Apartment in Paris for First timer?
 

Hi Everyone,

I am trying to decide between a hotel room and an apartment in Paris. We are staying 6 or 7 nights and have a budget of up to 120 Euros per night. We are looking at either 5th, 6th or 1st arrondissment.

As a first timer to Paris, do you think a hotel room would be a better option as the staff can assist us? Or is it easy enough to go it alone?

Thanks!

If you are comfortable in most European cities and can speak French, an apartment is for you. It is the closest thing to living in Paris. I love it. However, if you aren't and don't speak it, then, stay in a hotel. It will make your first trip more enjoyable and prepare you to go the 2nd time and stay in an apartment. Have a great time!

Agree totally that if this is your first trip to Europe or Paris and you don't have the language, go for a hotel. Apartments are great, but you do have to have some familiarity with the city and the language.

I rented an apartment in Paris two years ago after 90+ trips to that city and was totally flummoxed by the washing machine (and I speak the language since practically birth).

I think you'll be more comfortable in a hotel. OTOH, if you're up for an adventure, go for an apt.!

I don't think it could be that difficult, I guess it depends on the back up and help you get from the agency or owner.

we're just back from staying in one of these apartments and the agency were extremely repsonsive.

http://www.parisreference.com

Hi allieS
generally, the rental agencies offer leaflets not for you to get lost. Hotels staff will advice you to stuff they are related to.
Moreover, if you come from USA, the fact that with the hotel you will have to take all your meals outside can be quite a problem for your wallet, whereas apartment have often (if not always) fully equipped kitchen (StCirq, i think everybody is flummoxed by washing machine setups!!).
As a 1st timer, you will do the basics, following your travel guide.

Anyway, have a look at www.myvideoplanet.com , they have both hotel and apartments, and you can watch a video before you book

Great (value) apartment in the 1st:
http://www.way2stay.com/Paris-apartm...n-109-1684.htm

I think since youre on this forum, you should be able to gather up enough info to get around on your own.
a week is also plenty of time to not have to squeeze everything in.

In 2005, my wife and I rented a wonderful place in the 15th arr. through VRBO. True, we had been to Paris in the past, but this was our first apartment experience. We will never stay in a Parisian hotel again.

I have mixed feelings:

First of all, I love hotels. I like knowing my room will be cleaned every day. I like a front desk to call if there is a problem. I like having a desk that will make reservations for me.

Having said all that, it is coming to the point where a nice hotel is a luxury for us. And I don't mean a luxury hotel is a luxury, but that any pleasant hotel seems to be so highly priced these days.

Our last two trips were apartment stays; one in Paris, one in Venice. Our next trip is a fast moving journey through parts of southern Italy.

Clearly, I'm not of the one or the other way of thinking. I like both.

I think apartments are great if you get something special for your money. I looked at a zillion apartments for Rome, and none of them had all the things I wanted for a bottom line price of 125 euro. I wanted AC, central location, no more than two flights of steps.

I totally agree that those with a sense of adventure can do well with an apartment for a first time stay in a foreign city. You need to be prepared, and to not feel the need for the security of a hotel.

You are the only one who knows that, I guess.

We rented from rentparis.com and we were very pleased. They were really on the spot when we had a problem, and they met us when we arrived at the apartment.

Tuscan - I tend to agree. We stayed in a fabulous apartment in Florence. I adored it and would not have traded it.

I did not love our apartment in Rome (which btw seemed like it had 6 flights to go up - with heavy luggage and after walking all over all day was NOT fun)... it was just "okay".

I did not find it to be an issue for us not to have a desk to check in with but I did a lot of research and had books/papers with me.

I enjoyed our hotel in Paris and it was a short stay so it worked out best - in Switzerland as well, short stay and we enjoyed the hotel.

I think tuscanlifeedit summed it up perfectly. There are pros and cons on each side of this issue and it ultimately comes down to your own comfort level.

One thing I would mention, though, is that if you are really concerned about the language issue, there are apartments in Paris where the owner or on-site representative speaks enough English to show you around and deal with any issues that might come up during your stay. It's something that you could clarify through e-mail enquiry.

Anselm

During our first time in Paris we stayed in an apt with no problems. I have just the barest grasp of French and my DH has none. It's amazing how just by using French greetings and then lots of hand gestures one can get by quite well in Paris. :)

I prefer apartments wherever possible mainly because I like the extra space, the availability of a washer/dryer and knowing that I can sleep in, or take a nap in the afternoon without being disturbed by housekeeping!

Thanks for all the great advice! I am leaning more towards the hotel I think... I have no French language skills yet, but plan to do a course before going so that we aren't completely stranded. The apartments I had been considering were with www.parisbestlodge.com as the owner comes around to give you a run down on how to work everything. I am an Aussie so our dollar is liveable (better than the GBP exchange rate anyway) but we are used to getting a lousy rate.

Hotel choices are down to Hotel Jeanne d'Arc; Hotel Chopin and Hotel La Bretonnerie. The washing machine and internet at the apartments is tempting, but perhaps we will be more relaxed if we know there is someone we can rely on (this is our first time to Paris, but also overseas as well)

Thanks for all the great advice :-)

Best wishes allie for your trip planning, the Parisbestlodge apartments get really great reviews here and on www.slowtrav.com and it seems that Thierry is very good to deal with. I tried to book one for our trip in Sept (also our first) but not big enough for us and our 2 teenage daughters and within budget.He was very prompt in answering my emails. We ended up booking through www.vacationinparis.com
My Aunt and Uncle though recommended Hotel Jeanne D'Arc to us when planning. They have stayed there at least twice and were very happy.I always check reviews on here and www.tripadvisor.com. Good luck you'll find great info on this site.

On my first time in Paris, we stayed in a hotel (and were with French-speaking Canadians), and it was very nice to have the desk to guide us around. Though my friends spoke French to the hotel staff, I know they were available to provide English information, as well.

This time we are renting an apartment. The biggest difference is that there is a lot more planning, knowing that I can't rely on the desk for help (e.g., electrical conversions, maps, etc.) But, being able to stay in a central location at a reasonable price was my first priority. I rented from vacationinparis because (1) I could pay in USD, which has worked out nicely in the current awful exchange rate situation, and (2) because they provide English-speaking help in Paris.

So, like everyone else said, if you don't mind planning more ahead of time, I think an apartment is worth it.

again, first time I would do a hotel (unless kids or frequent foreign travel to other cities). An apt can be just great but if anything goes wrong it can really go wrong. For example you will pay 50-100% before you arrive and this is not refundable. If you book a hotel and there are problems it is usually an issue of one bad night and you can usually find another place (except at peak season). A good agency will help but there is a premium for this. To quote a nursery rhyme which can sum up apt rentals.."when it (sic) was good it was very very good but when it was bad it was horrid"

I really don't think an apartment would be all that difficult. I've been going to Paris almost annually since the mid 70s and have stayed at hotels. I would have gotten an apartment a LOT sooner had I been on this forum for many years and seen all of the recommendations.

I've rented an apartment in Bangkok, for quite a while, and have had no problems. There is a lot more service there, however. However, soon I will have an apartment in Paris since I'm taking an elderly parent. It's in the same neighborhood I've stayed in since the early 80s and everything is a few steps away...grocery store, bakeries, 2 metro lines, etc... Check out vacationinparis.com Apt#122. It's in the heart of things.
I received my final paperwork from them last week and they list transportation companies so that one can get to and from the apartment easily...which I'll need with an elderly parent since she can't take the RER. There was lots of other helpful info...which I don't need since I've been there so much, but is more than adequate for a first timer. Plus, they mail the keys ahead of time, so that you have the keys before you get there...unless someone else has just finished renting the apartment. Then you contact the Paris contact...which can be telephoned from any pay telephone, in Paris, and for free. He/She will bring the keys to the apartment. I like to rent apartments because it's much more comfortable than a hotel...more space and I save a bundle on food...not HAVING to eat every meal out. Happy Travels!

I guess I may be in the minority. I cannot imagine going to Paris and staying in a hotel. I have done both, and much prefer the apratment to the hotel. I also do not think that you need to know any French to make it work very easily. Each time I have rented an apartment, and english speaking representative walked me through everything as was available via phone or email if I had any questions.

I just paid 80 euros a night for a wonderful apartment in the 5th that was just the right size for me and my wife. I really would not have wanted to do it any other way.

Guenmai - I really like that apartment. I looked at if for our family over Christmas time.

Dawnnoelm...I'll report back on it when I return home. I'm REALLY glad to have an apartment now. Some reasons I stayed in hotels for so long was that I just didn't know what apartment company to go with, didn't want to move out of my neighborhood in the 6th, and also the managers at the hotels in which I stayed...Welcome Hotel and Hotel de Seine on rue de Seine...were friends of mine for many years....throughout the 80s and 90s. So, it was great to arrive at the hotels and see them. I always knew where to find them, so to speak. Smiles.
But, now that that has all changed...one has passed away...and the other has moved on...it's time for me to move on to Plan B. And although the hotel that I've stayed at since 2003...Hotel le Clement...is very nice and I love the location... I have no personal attachment as I did to the other two hotels. Happy Travels!

My husband and I were in Paris in November 2007 for nine days. It was our first time in France, and we do not speak much French at all.

We rented an apartment in the Montmartre.

Our apartment was in a 100+ year old building, four flights up with no elevator.

We had the best time ever!

Yes, we did get lost on the streets of "our" neighborhood a couple times. And we certainly had some silly misunderstandings buying foods in some of the neighborhood shops. We had to figure out the French washing machine, and then to hang our clothes to dry on a makeshift line in the entryway of our little apartment. It took us a couple tries on the Metro to get it down - once we even rode all the way to the wrong end of the line before we realized our error.

But I always think those kinds of mishaps are half the adventure when arriving in any new place.

We made friends with the green grocer on the corner, and he taught me how to say "eggplant" and "plum" in French.. The waitress in the little bistro down the street handwrote directions to "secret" neighborhood pathway to some lovely gardens - on a napkin.. The cheese shop clerk seemed a bit reserved the first couple times we came in to shop, but ended up giving us tips and samples after our first few visits. And we patronized a really great wine shop around the corner, and learned a little about French table wines ... some of the pluses to staying in a real neighborhood (with a kitchen!), in my opinion.

I'm sure we would have been perfectly fine in a hotel, but I just wanted to say that it's certainly not that daunting to rent an apartment the first time one is in a new city.

Guenmai,

We were going to stay in the Welcome hotel for a few nights but our plans have been all over the place and we decided on Brugges for a few nights instead.

Please report back on your property. I liked having the company here in the states for me it makes it easier with paying etc.

allieS:

My family stayed in an apartment in the 2nd, about 100ft from the first. The company was from the U.S. (in N.J.) and charged in US$. They had a number of apartments in the areas you seek and the price point as well. They are located at www.vacationinparis.com.
Our trip, in 2006, was our first to Paris and only I understood any French from school many years earlier. We did not have any troubles. Other than my wife not understanding why all of the stores were named the same- SOLDES!

Good luck and enjoy.

Dawnnoelm...It's good you didn't stay at the Welcome as it's VERY noisy. That's one reason I had to move out of there. I stayed there so many years only because of the price and because of my hotel manager friend.
I was in Hotel de Seine from 1981-1990 and then they renovated and my $50. a night room in 1990... it used to be around $18.00 a night in 1981... Smiles... was hiked up to around $125 after the renovation. I was shown the place after the renovation which was no biggy to me. The old place looked just fine. Prior to Hotel de Seine, I stayed all over Paris for 5 years of trips trying to figure out which area I liked best.
So, I moved to the Welcome...owned by the same person as Hotel de Seine... and stayed there throughout the 90s. Then on to Hotel Clement after staying with one of my Parisien hotel manager friends for a few trips. So, I'm SO happy to have finally found an apartment in my area of many years. Happy Travels!

Go for the apartment, live a s a Parisian, even if just for a moment. You will not be disappointed!!

Well, I decided to go for an apartment. There are a few I've picked out that are available with Vacationinparis.com and parisbestlodge.com. See below...

ID#51 - Pompidou-Marais One Bedroom Apartment
12 rue Pecquay
http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_51.htm

ID#64 - St. Sauveur One Bedroom Apartment
39 rue Saint Sauveur
http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_64.htm

ID#122 - St Andre des Arts One Bedroom Loft
30 rue St. Andre des Arts
http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_122.htm

www.parisbestlodge.com/studiocallot.html


Can anyone offer advice on the one with the best location?? At the moment I am leaning to #122 in St Germain.

I also have 122 bookmarked, it looks like a lovely little apartment, great location and it gets good reviews here often. I like that the bedroom is upstairs so that someone can be downstairs and not bother the other person...good for you for taking the plunge, I hope you have a wonderful week in Paris.

I personally like ID#122 - St Andre des Arts. I like 6th arr and find it convenient to walk to most sights. It also has an elevator and the size is decent (~400 sq ft). My only concern is how noisy it may be. I'm not too familiar with the neighboring streets but just want to bring that up.

The ID#51 - Pompidou-Marais one looks more spacious and sunny. Even has a balcony. It doesn't mention the size of the apt (at least I couldn't find it). I think the apt is nice but I'm just not a fan of its location. The other problem is no elevator and the apt is on the 4th floor (ie, US 5th floor).

ID#64 - St. Sauveur is the same size as #122, but for some reason looks smaller in the photos. There is no real dining table - just the kitchen "bar" area.

The last one is tiny - not sure if you really want that!

Just re-read this thread and I have to say, the idea of StCirq flummoxed by a washing machine does amuse me...

Hi allieS, I had my first trip to Paris in May 2006 and stayed in an apartment (schoolgirl French only). We managed just fine and absolutely loved the experience of being in an apartment. We had a few problems (I broke a tooth!!) but the people we rented through were on hand, even to the extend of booking a dental appointment for me. It was such a thrill to head out early in the morning to buy croissants and then having breakfast in our own living room, looking out over the little balcony to the street below. We are from Sydney and are going back in June this year and have booked another apartment www.parisbestlodge.com/luxembourg.html. I'm excited already and really can't wait - 10 days in Paris!!!

Well, its done, I have booked apartment #122 in St Germain with Vacationinparis. The price I thought was quite good for a 40m2 apartment - $1194 US for six nights (equivalent to 770E, so only 100E more for an apartment twice the size!).

Now I just have London, Edinburgh, Rome, Cinque Terre, Montreux, Lauterbrunnen and Venice to go!! So much fun :-)

Hi allieS, from a fellow Aussie.

Just want to throw in my 'two bobbs worth'.........we, family of 4 (2 adults 2 teenagers) stayed in an apartment in Paris xmas two years ago. parisperfect.com the most fun, the best time we've had. No french for us, just a french/english book and off we went. Had a fantasic time, you will love it. (ps, don't ask for a bottle of chardonay.....its the only time we saw any french arrogance...they actually laughed 'at' us......very off putting, but makes a great story)

Hi aussiedreamer,

Thanks for the extra boost in confidence. But what was funny about Chardonnay?

I don't want to tell anyone how great it is to book thru parisbestlodge.com, I am afraid you all will take all his great apartments. Seriously this is a great agency and the Thierry is very honest. I rented Studio Rivoli a few years ago and loved it.

Not sure allieS.............but we didn't ask for it again.

From another fellow aussie, good luck with your planning. Your list of other places to stay sound very much like our own itinerary for Sept/Oct. You'll find so much great info on here. I've had almost every question answered already and feel a lot more confident in booking our own holiday (and had much more fun researching too!!) Try www.sleepinitaly.com for apartments in Rome, we found some really nice ones. GOOD LUCK

Hi Allie

Wy husband works for Accor and obviously in Paris we have a huge range of hotels to choose from at a great price. We avoid them like the plague in Europe.

October 2006 we rented a tiny garret in the Latin quarter from Paris Studios. It's great to have your own place, pick up food bring it back, meet locals in the stairwell and just make it your own.

We also did the same in Rome (where we spoke no Italian).

This year we are renting a very large apartment that sleeps 10 for Xmas in the Marais. We are going with two other families we met at prenatal group 17 years ago. We have 4 teenagers who are basically brothers and sisters.

It's great that you are planning on picking up some french, but even bonjour, merci and Au revoir go a long way in building a rapport.