DH and I are planning our first trip to Paris. We've researched lots of hotels and apartments, and we've somewhat decided to go with an apartment. Would love to have feedback, both pro and con, on the following apartment.

http://www.vrbo.com/11407

Thanks

Do you want any comments, or just from folks who've stayed in that one? I haven't, but think it looks pretty good overall, and that's a decent rate for an apt. that size in that area.

That's a good size for a one bedroom in Paris (close to 900 sq feet or 80m2). It is a very central location in St Germain, and that is an expensive area, so close to $200 a night rent is not surprising, and seems fair for the market.

The main drawback I see is that it's on the fourth floor without elevator, but other than that, it seems better than a lot I see. For example, the living room setup isn't quite clear from the photos, but it looks like the main room has just armchairs, rather than a sofa. Not clear where the TV is to view, but my big peeve with rental apts. is no decent place to sit and no decent lights. Those chairs at least look fairly comfortable for sitting, although the lighting doesn't look that great, really (one small table lamp behind the chair, a torchiere lamp which is useful for reading). The sofabed in the alcove is kind of there by itself without any lighting or coffee table, it appears, but it's hard to tell.

All in all, I've seen a lot worse, though, and you may not even care about those things. It looks pretty good, I'd say. Of course, there would be no AC in summer, fourth floor walkup, the washer/dryer is very small size (typical for apts.), and it isn't even clear if there is a full-size refrigerator or such a minifrig. But, it seems pretty good for the money and area given lots of others I've seen.

oh, I meant a tochiere lamp is NOT useful for reading, but sure you knew that. It is very common that rental apts have terrible lighting, they think no one reads, and this is par for the course. A lot of hotels are like that, anyway, though.

hi. we just got back from our 3rd trip to paris. the first two times we stayed in hotels, and this time we rented an apt. we loved renting. it was much bigger than a std hotel room, and we loved having rooms. we felt more "grounded" and less like a tourist. we never cooked but found the refrig and dishwasher a real plus too. the owner had some great suggestions too and he made our dinner reservations too. we would definitely rent again. also, the beds are bigger in apts. good luck.

Thanks for pointing out some important things to look for. Your comments help me to further narrow our search. One thing I really liked was the king-sized bed; however, does that mean the same size as U.S. king-sized

In theory, it is about the same size, although a little smaller. In practice, anyone can call any bed a name and it may not be that size. I've had French hotels call something a "queen size" which was only a double size bed, for example. In short, ask what the size is exactly.

A French King size should be 180 cm which is close to the same size as a US king size bed (that is 71 inches, although US kings are around 72-76 inches, usually 76). In hotels, this is often two 90 cm beds put together (a 90 cm French single mattress is only 35.5 inches which is smaller than a regular and that is smaller than a regular US twin which is about 38 inches). Even in France, 90 cm is small for a single bed, though, and they are often 100-110 cm when really mean for one person to sleep in, unless a small child. But, they use 90 cm mattresses when putting them together into a king.