paris apartment opinion airbnb
Sep 19th, 2014, 09:30 AM
#21
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To get back to the question of how far in advance to book an apartment, for a moment...
This has become very tricky. Yes, 90+% of vacation rentals are illegal, but people are still renting them (on both sides of the equation) - both seem willing to take the chance and pay the consequences, if need be.
Does this mean you should rent an apartment? If you are a flexible traveller, who would not mind at all if the property and amenities you paid for were suddenly not available, if you wouldn't mind staying in another apartment and location not of your choosing and probably not up to your standards, if you are willing to chalk all this up to experience for the sake of stretching your budget - then go ahead. Just don't say you weren't warned.
The better apartments - the ones everyone dreams of staying in, expensive or not-so-much - are booked at least a year in advance. The rest of the stuff is available for a reason, and usually a good one - nobody else wanted it, for one reason or another. So, if you don't rent far in advance, you won't have many good choices.
On the other hand, renting a year in advance during the current situation will not guarantee that your apartment will be available when you arrive. Even though the Mayor's task force is investigating slowly, neighbors are busily reporting illegal rentals to the authorities. You may be told that there was "a sudden plumbing problem", but it's likely that the apartment was pulled to avoid confrontation with the homeowner's association. AirBnB is one of the companies to avoid, since most of the rentals are unauthorized sublets. When the owner discovers illegal rentals in his property, not only can the tenant be evicted, but you could be, too.
Who should you rent from, assuming you still want to? Rental agencies that have been in business for a long time cannot guarantee that your apartment is legal or will be available - however, they will probably work hard to find another place that would come close. Signing a phony 1-yr lease that is torn up at the end of your stay is no protection, and is illegal. An independent owner, or a small agency, would very likely not have many properties to offer - if at all. You could very well find yourself in Paris with a refund and an apology, but with no place to stay.
Since the apartment craze exploded about 5 years ago, it seems that many people think they must rent an apartment for an "authentic" stay in Paris. But many people don't realize that other options exist. Many hotels are affordable (and family rooms are available), many have refrigerators, guests are usually allowed to eat in their rooms if they're considerate and neat about it, and staff will always accommodate your needs, especially with a little advance notice.
It's a lot easier to search for and book a hotel, than to deal with the due diligence it takes to find an apartment that will be there when you arrive. If I were travelling with children, I would go for the sure thing, and choose to stay in a hotel. If you search in the slightly less-popular arrondissements - 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17 - you will add only about 10 mins of Metro time, but will find significantly lower prices, as well as much more choice. There are more family rooms available in these locations, too, since the buildings haven't been carved up, as they have in the city center. There are the usual markets, shops, restaurants, etc and these areas are just as safe as the more popular tourist areas.
Many people rent apartments in Paris one time. When asked how they enjoyed their stay, the common response is, "Well, there were problems, and it wasn't what we expected, but we made the best of things. At least it was cheap." When asked if they would rent next trip, most say they would not. Just make sure you are making an informed decision.
This has become very tricky. Yes, 90+% of vacation rentals are illegal, but people are still renting them (on both sides of the equation) - both seem willing to take the chance and pay the consequences, if need be.
Does this mean you should rent an apartment? If you are a flexible traveller, who would not mind at all if the property and amenities you paid for were suddenly not available, if you wouldn't mind staying in another apartment and location not of your choosing and probably not up to your standards, if you are willing to chalk all this up to experience for the sake of stretching your budget - then go ahead. Just don't say you weren't warned.
The better apartments - the ones everyone dreams of staying in, expensive or not-so-much - are booked at least a year in advance. The rest of the stuff is available for a reason, and usually a good one - nobody else wanted it, for one reason or another. So, if you don't rent far in advance, you won't have many good choices.
On the other hand, renting a year in advance during the current situation will not guarantee that your apartment will be available when you arrive. Even though the Mayor's task force is investigating slowly, neighbors are busily reporting illegal rentals to the authorities. You may be told that there was "a sudden plumbing problem", but it's likely that the apartment was pulled to avoid confrontation with the homeowner's association. AirBnB is one of the companies to avoid, since most of the rentals are unauthorized sublets. When the owner discovers illegal rentals in his property, not only can the tenant be evicted, but you could be, too.
Who should you rent from, assuming you still want to? Rental agencies that have been in business for a long time cannot guarantee that your apartment is legal or will be available - however, they will probably work hard to find another place that would come close. Signing a phony 1-yr lease that is torn up at the end of your stay is no protection, and is illegal. An independent owner, or a small agency, would very likely not have many properties to offer - if at all. You could very well find yourself in Paris with a refund and an apology, but with no place to stay.
Since the apartment craze exploded about 5 years ago, it seems that many people think they must rent an apartment for an "authentic" stay in Paris. But many people don't realize that other options exist. Many hotels are affordable (and family rooms are available), many have refrigerators, guests are usually allowed to eat in their rooms if they're considerate and neat about it, and staff will always accommodate your needs, especially with a little advance notice.
It's a lot easier to search for and book a hotel, than to deal with the due diligence it takes to find an apartment that will be there when you arrive. If I were travelling with children, I would go for the sure thing, and choose to stay in a hotel. If you search in the slightly less-popular arrondissements - 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17 - you will add only about 10 mins of Metro time, but will find significantly lower prices, as well as much more choice. There are more family rooms available in these locations, too, since the buildings haven't been carved up, as they have in the city center. There are the usual markets, shops, restaurants, etc and these areas are just as safe as the more popular tourist areas.
Many people rent apartments in Paris one time. When asked how they enjoyed their stay, the common response is, "Well, there were problems, and it wasn't what we expected, but we made the best of things. At least it was cheap." When asked if they would rent next trip, most say they would not. Just make sure you are making an informed decision.
Sep 19th, 2014, 12:28 PM
#22
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I stayed in this one in August and can verify that it exists and looks just like the pictures. It does cost more than your choice but it has 2 bedrooms and is a "normal" apartment with 3 rooms plus a real bathroom. Your choice is really one room with a divider that pulls across and who knows what the toilet looks like. I can't imagine how the childern will use the loo in the night.
http://www.vrbo.com/192356
Frankly, AC and a dryer are not realistic options for affordable Paris apartments.
http://www.vrbo.com/192356
Frankly, AC and a dryer are not realistic options for affordable Paris apartments.
Sep 19th, 2014, 01:47 PM
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone -you have given me a lot to think about. I really appreciate the time you all took to make your comments. I am going to keep looking at options and might start looking at hotels again.
Sep 19th, 2014, 02:18 PM
#25
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,849
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As you say, Tarquin. I suppose that many North Americans do not actually know how to hang out clothes to dry, sad to say. Dryers are so ubiquitous that many neighborhood associations have rule prohibiting hanging clothing outside on lines because they are "unsightly".
Do any of you old codgers recall how wonderfully fresh a bed sheet, dried in the sunshine and wind and just off the line, smells?
Do any of you old codgers recall how wonderfully fresh a bed sheet, dried in the sunshine and wind and just off the line, smells?
Sep 19th, 2014, 05:27 PM
#26
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's silly to assume that homeaway.com apartments are any more legal than are AirBnB apartments.
Also, many people stay in apartments because they are cheaper and more convenient than are hotels, and not because they are looking for an authentic experience.
My idea of an authentic Parisian experience would be a suite at the Georges Cinq. However, my budget leaves me to repeated apartment rentals through agencies like Vacation in Paris and RentParis.com. RentParis.com has somewhat lower prices and may be of interest to you.
I'm an American, and I might guess that just as many people would be disappointed in a budget hotel room in Paris as would be those disappointed in a budget apartment.
The OP sounds well prepared for any inconveniences that travel on a budget might involve, and I think you'll do fine.
The search engine here at Fodors Forums isn't great, but there are Paris Apartment threads that can be helpful to you.
Here's the big one:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ent-thread.cfm
Also, many people stay in apartments because they are cheaper and more convenient than are hotels, and not because they are looking for an authentic experience.
My idea of an authentic Parisian experience would be a suite at the Georges Cinq. However, my budget leaves me to repeated apartment rentals through agencies like Vacation in Paris and RentParis.com. RentParis.com has somewhat lower prices and may be of interest to you.
I'm an American, and I might guess that just as many people would be disappointed in a budget hotel room in Paris as would be those disappointed in a budget apartment.
The OP sounds well prepared for any inconveniences that travel on a budget might involve, and I think you'll do fine.
The search engine here at Fodors Forums isn't great, but there are Paris Apartment threads that can be helpful to you.
Here's the big one:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ent-thread.cfm
Sep 19th, 2014, 05:46 PM
#27
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,548
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Actually, the reason we stay at an apartment is simply for the space. We like different rooms so on a long vacation we can get a break from each other. And being able to make breakfast on my schedule is pretty cool too--my husband sleeps two hours a day longer than I do, and when we're in a hotel expects me to wait for him to go to breakfast...for two hours! We stayed in a hotel for two days on our last vacation and guess how many fights we had over whether it was rude for me to go to breakfast without him--that's right, two!
Sep 19th, 2014, 09:22 PM
#28
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,345
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, tarquin, most Americans are so used to using dryers -- they are used to doing 3 to 4 loads of laundry on "laundry day" and do the wash, dry, and fold all on one day.
When you hang clothes to dry, it normally takes about 24 hours for them to dry, so you need multiple racks plus all the room for all those racks if you want to do multiple loads.
nukesafe, since we're talking the city here, there's little chance the drying racks will be outside to get that wonderful sunshine smell. Most likely, folks will have to cram the drying racks into a side of the hallway or an edge of the bathroom, etc.
s
When you hang clothes to dry, it normally takes about 24 hours for them to dry, so you need multiple racks plus all the room for all those racks if you want to do multiple loads.
nukesafe, since we're talking the city here, there's little chance the drying racks will be outside to get that wonderful sunshine smell. Most likely, folks will have to cram the drying racks into a side of the hallway or an edge of the bathroom, etc.
s
Sep 19th, 2014, 10:23 PM
#29
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,849
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No, swandav, I realize the thread is talking about drying things in apartments, not the suburbs, but what I was getting at is that many North Americans with dryers are not even familiar with the process of drying stuff au natural, any more. For example, we were with another couple on a canal boat a few years back when one lady wanted to wash out her only pair of jeans. She insisted that they would be dry by the morning; just drape them over the railing, she said, and she could wear them the next day. She had to wear her good slacks for two days until the she could put the still slightly damp things on.
If you intend to do laundry in Paris, particularly if it is humid, be sure to bring things that dry quickly, be prepared to find a laundromat, or wear damp undies.
If you intend to do laundry in Paris, particularly if it is humid, be sure to bring things that dry quickly, be prepared to find a laundromat, or wear damp undies.
Sep 20th, 2014, 04:37 AM
#30
Emmamarie - I looked at the link for the apt. again. If the couch is the same as mine (looks like it), when it is pulled put to make a bed, it is really huge and takes up most of the space in the room. Unless your two children are small enough that you don't have to open it.
And I do agree that it is better to be certain that the apt. Is legal.
I have never seen a dryer in a rental.
And I do agree that it is better to be certain that the apt. Is legal.
I have never seen a dryer in a rental.
Sep 20th, 2014, 06:44 AM
#31
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Why is the assumption always that it is a hotel room or an apartment? Has no one heard of Aparthotels? They can be found in most major cities with Paris certainly being one of those.
https://www.google.ca/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=...is+aparthotels
Let's be honest about why people use Airbnb, it isn't for more space, it's because they are cheaper than hotels. Let's also be honest about why some people don't care if the rental is illegal or not, it's called selfish.
I can understand a family who have to rent 2 rooms while a couple need only 1, looking to find somewhere on a budget they can afford. But the assumption is that they CAN afford it. There is no RIGHT to be able to visit Paris or anywhere else.
If you can't afford the cost of staying there legally, then looking at something illegal as a way to make it possible doesn't become OK. That is called situational ethics. Someone who would not knowingly break the law in general, decides it is OK to rent an illegal rental in this case.
Emmamarie, besides hotels you can look at aparthotels as I mentioned and you can also look at actual B&Bs. The name Airbnb is misleading in that it originally referred to an Airbed and breakfast. That was the original concept, that someone would rent out a place to sleep in their home in situations like a major event where hotels were all booked and someone couldn't find a place to stay.
Unfortunately, exploiters jumped in seeing a way to make money and started renting an apartment and then subletting it to the travel for profit. Actual B&Bs (there are some on Airbnb) are not illegal anywhere that I am aware of. But that means the owner LIVES in the property.
Look at some of the sites here for actual B&Bs. If it says it is an 'unhosted' apartment it is not a B&B. It isn't hard to tell which is which.
https://www.google.ca/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=...q=paris+b%26bs
Look at Chambre d'hotes (bed and breakfast) or Gites (self-catering accomodation). Read here to see what is required for a property to be listed as either.
http://paris.angloinfo.com/informati...unning-a-gite/
They are legal rentals. Illegal rentals don't hang a sign outside indicating a 'Chambre d'hote'.
http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/med...s-oliviers.jpg
https://www.google.ca/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=...is+aparthotels
Let's be honest about why people use Airbnb, it isn't for more space, it's because they are cheaper than hotels. Let's also be honest about why some people don't care if the rental is illegal or not, it's called selfish.
I can understand a family who have to rent 2 rooms while a couple need only 1, looking to find somewhere on a budget they can afford. But the assumption is that they CAN afford it. There is no RIGHT to be able to visit Paris or anywhere else.
If you can't afford the cost of staying there legally, then looking at something illegal as a way to make it possible doesn't become OK. That is called situational ethics. Someone who would not knowingly break the law in general, decides it is OK to rent an illegal rental in this case.
Emmamarie, besides hotels you can look at aparthotels as I mentioned and you can also look at actual B&Bs. The name Airbnb is misleading in that it originally referred to an Airbed and breakfast. That was the original concept, that someone would rent out a place to sleep in their home in situations like a major event where hotels were all booked and someone couldn't find a place to stay.
Unfortunately, exploiters jumped in seeing a way to make money and started renting an apartment and then subletting it to the travel for profit. Actual B&Bs (there are some on Airbnb) are not illegal anywhere that I am aware of. But that means the owner LIVES in the property.
Look at some of the sites here for actual B&Bs. If it says it is an 'unhosted' apartment it is not a B&B. It isn't hard to tell which is which.
https://www.google.ca/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=...q=paris+b%26bs
Look at Chambre d'hotes (bed and breakfast) or Gites (self-catering accomodation). Read here to see what is required for a property to be listed as either.
http://paris.angloinfo.com/informati...unning-a-gite/
They are legal rentals. Illegal rentals don't hang a sign outside indicating a 'Chambre d'hote'.
http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/med...s-oliviers.jpg
Sep 20th, 2014, 07:14 AM
#32
I lump apartment hotels in w/ apartments/flats . . . More space.
>>Let's be honest about why people use Airbnb, it isn't for more space, it's because they are cheaper than hotels.<<
That isn't why I book flats/apartments. Yes, generally most flats will be cheaper than the equivalent hotel rooms. But I book flats even when it costs more. The extra space, the kitchen/kitchenette, the washer or washer/dryer unit.
Nothing to d w/ cost for me, everything to do w/ comfort.
Whenever I'm in a city more than 3 nights a flat is my first choice
>>Let's be honest about why people use Airbnb, it isn't for more space, it's because they are cheaper than hotels.<<
That isn't why I book flats/apartments. Yes, generally most flats will be cheaper than the equivalent hotel rooms. But I book flats even when it costs more. The extra space, the kitchen/kitchenette, the washer or washer/dryer unit.
Nothing to d w/ cost for me, everything to do w/ comfort.
Whenever I'm in a city more than 3 nights a flat is my first choice
Sep 20th, 2014, 08:12 AM
#33
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is an interesting website, which lists the B&Bs that are listed with and approved by the City of Paris. www.hotesqualiteparis.fr To qualify, they must meet several criteria set by the city, including privacy, sanitation, paying taxes, and hosts must live on the premises and be willing and able to treat their guests like family. Some of the properties will allow light cooking (microwave, coffee/tea) and fridge privileges, especially if kids are involved.
There is a great myth about apartments being "spacious" - only the good ones are, and they are always taken. Not all hotel rooms are small, either.
There is a great myth about apartments being "spacious" - only the good ones are, and they are always taken. Not all hotel rooms are small, either.
Sep 20th, 2014, 08:25 AM
#34
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
>>Let's be honest about why people use Airbnb, it isn't for more space, it's because they are cheaper than hotels.<<
I don't think vacation rental lovers are dishonest at all. The word has been out for a very long time. In spite of the risks, we love the additional space and the substantial savings on the equivalent hotel space. We also love, and have tremendous respect for the experience of living like a local. We also love the ability to eat our meals in, often at a kitchen or dining room table, at more affordable per-night prices.
Airbnb is very new at this game, and with their service fee, it isn't always the cheapest choice. Holiday Rentals and VRBO have been around for decades, serving exactly the same customer. One could argue there's less risk with Airbnb, given their structure, software, and review process.
>>Let's also be honest about why some people don't care if the rental is illegal or not, it's called selfish.<<
Much like those who enjoy smoking marijuana or double parking for 5 minutes where it is illegal, if a service or convenience saves us money and delivers the pleasure and opportunity we seek, perhaps old laws will one day change in our favor. As long as we're being truly honest, whom do the rental laws mostly protect? While you sort out that answer, I don't mind being called selfish if my vacation turns out great and I saved several hundred dollars to put towards the next one.
>>But the assumption is that they CAN afford it. There is no RIGHT to be able to visit Paris or anywhere else.<<
So only the elites should be able to visit and enjoy the heart of Paris? Middle class travelers must stay on the outskirts? Classism is alive and well in these vacation rental discussions.
>>If you can't afford the cost of staying there legally, then looking at something illegal as a way to make it possible doesn't become OK. That is called situational ethics.<<
Renting an apartment for a two week visit to Paris isn't murder or a Ponzi scheme. Is the "elites only" example ethical? I'm trying to plan an affordable once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Do I really need to test and judge the ethics of others? Do I really need to study and interpret local laws in black and white, and honor them, when the owner who's renting to me for two weeks only sees the color of money?
>>If you are a flexible traveller, who would not mind at all if the property and amenities you paid for were suddenly not available, if you wouldn't mind staying in another apartment and location not of your choosing and probably not up to your standards, if you are willing to chalk all this up to experience for the sake of stretching your budget - then go ahead. Just don't say you weren't warned.<<
Renting a vacation apartment in a popular city has always come with risk. Does anyone remember what it was like before the internet? There were never any guarantees or insurance policies that are offered today.
Back in time, nobody wanted to pay taxes on their extra income. These days, nobody wants their city to turn into another Venice. In New York City, it's all about who gets a portion of the money. Every popular city has a similar issue, the affordable choices for middle-class travelers are far and few between.
Does the wealthy hotel lobby get to tell us where we can and can't go? Do landlords have the right to prevent their residents from making extra money? Do I really have to ask to see someone's tax return before I agree to stay with them for two weeks?
While the politicians and the lawyers, most of them crooked and in need of tested ethics, figure the minutia out, my life's clock is ticking. Do I go to Paris now and live like a local in an affordable way, or do I pass and hand one more dream over to the 1 percent? Some say you only live once.
I don't think vacation rental lovers are dishonest at all. The word has been out for a very long time. In spite of the risks, we love the additional space and the substantial savings on the equivalent hotel space. We also love, and have tremendous respect for the experience of living like a local. We also love the ability to eat our meals in, often at a kitchen or dining room table, at more affordable per-night prices.
Airbnb is very new at this game, and with their service fee, it isn't always the cheapest choice. Holiday Rentals and VRBO have been around for decades, serving exactly the same customer. One could argue there's less risk with Airbnb, given their structure, software, and review process.
>>Let's also be honest about why some people don't care if the rental is illegal or not, it's called selfish.<<
Much like those who enjoy smoking marijuana or double parking for 5 minutes where it is illegal, if a service or convenience saves us money and delivers the pleasure and opportunity we seek, perhaps old laws will one day change in our favor. As long as we're being truly honest, whom do the rental laws mostly protect? While you sort out that answer, I don't mind being called selfish if my vacation turns out great and I saved several hundred dollars to put towards the next one.
>>But the assumption is that they CAN afford it. There is no RIGHT to be able to visit Paris or anywhere else.<<
So only the elites should be able to visit and enjoy the heart of Paris? Middle class travelers must stay on the outskirts? Classism is alive and well in these vacation rental discussions.
>>If you can't afford the cost of staying there legally, then looking at something illegal as a way to make it possible doesn't become OK. That is called situational ethics.<<
Renting an apartment for a two week visit to Paris isn't murder or a Ponzi scheme. Is the "elites only" example ethical? I'm trying to plan an affordable once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Do I really need to test and judge the ethics of others? Do I really need to study and interpret local laws in black and white, and honor them, when the owner who's renting to me for two weeks only sees the color of money?
>>If you are a flexible traveller, who would not mind at all if the property and amenities you paid for were suddenly not available, if you wouldn't mind staying in another apartment and location not of your choosing and probably not up to your standards, if you are willing to chalk all this up to experience for the sake of stretching your budget - then go ahead. Just don't say you weren't warned.<<
Renting a vacation apartment in a popular city has always come with risk. Does anyone remember what it was like before the internet? There were never any guarantees or insurance policies that are offered today.
Back in time, nobody wanted to pay taxes on their extra income. These days, nobody wants their city to turn into another Venice. In New York City, it's all about who gets a portion of the money. Every popular city has a similar issue, the affordable choices for middle-class travelers are far and few between.
Does the wealthy hotel lobby get to tell us where we can and can't go? Do landlords have the right to prevent their residents from making extra money? Do I really have to ask to see someone's tax return before I agree to stay with them for two weeks?
While the politicians and the lawyers, most of them crooked and in need of tested ethics, figure the minutia out, my life's clock is ticking. Do I go to Paris now and live like a local in an affordable way, or do I pass and hand one more dream over to the 1 percent? Some say you only live once.
Sep 20th, 2014, 09:03 AM
#35
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,700
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Like Janis said above, nothing to do with cost, everything to do with comfort.
Manouche wrote above that many people rent an apartment once only and because of problems, never again. I could not disagree more. I don't know of anyone who chose carefully and went back to using hotels unless they were just passing through or on a very brief trip. Once a traveler gets accustomed to the advantages offered by an apartment, returning to a hotel seems like such a let down.
Manouche wrote above that many people rent an apartment once only and because of problems, never again. I could not disagree more. I don't know of anyone who chose carefully and went back to using hotels unless they were just passing through or on a very brief trip. Once a traveler gets accustomed to the advantages offered by an apartment, returning to a hotel seems like such a let down.
Sep 20th, 2014, 09:18 AM
#36
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,548
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
cynthia, I agree. I don't know anyone who, once they've rented an apartment for a vacation, chooses to go back to a hotel. The only reason we ever stay in hotels anymore is if we're staying too short of a time to get an apartment.
I also disagree with Manouche that "all the good apartments are taken". I usually book six months out with lots of choices, but even closer to the date there's still usually places available. I find they're the more expensive properties, not the dives.
I also disagree with Manouche that "all the good apartments are taken". I usually book six months out with lots of choices, but even closer to the date there's still usually places available. I find they're the more expensive properties, not the dives.
Sep 20th, 2014, 12:47 PM
#38
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Believe it or not, I am not anti-tourist or anti-apartment.
However, I live in a building that currently has 4 very popular vacation rentals. This has had a very negative effect on the quality of life of the residents of our building. We have dealt with noise, strangers and associated property damage for 5 years, and have now taken action with the Mayor's task force. Our building is only one affected - there are 200,000 illegal rentals that the city of Paris is aware of.
Anybody can rationalize their own actions, and that's up to their own personal ethics. I don't care what anyone does, unless it directly affects me in an adverse manner.
I would bet dollars to doughnuts that happy-go-lucky, money-saving, space-loving, eat-at-home-enthusiasts who rent vacation apartments would never allow short-term rentals in the buildings where they live - probably not even in their neighborhoods. In fact, I would guarantee it. Not in my backyard, etc...
However, I live in a building that currently has 4 very popular vacation rentals. This has had a very negative effect on the quality of life of the residents of our building. We have dealt with noise, strangers and associated property damage for 5 years, and have now taken action with the Mayor's task force. Our building is only one affected - there are 200,000 illegal rentals that the city of Paris is aware of.
Anybody can rationalize their own actions, and that's up to their own personal ethics. I don't care what anyone does, unless it directly affects me in an adverse manner.
I would bet dollars to doughnuts that happy-go-lucky, money-saving, space-loving, eat-at-home-enthusiasts who rent vacation apartments would never allow short-term rentals in the buildings where they live - probably not even in their neighborhoods. In fact, I would guarantee it. Not in my backyard, etc...
Sep 20th, 2014, 01:41 PM
#39
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 7,960
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Monica.... well I have rented an apartment on vacation in PAris.. a few times now.. and I STILL ALSO use and love hotels..I will rent an apartment again.. and I will still use hotels.. I don't find they replace one another for me.
Apartments are more work,, something I do not wish to do on vacation. Love having my bed made ,, the towels washed by someone else.. and the mini fridge in the hotel rooms has always been enough for me to keep some snacks/drinks in...
Apartments are more work,, something I do not wish to do on vacation. Love having my bed made ,, the towels washed by someone else.. and the mini fridge in the hotel rooms has always been enough for me to keep some snacks/drinks in...
