Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Paris Apartment for a couple

Search

Paris Apartment for a couple

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 17th, 2010 | 10:59 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Paris Apartment for a couple

Hi ,

I am planning to rent out of the following apartments, we are a couple on our honeymoon.
We would be visiting in december 2nd week for 5 nights.

http://www.parisbestlodge.com/quai.html
http://www.parisbestlodge.com/mar.html
http://www.paristournelle.com/index.php?lang=en
http://www.vrbo.com/79965
http://www.vrbo.com/321045
http://www.vrbo.com/100027

Please recommend.
hahahoney is offline  
Old Nov 18th, 2010 | 01:20 AM
  #2  
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 9,705
Likes: 0
I like the location of quai, tournelle , #79965 best mainly because they arfe in walking distance of many things you will want to see. They all have good transportation options.We just stayed very near the place de vosges and the location was wonderful. Along Rue St Antoine , a short walk from the Place, you will find anything you could possibly need in the way of shops.Aldo there are many bus lines running along the street
avalon is offline  
Old Nov 18th, 2010 | 01:55 AM
  #3  
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 6,629
Likes: 0
I just looked at them quickly, at least two properties are 4th floor (5th US) walk-ups which I would avoid, but I suspect I am much older than you, and have a bad knee. Overall, I agree with Avalon on Tournelle.
Cathinjoetown is offline  
Old Nov 18th, 2010 | 10:32 AM
  #4  
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
We stayed in 79965 this May. We liked it very much -- it's quite spacious and in a great location. The owner lives upstairs and is just lovely -- she'll greet you upon arrival (when you will find a welcome basket of fruit, wine, cookies, etc.) and arrange for your taxi upon departure, and is available to help in between. She spoke only French (rapid!) to me -- I got most of it. Her husband speaks English.

Only drawbacks: 1) There isn't a comfy chair! Someone else pointed that out, and it's true. 2) There was a major construction project going on involving the entire building, so there were mornings when we were awakened very early by the workers. It's possible that this project hasn't been finished yet (it seemed extensive) -- you might want to inquire about that if you're concerned.

Anyhow, overall, a really nice place at a good price. I'd recommend it. The reviews on the vrbo site are accurate.

Have fun!!!!
kagoo is offline  
Old Nov 18th, 2010 | 10:59 AM
  #5  
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,142
Likes: 0
I like the first three on your list the most, any of the six would be "acceptable".

http://www.vrbo.com/321045 is pretty far from the river/islands but the area itself (Montparnasse) is nice. Metro Vavin
bardo1 is offline  
Old Nov 18th, 2010 | 11:19 AM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
how about this location :
http://www.apartment-in-france.com/p...tm#description

Its almost next to louvre.

See only thing I am worried about is the initial deposit they are asking , in some case they are asking 750$ which is almost equal to full 5 days rents.
Taking 10 - 20% makes sense but more than that I am afraid a bit. Is this a general norm
hahahoney is offline  
Old Nov 18th, 2010 | 11:52 AM
  #7  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 35,162
Likes: 0
Deposit amounts vary a lot by company. The worst are ones where it is equal to the entire rent (there are a couple places like that, I don't get it). This is fine if you are only renting a few days, but if you are renting 10-14 days, that is a lot of money. Some others are just a flat amount, unrelated to your rent (maybe a couple hundred euro). That's about the lowest I've seen, unless I'm forgetting. It is supposed to be a deposit, after all, for damages, not a portion of the rent (which is why I object to the ones like www.parisattitude. that set it equal to the rent).

It could often be a higher proportion if you are renting for a shorter number of days, that would be normal.

It sounds like you aren't talking about a damage deposit, though, but just a deposit on the rental amount? That is often about 50 pct, and usually 100 pct at agencies if you are renting within a month of arrival (many agencies require you to pay it all before arrival). I've never seen a deposit for the booking at low as 10 pct of the rent, lots of people would just not show up if they did that. I've seen deposits as low as $300 upon booking.
Christina is online now  
Old Nov 18th, 2010 | 11:57 AM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
yeah I am booking rome and france simultaneaously. So for rome sleepinitaly asks for only 10% deposit for confirmation, for paris I didn't find any such agency.

thanks for the all the info.
hahahoney is offline  
Old Nov 18th, 2010 | 12:42 PM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
found another from VRBO

http://www.vrbo.com/24464
hahahoney is offline  
Old Nov 18th, 2010 | 12:55 PM
  #10  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 776
Likes: 0
I like this last one! CJ
CarolJean is offline  
Old Nov 18th, 2010 | 01:00 PM
  #11  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 0
We stayed here last month and really liked it:
http://www.parisbestlodge.com/nd.html
The location is wonderful. (We paid less than the listed rate.)
Marija is offline  
Old Nov 18th, 2010 | 02:44 PM
  #12  
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
Just to muddy the waters more, we stayed here and loved it. It is a basement apt. and only has 3 steps outside. Nice size and good location.

See:
Nadine Giblin
Studio 30 sqm Paris 9e near Montmartre
E-mail : [email protected]
Website : http://locationparis9.canalblog.com
jkbritt is offline  
Old Nov 18th, 2010 | 02:53 PM
  #13  
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
We have rented from Thierry at Paris Best Lodge twice and been very happy with his services and both apartments, which were very clean, well equipped and well located.

Thierry doesn't ask for any upfront deposit besides a cheque in your local currency that he does not cash and returns back to you at the end of your trip as long as everything is in order with the apartment (and why shouldn't it be!). You pay the rent in cash in euros on arrival so no precious vacation dollars tied up in security deposits.

I wouldn't hesitate to rent from him, he has a wonderful reputation on various Paris websites.

JO
ParisJo is offline  
Old Nov 18th, 2010 | 04:09 PM
  #14  
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Hello,
DH and I stayed for 2 weeks last fall in #79965, one of 5 apartments we've used in the last few years.
I agree the apartment looks lovely and once inside it is nice; though agree with Kagoo on the lack of comfortable seating.
However,this is the first apartment we've used that I cannot recommend.
We did not have the owner around and had several problems; some minor, some were annoying(8AM construction wake up) and one,we think was serious. Our guest slipped out of the large deep tub, fell and fractured her shoulder.There was then no means such as a handle to avoid such a fall.
Like others posting above,we've used Thierry's ParisBestLodge and found him to be as good as everyone says.
Whatever you decide, Bon Voyage!!!
Kathy
KCN84 is offline  
Old Nov 18th, 2010 | 04:13 PM
  #15  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,571
Likes: 0
As you'll be there for 5days, and it's your honeymoon, dont you want a place that has more of a traditional look, and with a separate bedroom? it'll feel cozier, more like a real "home away from home"

Bestlodge marais--oh those awful modern furnishings.
Bestlodge quai--ditto--that great traditional ceiling with those REDs.


THIS is the one I like: VRBO 10027
CaliNurse is offline  
Old Nov 18th, 2010 | 04:47 PM
  #16  
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,494
Likes: 1
Thierry's Parisbestlodge apartments do have a bit of an Ikea vibe and can be somewhat spartan in decor, but they are clean, well-kept up and the photos accurately represent what you get. I think they are a bargain for those who don't want to take a big risk (this may include first-timers to Paris). I rented one of his in May 2009 when traveling solo, and it met my expectations and suited my needs. Don't know if this is your situation, but those that include a computer with internet (or wifi) connection were good for me as I didn't want to lug my laptop with me.

Also, as others have noted, you send Thierry a check and he just holds it, doesn't deposit it.

In any case, I like the top four best. Like that last one too.
Leely2 is offline  
Old Nov 19th, 2010 | 12:00 AM
  #17  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
how about this http://www.residences-paris.com/artagnan.php
hahahoney is offline  
Old Nov 19th, 2010 | 01:06 AM
  #18  
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 9,705
Likes: 0
What I like about Vacation in Paris is there is NO security deposit only key deposit which is returned promptly as soon as you mail th key back. Yes, you get the key and instructions and information before you leave home. There is a small insurance fee against breakage, around 25 dollars. We adored our rental last month in the 4th, Marais Garden Delight . I think it is #201 or 102!
avalon is offline  
Old Nov 19th, 2010 | 04:39 AM
  #19  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Hello,

Finally stuck between these
http://www.residences-paris.com/artagnan.php
http://www.parisbestlodge.com/quai.html
http://www.apartment-in-france.com/p...vre-rivoli.htm

and my preferences are in the same order. first looks more traditional and is bigger than the other , not sure of the agency though
hahahoney is offline  
Old Nov 19th, 2010 | 06:17 AM
  #20  
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,142
Likes: 0
haha,

Well, once again, you simply can't go wrong with any of your three finalists. I would give the Quai apt. the "slight" edge (mostly because I just like the open "look and feel" better), but at this point it's just splitting hairs. Excellent work on your researching.
bardo1 is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement -