We are traveling to Paris over Thanksgiving break to visit my daughter who is studying in Paris and living in the 15th.

We rented a fabulous apartment in the 1st a year or so ago, but would like to be closer to where my daughter is living this time.

As much as I have booked apartments with VRBO in the past, I am always nervous when dealing with an unknown.

I found an apartment in the 15th that fits all of our needs. Hoping that someone else has stayed there or knows of this apartment and can give me some feedback.
I tried searching the forums archives to no avail.

www.vrbo.com/78242

Thanks for any comments! Oh, if you have another recommendation for an apartment in the 15th or nearby, please share.

Thanks!

Hi bethyk,
I've not stayed there but I checked the calendar and it's booked for many weeks in 2011 which I think is a very good sign.

Have you tried emailing/ phoning the owner? I think if you call you should feel less nervous about the 'unknown'.

OOps, meant to add... I'd ask the owner for the address or at least the street or nearest metro so you can pinpoint it on a map to see how close you'd be to your daughter.

Thanks sassy_cat. I have corresponded with the owner. Seems all good. I just would feel better if there was some feedback from someone else renting there other than the reviews on vrbo.

The apartment is only two stops from my daughter's metro stop, so that's all good.

hi bettyk - yes, we stayed here and loved it, our favorite apartment in Paris. When the two bedroom we had reserved fell through we were lucky to find availability here. Two bedrooms - not large but adequate with armoire and great beds - and two modern bathrooms with shower (no tub if that matters) and one with washer and separate dryer so no waiting six hours for a load to finish. Fully equipped kitchen including full size refrigerator and dishwasher. Great wifi and free phone calls back to US. Balcony overlooking garden. Full service grocery store on the first floor of the building. Lots of shops (baker, butcher, etc.) in the neighborhood. Very short walk to Lourmel metro stop or T3 tram. One stop on tram to RER. Bus top at the corner.

To be honest, I was a little concerned about being outside our usual central arrondissements, but all for naught. This place won our hearts with its comforts and ease of getting around. We actually have a friend who lives just a few blocks away.

Payment was easy - paid in US dollars into owner's US account per instruction. Deposit was returned promptly. BTW, the owner is originally from Texas. Property manager met us at the apartment, provided cell phone for contact which we never needed to use.

If you are looking for funky bohemian charm in the way of exposed beams, low ceilings, loads of stairs and centuries of dust this is not for you but if you want comfort and convenience, grab it.

Seamus,

Thank you for your reply.

The apartment actually looks perfect for us. I just worry about putting money into the account of a complete stranger with no strings attached.
Did the owner provide you with a contract or receipt?

I'm just trying to be careful.

I must say that I've shopped apartments in Paris for many years and have never seen such a comprehensive and straightforward listing. (The address, by the way, is given on the website link.)

You can also pay with a credit card with PayPal (and pay an extra 2.9%).

If you're that worried about it, you're probably better off booking a hotel room or using a US based agency and paying with a credit card.

Understand your concern, bettyk, but it worked just fine.

bettyk,

Given your concern, why don't you ask the owner if he/she can provide a couple of e-mails for the people who have written reviews or have stayed there recently. The apartment has very good reviews and looks fine.