Family of 5 looking for apartment in Paris
 

We will be in Paris for the 1st time July 2011 and would like to stay in an apartment since there will be 5 or 6 of us, including two 17 year olds, a 14 year old and a 10 year old. Any suggestions on which area to stay? We will be there for 4-5 days. Thanks

The 7th is one of our favorite areas. As far as finding an apartment, I can highly recommend checking with 'Paris Perfect. They have an excellent selection of upscale apartments to choose from.

www.parisperfect.com/

As nice as an apartment can be, you are going to need a fairly large one with at least 2 bathrooms. When it comes to that 'extra' bed, you may find its a fold-away and mighty uncomfortable. (I saw the one in the apartment we just rented 2 weeks ago and I wouldn't like to have slept on it).

You could do a better deal pricewise by looking at The Ibis Hotel's Happy 20 Deal. This allows you to book on the internet at least 20 days before arrival ( I booked 6 months in advance) and secure a double/twin room for between 39-44euros a night. The rooms can be interleading which our room on the 14th floor was.
Doing the sums this means 3 rooms for lets say 44euros = 132euros per night for 6 people. As for breakfast - eat at McDonalds.

We always book the Ibis at La Defense which has the metro running straight down to the Champs Elysees (and Mc D's) but recently met a couple who got the same deal at The Ibis in Clichy. As it's a first trip, try one of the hotels more central, but quite honestly, La Defense is great - read my current report.
Hope you find just what you are looking for!
Tod

Because your group may want to go off in different directions sometimes and it's your first visit, I'd recommend staying in a central location--generally arrondisements 1-6, and possibly the 7th.

Take a look at the Paris apartment thread http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ent-thread.cfm to get an idea of apartments and agencies where other posters have stayed.

If you state your requirements, 2 or 3 bedrooms, budget, number of bathrooms, you'll get some specific recommendations.

We had a good experience renting through VacationInParis.com. Very nice selection of apartments in a broad range of prices. Key was shipped to us in the US, so we didn't need to spend time in Paris making that connection. You very likely want to make sure that your apartment is air conditioned and serviced by an elevator (keep in mind the first floor is 1 floor up from the ground floor).

I suggest that you stay in one of the central arrondissements (districts), 1-6 (the numbering runs in a clockwise spiral). I also suggest that you review a map of the Metro. There is a main east-west line (Line 1) which runs the virtual length of that central area. Almost all the sites first time visitors want to see are a short walk or transfer from that main line (though sometimes the Metro exits seem to run for many blocks underground).

One other suggestion: look at the Carte Musee n/k/a/Paris Museum card if you are interested in visiting museums and monuments. It may save you money (children under 18 normally do not pay entry fees to most museums). It will save you lots of time standing in line, as you have fast access to most attractions.

Have a great trip

www.parisvactionapartments.com has a great 3 bedroom (3 1/2 bath) in palais Royal - central location, large, bright and quite lovely!