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I have read through many of the threads religiously on this forum in regards to renting an apartment in paris, but I can't decide on an apartment. This is my first time doing it like this.

Its two couples- four people all adults 23-27 years old. We'll be staying in Paris for 9 days early March.

I've stayed in the 13th arrond. before and would prefer to be closer- looking at the Marais... but am willing to change based on reviews.

These are the ones I've selected. The important features are two bedrooms for privacy, internet- wifi/hifi and a washer dryer as we are pack light.

1. http://www.flipkey.com/temple-condo-rentals/p171180/ cost: $1600
another page is: http://www.paris-interiors.com/apart...Beaubourg.html
pay by credit card

2. http://www.flipkey.com/popincourt-co...ntals/p180882/ cost: $1775 really good reviews

3. Marais duplex 2 bedroom cost $ 1770
pay by Paypal
from http://www.likelivingthere.com
http://www.likelivingthere.blogspot.com

Its not listed on the website so here's the info:

Renovated in early 2012, this comfortable apartment is on a small residential street that runs between the lively Rue de Turbigo and Rue du Temple, at the northern edge of the Marais. The bustling Place de la République is a short walk away as is the scenic Canal Saint Martin and rising Oberkampf neighborhood. The Centre Pompidou contemporary art museum is a 10-minute walk in the opposite direction. Myriad dining and shopping options fill nearby streets. Several convenient Metro stations make it easy to travel about the city.

Size: 70 square meters (753 squarefeet). Comfort for 4 persons, can accommodate 7.

Floor: Fourth floor with elevator, faces courtyard.

Bedrooms: Two with double beds. Double sofa bed in living area additional single bed can be added (10 euro/day).

Bathroom: Full, with tub/shower, hair dryer.

Kitchen: Fully equipped with appliances and cooking and serving utensils.

Living/dining: Sofa, chairs, coffee table, dining table.

Communications: Television with cable, stereo, internet.

Other: Towels and linens furnished, iron and board.



ANY TIPS? helpf

Christina

I have some comments, which is I'm surprise these are the final choices you've come up with. The first two are not 2 BR apts, so I don't know why you are considering them, especially the second one. I guess the locations are okay, I'm not a Marais fanatic, but if you know the area well, I wouldn't personally call right off the Pompidou center to be the Marais. I don't like that area at all, but if you do, that's fine.

I can't even see a square footage on the first one, but I notice one comment about how the bathroom doesn't even have an opaque door, it is glas syou can see through and not appropriate for 2 couples. The second description calls it a studio, not even a 1 BR. It appears to be a studio apt with one bed in an alcove and the other is maybe the living room or some divider they put up. I'm not sure, which is why I wonder what the footage is. Plus, the table is terrible (that small thing with the glass/plastic dclear cover), and they only have cheap folding chairs at it. They don't have any photo of the supposed second bedroom that I can see.

The second one is a 1 BR apt, it appears they are calling the sofa bed that pulls out to be the second bedroom or something. They even call it a 1 BR apt, it is only 550 sq ft. There is no second bedroom in any photo. I do like it otherwise, I think it would be good for a couple.

Hard to say about the third one as there is no photo and it isn't on the website. I wouldn't consider such a thing myself. Why don't they have it on the website, that sounds suspicious. On the surface, it sounds bigger and as if it has two real bedrooms, though. The area is okay although not my favorite, place Republique is ripped up and a mess right now, I don't know when it will be finished. http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/glob...lic-space/4426

So the last one sounds like it could be the best in terms of actual space, but I wouldn't choose anything without seeing lots of photos.

nytraveler

First - do not rent anything that you have not at least seen pictures of.

The photos of the first one do not make the layout clear - or that both bedrooms have doors and are not open to the living area.

#2 is a one bedroom with what appears to be a sleep sofa in the LR - so not privacy for one of the couples.

Not sure why you picked these out - but I would think there are better options.

ad983008

I have photos for all of them, and all comments are correct. I contacted a bunch of others, but the price was too high... or too far. Its also been an issue to find a two bedroom apartment that my group agrees on. They chose these based on reviews, but I am running out of options since I'm not familiar with renting an apartment. and there are so many listings I don't know which ones are preferable.

Seamus

Agree with the previous posters that none of these seem to be a good fit. Having rented apartment in Paris at least once a year for the last ten years, I have come to the conclusion that as long as one is toward the center and near a Metro the specific location is not as important as the configuration of the apartment.
Have a look at www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p847355a - the second bedroom seems to be an alcove closed off by a curtain but it may work and is well located. That site also lets you search by multiple filters.

IdyllicItaly

For four adults, I recommend that you look for an apartment with 1 1/2 baths. That can be important when you're all getting ready to go out in the morning or in the evening.

Two useful apartment websites, in addition to the ones already listed, are www.homelidays.com and www.vrbo.com. Many, if not most, of the listings have reviews.

I'll be traveling to Paris with three family members in September, one of whom has never been to Paris. We chose an apartment in the 5th arrondissement which will allow us to walk to many of the attractions. The reviews clinched the decision for us.

baladeuse

Here's something to consider from the homelidays website:

http://www.homelidays.co.uk/paris-05...-121011en1.htm

I haven't stayed there but it's in the 5th and has very good reviews. I have used that website several times. I like it because of the advanced search function which lets you establish your criteria and search by your dates etc. Good luck

jpie

Just to back what Christina said, I lived in the area of the 3rd near the Pompidou center, and while some neighborhood maps put it at the very NW corner of the Marais-I would try to find something closer to the St. Paul or Hotel de Ville metro number 1 line. You will have much better access to other parts of Paris, and will feel much more like you are really in the part of the Marais that visitors want to be in. There are tons of apts. for rent there-so I would keep looking. Also, I can tell you that lots of the building in this neighborhood have been sub-divided into very small student-oriented studio apartments so watch for comments about noise-it can be intense if you are in a courtyard apartment for example