AmyChow

Now I'm getting really overwhelmed. We leave in 10 days for our first time in Paris (I've posted other questions recently). I thought I had our hotel options narrowed down to Hotel Clement and Hotel du Lys but now I've discovered Paris apartments from too much internet surfing!

Any thoughts on this?
thanks

Budman

I don't know when you are going, but there are many different companies to go thru in Paris. We rented from parisvacationapartments.com and were very pleased. Others have used different companies and have been pleased.

I'd go for the apartment. More room, kitchen facilites, refrig, coffee maker, microwave, etc.

It was great getting up in the morning to a glass of OJ and hot cup of coffee, some fruit & cheese, while getting ready to explore the city.

Damn!!! Now you have to make a decision.

Elizabeth_S

If the cost is comparable then DEFINITELY the apartment - as Budman says it's great to potter around your own place - you feel "very local".

palette

It depends on whether you feel comfortable not having a front desk clerk to go to with questions and/or help with reservations, etc. If you are confident about going it "alone," the apartment would be my choice. But then your apartment might have a contact person; the one I rented several years ago was a family's home and they were out of the area for the enire time. The building manager spoke no English, so we had to be independent.

Christina

If you are leaving in only 10 days I would never even consider renting an apt. Double especially not for one week's stay.

Why would you even think you need one? IN any case, have you considered what an apt will cost you (a lot no doubt) and what would be available at this late date? Good vacation apts are booked up 6-12 months ahead of time in Paris.

AmyChow

Actually, there are several apartments available in the Latin Quarter for our short notice. They're also in the $120/night price range which is what we expected to pay for a hotel.
Once you factor in the fact that you can make your own coffee and have a few meals in your own kitchen, the overall cost of room and board might be cheaper.
I sound like I'm making my decision but I was looking for everyone's input.

Christina - I'm curious about your response regarding the late notice. Why would apartment rental vs hotel be any different in terms of late booking?

thanks.

Gretchen

For a week I would just never think it was worth it to rent an apartment--and especially if it is the same price as a hotel. Too much getting settled and acclimated for such a short time.

Nikki

If you can make the financial arrangements on this short notice, I can't imagine why the short notice should prevent you from renting an apartment. In fact, one of the disadvantages of renting, the deposit which is usually required, becomes less burdensome if you are paying only a week ahead.

I stayed in an apartment we rented through RentParis.com for six nights in February, and it was wonderful. After a day or two, a small hotel room becomes pretty cramped, and this allowed us so much more room to spread out and relax. The price was less than my husband, daughter and I would have paid for a triple in a moderate hotel, and the facilities were nicer.

We were able to buy food from bakeries, charcuteries, and vegetable markets whenever it caught our eye and bring it back for meals or snacks to be eaten whenever we felt like it. I don't understand why some posters said they wouldn't rent especially for a week. I would certainly do this again if I could find as nice an apartment for the price.

craisin

Just an added level to this question, what if you are traveling alone for 7-9 days? Which option would be better?

Budman

For 7-9 days, get yourself a small efficiency apartment. You'll probably get tired of eating out all the time. At least you will have choices.

I agree with Nikki. Cuts down on the crampiness. We didn't do any "hard core" cooking, but stopped by the market for cheese & bagettes, and one night grabbed a cooked chicken off the spit and had a nice dinner in the apartment.

If you can book something this late date, go for it. You will have a wonderful Parisian experience!!!

nancy

I'd definitely go for an apartment if you can get one in your price range on such short notice. So much nicer than being stuffed into a hotel room. I, too, rented from rentparis.com (a studio for a month in the 7th). They offer a lot of apts in the Marais. Worth checking out. The difficulty might be the deposit altho' I have heard you can now use a credit card. Great managers.

Patrick

In London I always rent a "flat" at a much lower price than a "decent" hotel. But in Paris, the hotels are cheap by comparison. This summer I'm renting an apartment there, but frankly it is about 40 euro a night more than a nice hotel I'm familiar with.

parisdemain

I just posted a note in the section that lists Paris Perfect. I loved my apartment, and many others have said the same. It is parisperfect.com
I have also rented from chez vous, but their prices are higher.

Budman

AmyChow, if you do decide to go the apartment route, drop a line after your trip on this board and let us know how your experience went. If you are the adventurous type, you'll love it.

Either way, enjoy Paris -- you'll have a wonderful time. Just watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas and on the subway/metro. They are good.

RufusTFirefly

It depends on your travel style to some extent. For us, accomodations are where we store our clothes, sleep, and shower. That's it. We couldn't conceive of wanting to stay in a room or apartment while on vacation. We don't even particularly try to get a room with a view unless it has a great night time view as that's the only time we're in our accomodations. We want it clean and conveniently located.

But to other people, their accomodations are a major part of their travel experience. Some of these people like to spend more time in their accomodations as part of their total travel experience--they might well benefit from an apartment. There's no right or wrong, better or worse; it's just what fits your travel personality.

kcw214

If you like to cook, get an apartment. Paris is a fabulous city to shop and cook in. If not, don't bother, because hotels have maid service.

AmyChow

Here's where I am in this decision making process. My hotel choice was Hotel du Lys at 110euros/night + breakfast for 6 nights and they have availability for my dates.
Now I've come across a 1 bedroom apartment with 500sq ft located on Rue de Bac (apt described as being located between River Seine and Blvd St. Germaine). This apartment is being offered at 810euros for 6 nights.

I think I might be willing to pay the extra 150 euros for the extra space and the ability to have a few meals in.

Opinions?

Budman

500 sq ft? Go for it!!!

Mara

AmyChow - Is that the apartment on Parisleftbankrental.com - a site with three apartments?? It looks lovely, but personally if it were my first trip, I think I would stick to a hotel. Have fun whatever you do,
Mara

Brutforce

I would opt for the apartment if you can still get it. Click on my name for prior comments on this topic.