macca

My wife and I are taking our two children, their spouses and four grandchildren [aged 7-15] to europe for three weeks during September / October 2010.
We are looking at spending 5 nights / 6 days in Paris in late September.
Having spent hours perusing the web I now turn to our knowledgeable readers to suggest suitable self catering accommodation for six adults and four grandchildren.
We are happy to look at accommodation either close to the centre or outside of central Paris that is close to public transport to the centre. Help Please!!

djkbooks

First, September/October is a very busy time in Paris, so you're wise to attempt to book something forthwith.

Second, booking anything for 10 people will be quite the challenge, all depending on your budget...

Excellent places to start would be

www.vrbo.com

and

www.vacationinparis.com

Note that your options will be far greater if you're interested in "self catering" for a visit of a week.

macca

Have looked at the VRBO site and was very impressed
Are there any recommended apartments?

avalon

I know Vacation in Paris has 3 apts in the same building that might be even more to your liking than one huge one. The price is not too unreasonable.

http://www.vacationinparis.com/infop/two_br.htm

scroll down to the Arlequin. Vieux Paris and scaramouche listing.

macca

thanks avalon
looks really interesting
have you stayed there?

avalon

Not at either of those apts.But I have stayed in other VIP apts. They are very easy to deal with, you get your keys in advance, your key deposit is returned promptly and you pay in US dollars . You can use a credit card. There was no security deposit on the apts, since you purchase an insurance poilcy from them. It runs around $25.00

Seamus

Your selection of apartments that will accommodate 10 people will be limited but as noted above some agencies have multiple units in the same building or very close by that may work. Expect to pay a premium price for one apartment large enough to handle 10. The other thing to keep in mind is that with ten people the more bathrooms the better, and with multiple apartments you would have additional bathrooms.
You might also check www.homeaway.com where you can search by several criteria from location to number of bedrooms and/or bathrooms.
Wherever you look you may well encounter a one week minimum for many properties, but you have nothing to lose by inquiring if they would accept a slightly shorter rental.

macca

I am beginning to see that several apartments have big advantages over one big one. Certainly allowing space and some privacy. We will be spending the week after Paris in a self drive canal boat on the Canal Du Midi so some getaway space will be helpful. Also access to more bathrooms / WC's would also be a bonus.
Appreciate all the comments

enzian

Vacation in Paris probably has several options for 2 or 3 apartments in the same building. We stayed in one such setup in the 7th Arr., but it would only accommodate 8 maximum. I believe there are other possibilities that will take the 10 of you.

This company is very professional and reliable. You pay with credit card (in dollars), so no worries about bank transfers into someone's account as you might do with VRBO rentals.

They do nightly rentals--no full week required---but with a 5-night stay you will get their best rate (shorter stays have a small surcharge).

You might look around their website to get a feel for thier options, but it would probably be best to call them and ask what they can offer for several apartments in the same building.

macca

I have searched extensively and have been impressed with Vacation in Paris and their #179 and #79 and #29 which would accommodate all of us and give privacy
What do you think about these apartments/location/price etc?

ParisJo

I have rented # 179 for 4 nights in May for my daughter and I. The booking process was very easy and I thought the price was very reasonable for all the amenities we are getting (especially the free wifi and free calling to and from Canada ~ very important to my daughter, who is leaving our grandson for the first time and needs to keep in touch daily!). We would have preferred the #79 for the extra space but it was already booked. You can read reviews of both apartments on the UK version of Trip Advisor (just google vacation in Paris # 79 or #179 and the site should be among the top responses). I can't comment on the apartment yet since we won't stay there until May, but it looks like it will meet all our criteria. The only negatives seem to be that it is on the small side (but the owners have made great use of such a small space) and there is only one window and it doesn't look out onto the street. On the other hand, it is supposed to be very quiet at night and since we plan to be out most of the time, not having a view isn't such a big deal this time.

Having been to Paris 3 times already with my hubby (number 4 coming up in September/October for 16 nights!) I wanted to stay pretty central for such a short trip. Rue Montorgeuil is a wonderful market street and you are close to so many great sights on the right bank (the Louvre, Opera Garnier, Printemps and Gallerie Lafayette, the Marais, Bastille Market, the Seine etc). You are also close to metro and bus stops. I love this area and think your family will be delighted to be so close to great bakeries, restaurants, cafes, butchers, etc. If anyone in your family is a foodie, this area will be heaven to them.

You can call Vacations In Paris and ask their opinion on the apartments for your particular circumstances. They are very honest about their places and will let you know if there are any issues or better choices for you out there.

Happy hunting!

Jo

MomDDTravel

I have traveled with a "group" often (we have a larger family) and last December/Jan went to Paris with 6. We rented one apartment - it was 3 bedrooms and two baths - I echo the suggestions for a few apartments.

I have not used Vacation in Paris but they continue to get top reviews on this forum. They seem to do better via phone (from my own experience) than responding to emails.

Good luck and let us know what you end up with.

avalon

I've not stayed in that neighborhood but have a fried who owns an apt nearby and also several friends who have rented in the Rue Montorgeuil area. And they all love it. I've visited the area and as Jo says it's a great market street, better than rue Cler , IMO and has good transportation options.

Judy

We've rented from www.parisvacationapartments.com and were very pleased. They have 3 apartments in a building at Palais Royal.

macca

Fantastic feedback. really pleased to have comments re the location of the three apartments. Also we have been caught before where the apartment bore no resemblance to the photos on the website. I have emailed Vacations in Paris with a request.
Also it gets to the stage where enough is enough as far as looking at options