My husband and I are visiting Paris for the first time, for a week in January (so excited!). We are trying to decide between the following apartments. We are foodies interested in good fun cafes (authentic, not tourist traps and not too expensive), wine bars, shopping, and will be exploring the city in general - markets, museums, monuments. Based on our interests would love to hear opinions on the apartments we've narrowed our search to. And open to other suggestions as well!
Thanks in advance!

http://www.vrbo.com/98626
http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_254.htm
http://www.vrbo.com/280275
http://www.parisbestlodge.com/box.html

I would go with the VRBO 98626-- this apartment already has copious glowing reviews from past guests with an unbeatable location. It is probably gone by now....not sure what ELSE are you waiting to hear......

I looked at the VIP apartment but discounted it because of the low ceiling height in the living room & kitchen: about 7' but with wooden beams at 6'2" or 6'3". A bit claustophobic, in my opinion.

We chose an apartment through Parisbestlodge - Abelard on Rue Galande in the 5th arr - for our stay in Paris next year. Our decision was based on location, amenities, cost & the reputation of the company.

Of those I would choose the one from Paris Best Lodge. I like the location and the way it's fitted out.

Paris Perfect is offering some of their apartments on sale during your travel dates. http://www.parisperfect.com/last-minute-specials.php We stayed in their Kir apt last month.

The first is on the third floor (4th American) and I couldn't tell if it had an elevator. I also prefer space on both sides of the bed, rather than having the bed against the wall.

The VIP apartment looks okay to me. The ceiling height didn't seem too low but that could be the photos.

I didn't like the bed arrangement of the 3d apartment.

I would take the Paris Best Lodge apartment (even though the color combination doesn't thrill me) because it has a good layout and the agency gets fabulous reviews.

What do you think about the Marais neighborhood as opposed to St. Germaine or Latin Quarter? Thinking of not too expensive (but good!) cafes convenient to the apt; also good markets to pick up food items if we want to eat in.

I have not stayed in the Marais but have visited the area and like it very much. I like the narrow streets and easy walking while still close to the river. We used a 5-day Batobus pass on our trip last month. I have stayed in St. Germain and found it kind of noisy--could be because the hotel was right on the Blvd. St. Germain. I would not choose the Latin Quarter; I'm just not that fond of the area.

The MARAIS neighborhood is my favorite area to stay in. The METRO and many bus lines are in the area. Also very easy to walk to most places that you may want to visit. Lots of cafes and markets to do your food shopping.
I have rented from PARISBESTLODGE in the past and have 3 weeks booked with them for SPRING 2012. They are a delight to do business with.

Two more apartments we are considering. Opinions appreciated!

http://www.vrbo.com/194651


http://www.vrbo.com/206876

I would go with the vrbo194651. It is a good location, looks bright and well furnished.

I would always choose a real one bedroom over a studio as my husband and I don't always sleep on the same exact schedule. I tend to get up earlier and like to be able to make some coffee without disturbing him.

I also always look for bedside tables or stand on both sides of the bed. I might not be thrilled walking up the 4 flights but the other positives outweigh that for me.

Great points - thanks!

I'm a huge fan of the area around 194651. Rue de Bretagne is a great street for foodies. It *is* about a 20 minute walk to the Seine, though, if that's an issue for you, but conversely you're also closer to trendier areas like the Oberkampf neighborhood.

I'd take 194651. Great location and looks like a good apartment, with more room for two people. Otherwise, I'd book Thierry's place (Paris Best Lodge), because I've rented from him before and it was a good experience.

What's within steps of your apartment (rather than blocks) - supermarket, green grocer, patisserie, boulangerie, etc. - may be more appealing than a specific neighborhood, especially if you have no preference because you're not familiar with the neighborhoods anyway. Preferences of others regarding neighborhoods may not appeal to you at all.

For me, nothing overcomes "a few flight of stairs". In the old buildings, stairs are usually winding and narrow and difficult to navigate with your luggage, bags of groceries, etc. After a long day of being out and about, a few flights of stairs seem overwhelming. And, those stairs may preclude you from running out for fresh pastries mornings, returning "home" for lunch or a mid-day break, etc.

The location of the Vacation in Paris is perfect and they are a joy to deal with, No security deposit except for the keys and that is reurned the minute they grt the keys back in the mail,. I love having the keys before I leave home so no waiting for someone to let you in. They do havelocal contacts if you need them though I never have. Lots of shops and services in that area.

Try this one-http://www.parisbestlodge.com/luxembourg.html

We stayed in it a few years ago and loved it. We had a view over the Jardin du Luxembourg and we were only a one minute walk to the metro. At night we could see the Eiffel Tour twinkling away.

You need to hurry though as most will already be booked.

Hope you love Paris!