While looking for Paris apartment rentals, and I came across this one (Vacation Rentals By Owner). I haven't read about anyone using it on this site. Would like to know if anyone has ever used it. Seems like most of them are owned by US folks. Lots of pictures.<BR><BR>http://www.vrbo.com/vrbo/fra.htm#Paris<BR><BR>It seems like there are a lot of folks who have used Locaflat. Is Locaflat the leader in Paris rentals? Does anyone prefer another company (better service, etc?)

I've only rented once but used RentParis.com and was very happy with their service before, during and after.

I got mine from www.parisvacationapartments.com. They provide a nice service. Check them out and some of their reviews.

There are tons of Paris vacation apartment rental agencies. vrbo is just a web site that incorporates private listings, it appeared to me, so I don't think it is any kind of agency or anyone's experience with one rental on there would have anything to do with another. <BR><BR>I think Locaflat is a moderately well-known firm for French residents, but I don't think it is by any means the leader in any way. Their stock is not that good IMO, although they have some decent stuff and reasonable prices; they have some unusual requirements (eg, perhaps they've changed, but you used to have to pay the deposit in francs, not using a credit card).<BR><BR>For Americans, I believe Chez Vous (www.chezvous.com) is probably one of the most used by Americans and oldest. They are rather expensive, but are an American firm and sort of know what Americans want and how to deal with them (Americans who have a lot to spend, more or less). They have been in business a long time and have a fair number in the most expensive, popular tourist areas of the city.<BR><BR>For a large, reputable French firm, I think PSR (Paris Sejour Reservation) may be one of the "leaders". It has a large volume of available apts at various price ranges, a local office in Paris for help or service, and an office in the US which is convenient for booking and help. I have rented from them and was satisfied. They are generally cheaper than Chez Vous and have a wider range in various areas, but won't do the hand-holding quite as much and many of theirs are not as upscale (but are cheaper, and in more parts of town).<BR><BR>Citadines and Orion are two large leaders in the "apartment-hotel" rental category.<BR><BR>There are many many other firms out there. Some I've heard of people using successfully are:<BR><BR>www.barclayweb.com<BR>www.nyhabitat.com www.drawbridgetoeurope.com www.aparisianhome.com<BR>www.paris-sleeps.com<BR>www.vacationinparis.com<BR>www.frenc hexperience.com<BR>www.rendezvousparisien.com<BR>< BR><BR>For a broad listing of agencies and comments, see www.paris-apartments.com

Thank you all for your responses. I'll keep researching.

I found a great place rented by an American woman who understands American needs. www.parisperfect.com<BR><BR>I could go on, but suffice it to say, the apartment was really, really nice and the location superb.<BR><BR>Pat

We rented from these people. Seemed very reasonable. Looked good. Great Write-ups/comments. I'll let you know when we return: http://www.parisvacationapartments.com/

I agree with Pat PARIS PERFECT. I will be renting an aparmtnet from Madelyn in May 2003 and I have been in contact with someone I found on this web site who has rented one of her apartments and said it is great. So you might try www.parisperfect.com. She isn't cheap but then neither is a decent hotel in Paris and remember you get what you pay for. Hope you find one. Shar

Jenny, I rented through vrbo this past July and was generally fairly pleased with my experience. However, I believe Christina is right; the listings are all independent, so one good experience does not necessarily guarantee another. One thing I found helpful was to ask for referrals from previous clients whom I was able to correspond with by e-mail.<BR>Also, you may want to take into consideration the various payment options you will encounter. My owner did not accept credit cards, so I paid my deposit with a money order which cost me an extra $35 CDN. On the other hand, I did not have to pay the remainder until I took possession of the apartment which is a good idea in case the unexpected happens and you have to cancel your plans (although travel insurance should cover this).