Hi, my husband and I will be in Paris in late April. I narrow down our choice to:
http://luxembourg-paris-hotel.com/
http://www.vieuxparis.com/
http://www.beau-paris.com/apartment-...1_english.html
I really want to stay in an partment but I have no experience of dealing with apartment owners. To reserve the apartment requires 500 euro down payment via paypal to some one I do not know at all. Would it be too risky? Does any one have any experience staying at this particular beau-paris apartment? How can I find out if the business is legitimate? Another down side is that the apartment does not have A/C. Is A/C necessary in late April? I appreciate any inputs.

You shouldn't need A/C in late April. In fact, you may still need to use the heat.

Regarding apartment rentals, I would deal with reliable agencies with a good track record - and take credit card payments. If you send cash via PayPal - you have no recourse. If you pay by credit card, you have more protection.

You could look at this site. We like the 4th, 5th or 6th arr. vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/europe/france/ile-de-france/paris You can google Paris apartments and find many more sites.

I think beau-paris is a group of independent owners just as VRBO is. So experiences may vary depending on the apartment.

You could ask the owner if they would allow you to write to a previous renter for a reference. I think if you pay paypal with a credit card you have protection. But paying an individual a deposit through paypal is not at all unusual.

You won't need A/C in April. It looks like a nice apartment as long as walking up to the 5th floor doesn't bother you.

Yes, the 5th floor climb would rule out this apartment for me. Wouldn't mind it once or twice but 2 or 3 times a day is too much.

I googled this apartment and found it offered also at Paristay, with some difference in details. The latter shows a floorplan and no bathtub, another dealbreaker for me. No reviews there either.

There are lots of apartments in Paris. If you do a search here, you will find many recommendations, both of rentals and agencies. I much prefer to deal through an agency and charge my rental to a credit card. Two lines of defense. Have you looked at the ParisPerfect and/or Vacation in Paris websites? Both those agencies come highly recommended.

You can use a credit card for payment via PayPal, affording you the usual protections. PayPal also has robust fraud protection (not sure if this in only for members or on any transaction).

That's a pretty strong price for a smallish apartment with a four-flight walkup. The 50% deposit is typical for Paris.

I'd def'lly choose an apt over a hotel.
Agree with Mimar. Try vacationinparis for starters, punch in your dates, and see what they have.

There may be a surcharge for stays of less than 5 days--it varies with the apartment.

Parisperfect is more "high-end" expensive. I've stayed at one of their flats, it was lovely, but dear. I believe their stays are for a week's time minimum, unless it is a last minute booking

I rented from Vacationinparis.com twice and recommend them. They are based in NJ, took a moderate deposit and I paid via credit card for all transactions.

Their properties go from basic to lovely, and are all over Paris. I found them to be clean, comfortable and as represented. Good luck!

Julie
www.juliesparis.wordpress.com