of their way to be of service to their clients, as they did for the OP and her family. Bravo, Dr. Philippe! 
Apr 12th, 2008, 10:56 PM
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agreeing with Calinurse - I WISH I could stay in their apartment and perhaps on a future trip to Paris when it is not a holiday week (we are there over Christmas) and it is just too costly - but they sound fantastic and look lovely too!
Apr 23rd, 2008, 05:55 AM
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Since so many of you were so nice in your comments and best wishes for my niece, I thought I would give you a follow up.
Ellen at first was doing much better and then had a relapse and another episode of partial collapse.
Philippe and Madelyn Willems continued to be invaluable in shepherding my sister and niece through the French health care system. Philippe set her up with one of the top thoracic surgeons in the country, made sure she received a CAT scan in record time. He even called the physicians himself to interpret the findings for her. Interestingly, the French physician brought up something that might be going on with my niece that the American physicians had not thought of.
The apartment that they were in for the first 10 days had another guest coming, so Paris Perfect found another apartment for them and helped move them across the Champs de mars. My sister's husband and other two children arrived in Paris last Thursday and all settled into a large and lovely apartment (it was a pre-scheduled vacation before my niece became ill).
The CAT scan showed that there was still a small pheumothorax, so flying home was not feasible, or at least terrifying. Not much you can do if a lung collapses at 40,000 feet.
So, we looked at the Queen Mary II as an option. My sister asked me to investigate since it is easier for me with better connectivity, phones etc. She said to me "I just don't want one of those rooms with the porthole with the fish swimming by"
Well, we started looking for a cabin last Friday (apr. 18) and the "queen" was sailing on Tuesday (yesterday, apr 22) We needed a "last minute" booking for the QM2
Cunard said that there were no cabins available and that there were waiting list for "every category" I said " you're must be kidding me, you have a "waiting list for that $25,000 a head suite in the front?" Wow.
So, I started to call resellers. No cabins. We needed to get them out of town. This little Paris "adventure" was costing a large fortune and we were passing the three week mark. They were also just dying to get home. The apartment was a bit of a "gilded cage" to them as my niece was so limited in what she could do. So I continued to search and found the last reseller on the planet that had a cabin on the QMII. (cruisenet.com) The guy at crusinet was terrific. He actually had two options. One was an "inside" cabin. (I told my sister in that case, she didn't have to worry about "fish swimming by"
, the other was a "queens grill suite" Ka-Ching!
My sister and brother in law are both exhausted and said "book the suite, it will cost less than staying in Paris for another 14 days an THEN getting on the QMII" (we had no guarantees that Ellen's lung would heal even then). My brother in law then told his daughter "you are now taking your mother's and my 25th wedding anniversary trip. When you get married, for your honeymoon, your staying home and I'm going with your husband and playing golf in Scotland!
So, on the Eurostar to London Tuesday morning. I had a car pick them up and take them to Southampton (about a 2 hour drive). They embarked on the ship and my sister called me from her the ship while still in port. They were giddy. She said the suite was gorgeous, there was chilled champagne that they were about to open and that the attention they were getting from the crew was hysterical. They were the only passengers in their section under 75 and my 5'11" pretty niece was causing quite the stir (she doesn't "look" sick at all). I told her after the last three weeks she deserved it and to enjoy it.
So, as of today they are somewhere in the Atlantic enjoying pedicures and having a lovely time. Her husband is still in Paris with the other girls at the apartment. He is leaving on Friday for Montreal and will be in NYC when the QMII arrives on Monday. Then they will all crash.
After they all recover from their adventure, we will bring my niece here to Boston and see what we can do to get this problem wrestled to the ground.
I again need to praise the Paris Perfect team. I have absolutely no idea what we would have done without them. I'm sure we would have survived, but it would have been so much more difficult and exhausting.
I have told my sister and niece of all the nice comments on this board and the thoughtfulness of members. They wanted me to thank you and let you know how much they appreciated the good wishes.
Ellen at first was doing much better and then had a relapse and another episode of partial collapse.
Philippe and Madelyn Willems continued to be invaluable in shepherding my sister and niece through the French health care system. Philippe set her up with one of the top thoracic surgeons in the country, made sure she received a CAT scan in record time. He even called the physicians himself to interpret the findings for her. Interestingly, the French physician brought up something that might be going on with my niece that the American physicians had not thought of.
The apartment that they were in for the first 10 days had another guest coming, so Paris Perfect found another apartment for them and helped move them across the Champs de mars. My sister's husband and other two children arrived in Paris last Thursday and all settled into a large and lovely apartment (it was a pre-scheduled vacation before my niece became ill).
The CAT scan showed that there was still a small pheumothorax, so flying home was not feasible, or at least terrifying. Not much you can do if a lung collapses at 40,000 feet.
So, we looked at the Queen Mary II as an option. My sister asked me to investigate since it is easier for me with better connectivity, phones etc. She said to me "I just don't want one of those rooms with the porthole with the fish swimming by"
Well, we started looking for a cabin last Friday (apr. 18) and the "queen" was sailing on Tuesday (yesterday, apr 22) We needed a "last minute" booking for the QM2
Cunard said that there were no cabins available and that there were waiting list for "every category" I said " you're must be kidding me, you have a "waiting list for that $25,000 a head suite in the front?" Wow. So, I started to call resellers. No cabins. We needed to get them out of town. This little Paris "adventure" was costing a large fortune and we were passing the three week mark. They were also just dying to get home. The apartment was a bit of a "gilded cage" to them as my niece was so limited in what she could do. So I continued to search and found the last reseller on the planet that had a cabin on the QMII. (cruisenet.com) The guy at crusinet was terrific. He actually had two options. One was an "inside" cabin. (I told my sister in that case, she didn't have to worry about "fish swimming by"
, the other was a "queens grill suite" Ka-Ching! My sister and brother in law are both exhausted and said "book the suite, it will cost less than staying in Paris for another 14 days an THEN getting on the QMII" (we had no guarantees that Ellen's lung would heal even then). My brother in law then told his daughter "you are now taking your mother's and my 25th wedding anniversary trip. When you get married, for your honeymoon, your staying home and I'm going with your husband and playing golf in Scotland!
So, on the Eurostar to London Tuesday morning. I had a car pick them up and take them to Southampton (about a 2 hour drive). They embarked on the ship and my sister called me from her the ship while still in port. They were giddy. She said the suite was gorgeous, there was chilled champagne that they were about to open and that the attention they were getting from the crew was hysterical. They were the only passengers in their section under 75 and my 5'11" pretty niece was causing quite the stir (she doesn't "look" sick at all). I told her after the last three weeks she deserved it and to enjoy it.
So, as of today they are somewhere in the Atlantic enjoying pedicures and having a lovely time. Her husband is still in Paris with the other girls at the apartment. He is leaving on Friday for Montreal and will be in NYC when the QMII arrives on Monday. Then they will all crash.
After they all recover from their adventure, we will bring my niece here to Boston and see what we can do to get this problem wrestled to the ground.
I again need to praise the Paris Perfect team. I have absolutely no idea what we would have done without them. I'm sure we would have survived, but it would have been so much more difficult and exhausting.
I have told my sister and niece of all the nice comments on this board and the thoughtfulness of members. They wanted me to thank you and let you know how much they appreciated the good wishes.
