Advice and Comments on Paris Apartment Rental
 

Good evening!

I have finally convinced my hubby that our Europe trip this year should be all about Paris! Paris! Paris!

We are planning on flying into Paris in mid-September for a full 7 nights. This will be the first time in Paris for both of us (crazy but true), and I have been researching and researching hotels and apartments throughout the various districts in Paris.

We really like the idea of renting an apartment. It appears to be more economical, you get a better flavour of how people really live in the city, and you can stretch out and not be falling all over eachother (from all the reviews I have read, it appears that Paris hotel rooms can be quite small). We enjoy cooking, sitting back and relaxing and "nesting", so a comfortable, cozy apartment really is ideal for us.

I have been reading and reviewing post/threads on Fodors, SlowTrav, and have been reviewing apartment rentals on everything from VRBO, Parisbestlodges, Iloveparisapartments, and even Venere!

I think that I have narrowed down the apartments which I really like (I have like another 20 bookmarked as backups) - and it seems that we are both drawn most specifically to the Marais district.

I was hoping that you could review the apartments I have picked out and maybe provide any suggestions/comments, or even point me in the direction of a fabulous hidden gem that I haven't been able to locate yet?

Choice #1 http://www.vrbo.com/79965
I keep coming back to this apartment and thinking...mmmm...I really like it...

Choice #2 http://www.parissweethome.com/parisr...aris.php?id=74
I know nothing about this area - good/bad?

Choice #3 http://iloveparisapartments.com/a_bac.htm
I love the look, but it seems a titch small?

Choice #4 http://www.parisbestlodge.com/vosges.html
I read a good review about this. Again in the Marais district.

Your comments and advice would be greatly appreciated for this Paris newby.

Camelbak

Hello camelbak! Isn't trip planning fun? Exhausting, too, but the anticipation of what's to come is so exciting, no???

Apartment hunting is quite the chore. You've done a good job with your questions. Good research!

You're going to be there mid-September. Will you need A/C? I'm not sure, but I don't think any of the places you mentioned have cooling, unless I missed it.

#2 says it's a 4th floor walk up. Do you know that's 5 floors up? Kind of a lot for me after a long day, or if I forgot my coat or whatever. But maybe you love stairs. b( And the stools without backs on them? hmmmm...

#3 does not mention sq ft/mt. What's a one bedroom studio? Isn't it either/or? Don't know if having a bedroom is important to you, but you might want to check if it's a one bedroom or a studio. Also, what floor is this one on?

#4 the mezzanine ceiling looks pretty low. And the stairs - those criss-cross kind that are hard to navigate in the dark when you've got to make a potty stop in the night. To me that's a no-no.

My thoughts only. Good luck!

I'd pay attention to how much sunlight each apt gets. When there's no photos of any windows, it makes me nervous.

Even a cute apartment loses its charm if it's too dark, esp. in September when there's still a lot of daylight hours. It feels great to wake up or come home to an apartment that is filled with sunlight.

Excellent point about the sunlight. Living in Vancouver, Canada, where there is 5 months of rain (no, really!), I love any last ray of sunlight that I can get.

My first choice seems to have a lack of windows...though the stairwell picture does show a lot of windows...would it be terribly rude to write to the owner and ask if she has any pics of her windows? :)

Just showed the hubby http://www.parisbestlodge.com/vosges.html. It's a winner for him. He has a thing for lofts (don't ask me!!!), AND it has lots of light.

It does have the crazy little stairs going up to the loft (it would be interesting to go up and down at night wouldn't it?).

Anyone know of any other fabulous loft style apartments in any district close to all the sites, smells and sounds of Paris that I may be missing?

Thanks for your quick feedback....that is why I love this site so much. It's SUCH a great community!

Cheers!

I know I'm not making this any easier, but if possible, I'd keep my eye out for a little balcony with table and chairs. Great to drink your coffee in the morning and to enjoy a drink in the evening -- weather in Sept. would be perfect for this.

The studio I stayed in is probably too shabby chic, you seem to like a streamlined and modern aesthetic. good luck!

A little table and chairs would be perfect, and I actually love chabby chic style. My taste is definitely classical, but mainly like clean and not too cluttered. I don't usually go for modern and sleek.

Basically, I am looking for somewhere fresh and light and airy...a little classical, clean and not cluttered.

I love all of the apartments offered by Iloveparisapartments (like this...http://iloveparisapartments.com/a_huchette.htm) ...the classical French look - if you know of any apartments that can provide that AND lots of light for a reasonable price..please pass them on!

oh, this place on huchette is totally beautiful -- is it already taken??

I stayed in this studio on Saintonge and enjoyed it immensely but I think you can afford something more elegant. There's a link to my pictures of the apt and neighborhood towards the bottom of the thread.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34916913

I have some comments - which should really be no surprise, huh? After all, SILs always have something to say.

The one that the hubby likes - I'm noticing there's no oven (probably not that important), and just 2 burners. You'll probably have to cook simple stuff if eating in - again, probably not a big deal, since your pasta dishes are pretty good. But keep in mind lots of walking = a nice soak in the tub to relax your legs. There doesn't seem to be a bath tub. No matter, again.

I like it. The steps are interesting, and you'll be fine providing that you put the right foot forward!!! The sofa bed sounds perfect for that 3rd wheel, LOL!

As for hte Rue de La Huchette one - if we can get more than just 3 people going, like 5 or 6 going at the same time, it's perfect!

Good luck! Book it as soon as you're 100% positive you're going in September to avoid disappointment. If you're going to fly Zoom like I did last fall, you'll want to find out when you arrive and leave so you can book accordingly.

And like you, I do like the VRBO one the best as well. It has bathtub and a full stove. And it is much roomier. So, if it's just the two of you, I'd go with the one Hubby likes as it's perfect for 2 of you, but if there's going to be more than 2 of you, then the VRBO will give more room without tripping over each other!

I'll be the contrarian here. I think for a first trip to Paris, it is nice to stay in a hotel. If either of you has been to the grand old city, that would be different. In a hotel, there is a desk clerk or concierge to point you in the right direction, give you advice and assistance. Unless you speak French, my vote is to stay in a hotel for the first trip, then stay in an apartment on subsequent trips when you know your way around better.

I recently used http://www.specialapartments.com and was really happy with them. They have a nice selection with very good taste, reasonable prices and all very centrally located (important)
Have a good trip
John

Some great selection but I prefer something with a private garden. vrbo 103254

My vote is for #1, hands down - there's a reason you keep coming back to it. It's almost twice the area of #2 or the others. There are windows in the LR, shouldn't be a concern. Good location, too. The loft appeal is understandable but the place is pretty tiny in comparison to #1 and it is not really a loft but a "mezzanine" with not enough room to stand.

Thank you everyone for your replies and suggestions!

I have looked at hotels, and understand the appeal of having a conceirge available to help with ideas on how to get around, etc., but I also like the appeal of wandering around an apartment in my pj's and being able to make coffee, and have a breakfast, etc. before heading out (i.e., I don't want to get dressed to go out for breakfast). I also like the idea of being able to cook meals and just putter around without having to just always sit on a hotel bed. Whenever I stay in a hotel I always feel like I have to go out....strange but true...

Thanks for the website Johnnycoyote. The apartments are fantastic, and I like the look of the studios too - and a great price. I particularly like:

http://www.specialapartments.com/Temple.html

and

http://www.specialapartments.com/Temple.html

The prices seem very reasonable, and in a good area of the city (of course I don't know what areas of BAD areas...) :)

LuckyLuc - thanks for showing me the vrbo. It IS nice, and the price is great - but the hubby (alright, and I) prefer to have a separate sleeping instead of a pull out couch. The garden is beautiful though.

I think my biggest problem I am having is that there are TOO many great places to stay in Paris! har har....what a problem huh?!! :p

The La Huchette property will have to wait until there are at least three of us going (can you believe I am planning a second trip to Paris before I even go on my first one???). The price is just too high to splurge on for the two of us....

Has anyone else have good reports on using the the Specialapartments in the Marais?

Comments on the two I have suggested above would be super appreciated! Of course if anyone else wants to share them "hidden gem" with me, I will add it to my wish list too!

Thanks again everyone!

We are staying in the first - VRBO 79965 in May. At least two people on this board have recommended it - do a search and you can find there comments. They were very pleased - said it was even better than it looks on the website, location great, owners wonderful to deal with (have been so far for us) - only $100 deposit and quick replies. Good luck!

I vote for the first one. The second one and those weird stools would get old after a day trying to actually eat a meal or look at a guidebook.

The third looked a bit cramped and I have taken lofts OFF my list of apartments.

My daughter and I stayed at this lovely apartment in the 16th last year.
http://www.vrbo.com/60877

But, what we learned was that we do want cable or satellite tv so we can hear the news, watch abit of the BBC etc.

So now my quick scan includes cost, floor (or elevator), sq. meters, cable tv, layout and I hope to find one in a double digit neighborhood.

Good luck!

Camelbak,
I too have been looking for an apartment, but I am going next month so alot of the ones I have found nice are not available for my time.
I have been to this persons site, found it originally on a Vrbo search and love all his places. Like I said, I could not get one of his but I did speak with him and he seemed very nice.
I have found myself another place in the Marais for next month but thought I would send you this link in case you want to look at any of these.
http://www.ourhomeinparis.com/

I think one and two are the only options on the original list. The rue du Bac appt. is a studio (not a one bedroom). The other is a "loft". I know the location of #2 and it is good. I notice on 1 there is no address. The area is good but if you know the specifics, I might be of more help. I do agree with some people..for a first trip it might be nice to have a few days in a hotel. I think you will be fine...just get on to slow travel to see if anyone has had experience with these apts or agencies. Apt rentals are great if nothing goes wrong. If it does you need the back up of a good agency or owner.

Thanks everyone for your replies!

I actually contacted a person who left a comment on VRBO re: 79965 and they gave a great recommendation. My concern (which was raised here) was the lack of windows that appeared in the pictures. The renter indicated that there were two large windows in the LR which overlooked a courtyard..didn't notice if it was dark or light during the day since they were out exploring - makes total sense! Overall they enjoyed their stay...so you should have great luck too!

Nice to hear that the owner is nice, and a small deposit, even better!

I will try to find out the specific address for Apartment #1 and post here. Hopefully those of you so familiar with Paris can tell me if it is a fabulous area to stay in.

Just to throw everyone for a loop - does anyone know of a great (and inexpensive) apartment in the St. Germain area? I know it's on the total opposite side of the river, etc. etc.

If you could pick which area b/w St. Germain and Marais which would you pick, and why?

Thanks everyone for your continuing replies, I really, really appreciate it!

re St. Germain and Le Marais..for a first visit I think St. Germain but the area of St. Germain near the 7th. I like the neighborhood (I lived on a tiny street near the rue du Bac metro so I am prejudiced); quiet but not too far away from anything. Great window shopping and wonderful food shops nearby. I like the Marais too. I like the 4th too though when I ws living in Paris it was "edgier" than it is now. It can be very busy on Sunday with people wandering around. At one time alot of artists and young designers had places there; now "trust fund kids"(I am using US vernacular) staying in a family studio are more the norm. You can't go wrong with either but I like St. Germain for a first stay with the Marais for a second!

camelbak, I'm hijacking for a sec... sorry.

Travelbunny- I'm staying near the rue du Bac metro stop on rue de Grenelle (directly across from Christian Louboutin's sexy red heeled shoes!) in July. Any "must do" restaurants(casual, inexpensive)in the area that you can share?

Thanks for your input re: staying in the St. Germain or Marais districts.

My SIL stayed in St. Germain during her visit last fall and totally loved it - like you mentioned close to everything, etc.

I am just wondering if it might be too touristy though? I mean, I am a tourist, logically, but I would love to be able to try to find the "real" Paris (of course within easy walking distance to everything).

I know, I know that sounds totally silly. I guess I would like to know if St. Germain has the same type of neighbourhood feel that I have heard the Marais district does? I want to feel like I am part of daily life - or at least see some daily life around me...instead of just tourist masses whenever I step directly out of the apartments front door.

Your thoughts would be appreciated. :)

The area of the 6th near the 5th (ex the Odeon area) is quite touristy. The area close to the 7th is truly a neighborhood. (please note my prejudice).

..am re restaurants.. I used to love the Maillot museum. In the basement there was a great coffee shop. On dreary days I would get my art fix and then either a great cofee or a hot chocolate. I would occassionally go to the Rest (?Bistro) les ministeres..only for lunch. I would people watch and look for senior members of the national assembly..just "fun" once or twice. There is a fairly pricey resto La ferme Saint Simon BUT they had a very good "menu". I think you had to go relatively early for this (or maybe I was just hungry and always went early) to take advantage of this. There was a great cheese shop on the rue du Bac and a Nicholas just off it so all my needs were met!

St Germain didn't feel like a neighborhood to me at all -- it feels like a wealthy strip of boutiques and over-priced brasseries and cafes. It's fun if you really like to shop, though, even window shop.

A cafe creme ran 2.30 Euro (sitting at a table) in the Marais neighborhood I stayed in, an espresso was 1.40 and there were plenty of locals around in the morning.

In Saint Germain, a cafe creme ran around 6 Euro (higher at cafes from the glory days of the Paris intelligentsia) and there are tourists from all over the world sitting around you -- that's not a bad thing, just depends on what you're looking for.

Camelbak - I stayed in the Latin Quartier, not St. Germaine. I was just a block or two away from Blvd St Germaine de Pres. I really liked the area between the 5th and 6th due to its approximaticity. Some people are correct in saying that it's very touristy. Think Robson in the summer, if you will. But it was close to everything. Now, the area where Travelbunny mentions - it is nice, definitely local, and I think close enough to Le Grand Epicerie, I believe. Paris is really funny where for a block, it's totally overrun by tourists and shops, then the next block up, it's so residential.

So really, the ideal location just depends on which block you're in. And like Travelbunny says, you're almost always in walking distance to something in Paris.

hmmmm. While I love window shopping, I don't like overpriced coffee shops and restaurants simply because I am in a tourist part of a city.

I mean, don't get me wrong, I will pay for a good lunch/dinner, whatever, but if I know there is an equally good place somewhere else for less..I will tend to wander over there. You know?

Alrighty....if you could LIVE in either area...which would you live in to get the full Parisian flavour?

See, while I was in Florence last year I stayed out in the main tourist area (with my BFF who lives there). I felt like I was experiencing real Italian life instead of just setting out from the Duomo and stepping into my apartment across the square sort of thing.

This is SOOOO hard! :) I guess that is partly what makes it fun..and your input is really appreciated.

-camelbak

good question. I guess if I were to live there, I'd probably live a bit further away from the Seine, but still close enough to see the Eiffel somewhere. But I haven't truly explored out further from the Seine, on my first trip, and this is what I want to do on my 2nd trip - get out away from the tourist central and find little neighbourhoods

ps - never been to Marais yet - so I can't say where I'd live just yet. I think I would probably choose Marais based on what people have said.

Fishee. have you actually lived in the area near rue du Bac or lived in the Marais? I lived in the first and spent considerable time in the second years ago (I was "bring courted" by someone who lived in the 4th). Both these neighborhood have great memories but I am trying to be objective with recommendations to the first time tourist.

Travelbunny.
I don't totally understand your question although I'm sensing you're establishing yourself as an authority on where to stay in paris since you once "lived" there and was "courted" by someone. good for you!! sounds delightful!

If you've noticed, I've refrained from telling camelbak where to stay since I have no idea what she likes and values. I just noted the shopping was great in St. Germain, tourists from all over the world, and that the coffee is a tad expensive -- does that sound unobjective or inaccurate?

No matter what, she's going to have a fabulous time -- you really can't go wrong in either place! Have a wonderful trip!

Heya...

When travelling I love running around all the regular sites and taking everything in fully...but when it comes to "going home" for the evening, I like a neighbourhood that feels like I could live there everyday. Good stores and restaurants nearby but away from all the tourist hustle and bustle. It seems like Marais, from all my reading on Fodors and Slowtrav, is more along those lines more so than St. Germain district...but I was wanting to get some first hand opinions as well.

I guess I should provide some background? I am 32, hubby is 35. We have two kids (who will most definitely be staying home this trip). We have travelled to Hawaii, Arizona, throughout Canada, Mexico and I have been to Italy twice in the last two years. DH did his first Europe trip last year to Italy as well.

We enjoy good food, but aren't foodies, like to relax at cafes and watch the people and world go by. We love museums and great buildings and beautiful surroundings and DH in particular loves great architecture (and has this thing with old, old doorways). :) We like to splurge on items for one another and ourselves, but are frugal in our choices. We don't have huge budgets, but won't scoff at paying for a nice bottle of wine, or a well prepared and slow lunch at a cafe somewhere (we spent three hours at a restaurant overlooking San Lorenzo church on a sunny September day and it is one of the best memories of the trip).

On my Florence trips I loved cooking at the apartment and then walking around at night, grabbing a coffee and dessert and seeing all of the tourist sites lit up etc, but I also loved being able to go back to my "neighbourhood" (near San Marco) and feeling like I was in a real neigbhourhood, with real people doing their own thing.

So..I like a mix of tourist and residential. It seems from what I have read that the Marais has more of that to offer then the St. German, or Latin Quarter.

Your take now that you have a bit of background on me?

From what you're saying, it sounds like you're generally looking for something more like the Marais, although it would depend a bit on what street you're on in either neighborhood.

I'd punch in an exact address on pagesjaune.com to get a feel for the street your apartment will be on. This site shows you street level photos of every building/store front on the block.

Again, either way, you can't really go wrong. Everything is a bit more expensive and posh around St Germain Des Pres but it's quite enjoyable and I loved it on my first trip.

Thanks Fishee. Funny you should mention because my SIL (who was in Paris last year) forwarded me a pic of the front of the building which she got through pagesjeune. SO cool! (the internet is just crazy).

I also ran it through GoogleEarth - literally two blocks from Place de Vosges.

We also found out that the closest metro (Chemin Vert) through the http://www.ratp.info/orienter/cv/carteparis.php.

So far, with the budget that I have been given, I think that this is the apartment for us!

Now....to find out about restuarants and cafes around the area... :)

Thank you for your help! I really appreciate everyone's input!

we've stayed in the same neighborhood, and are returning this spring. between the chemin vert and st. paul metros and the 96 and 69 buses, it is super easy to get anywhere you want to go.

we also find the marais to be generally more lively (esp. at night) than the 6th. the place des vosges is fabulous, and there are many great museums just a short walk away.

have fun!!

Melissa,

Seeing that you've stayed there, is there a good cafe nearby for just sitting there and watching the world go by?

there are a lot of cafes in the area! our tradition has been to go the the cafe hugo, which is right on the place des vosges, when we arrive. you can sit under the arcades which is nice. just a few doors down from "our" apartment is l'escurail, at the corner of rue de turenne and rue des francs bourgeoise(sp?); there is another cafe just across the street.

i also had a nice encounter with a handsome french waiter at les philosophes which is on rue vielle de temple!

Thanks Melissa!

Just wondering where "your" apartment was? Did you rent through VRBO or another agency, or are you lucky enough to have an abode in Paris all for yourself? As you can see, I am very open to any fabulous little gem of an apartment in the Marais district. :)

hi,

we're renting (not owning, unfortunately) vrbo #15502 for the second time next month. it's a 2BR though, and it sounds like you only need a 1BR.

i think the apt. you're looking at in the marais looks very nice. however, as other posters have said, the "window overlooking a private courtyard" may not provide much light. regardless, the location sounds great.

Thanks!

Of course Fishee threw their rental VRBO into the mix. Showed it to the DH and he has now decided that he likes the idea of a studio apartment - but even more so he loves the idea of a little terrace/balcony to sit at night and have some wine. His exact words "it would be so romantic".

Think I caught myself a keeper ;)

Now if I can just figure out how to get pagejeune.com to let me view pictures of store fronts all will be good!!!