I think we've paid 3 security deposits on the same Paris Perfect apartment we've rented 3 times in Paris. Did you pay multiple security deposits on your Paris Perfect rentals in Paris?? I have had a few deposits waived when we've returned to the same gite or apt in France. $800 is a tad high - but we like to return home with at least 500E ($700) for our next trip.

Stu Dudley

janisj, most of the Paris Perfect apartments are owned by Madeline and her husband and presumably that's also the case in London with their London Perfect apartments. Not all of the apartments require a security deposit, I'm told.

I think it's likely Madeline knows her repeat customers, especially the ones who've written rave reviews about their apartments and sent numerous customers their way. My experience with Paris Perfect was extraordinary and I'm not feeling it this time around with London Perfect, sadly.

Stu, I didn't pay a security deposit either time for a Paris Perfect rental. So, maybe I just got lucky? If it's a standard policy now, I understand it, but $800 is way out of line IMO.

It depends on each individual owner what the security deposit is.

janisj, at APCH, it's a standard security deposit of GBP 500.

Not that I like paying large deposits, but I certainly understand them.>>

so do I jj, but we've never asked for one, and the worst that has happened is that a glass or dish has been broken, which our guests have always replaced.

Grace - have you tried talking to Paris Perfect about what you want in London? After all they know you very well as a valued customer and may be able to steer you in the right direction.

Actually, PP's Ts & Cs state that a security deposit will be paid, and then refunded if there are no problems. However, I just looked at our CC statements, and I don't think we paid a security deposit on our third stay in Champagne.

APLH is a pretty big player in London. If 500 GBP/$850 is what they want - it's probably not too much out of line for London.

Stu Dudley

We've paid in the neighborhood of 60 security deposits for the 52 gites and 8-10 apts we've rented. So far, we've had 100% of these deposits returned to us in full. We did break a glass cover on a frying pan last year, and purchased a new one for the owner. When we told her this, she said we really didn't need to do that. We've also broken a few cheap glasses - which we either replaced or told the owner about it. I think they are more concerned with the big stuff - like missing TVs and floors that have to be resurfaced, or drapes dry-cleaned. One owner this year told us that a guest's dog ate a chair. She showed us the chair, and it was pretty much ruined.

Stu Dudley

We just used APLH in December and were pleased with the booking process, service and apartment. The deposit was credited by promptly to our credit card.

We wouldn't hesitate to you use again.

Should be:

the deposit was refunded promptly (about two weeks , but during the holidays)

We will use them again without hesitation.

For this trip, we've given up on trying to rent an apartment and will try again when our entire family visits later in the year. For this visit, I found a great rate at the Cranley Hotel.

I just want to thank everyone for weighing in with such good advice in this thread. Really appreciate all your help!

Is this the one, Grace?

http://www.cranleyhotel.com/

looks nice and pretty reasonable for central London.

annhig, yes, that's the one! Thought the rate was good, too. Love the location.