To All, <BR> <BR>My wife and I are in the process of fixing up an apartment for ourselves and to rent out to guests when we are unable to use the apartment. <BR> <BR>I love France, Paris, and love sharing our love of the country and the people with others. <BR> <BR>What I want to know is what would make your experience exceptional or special in an apartment stay in Paris. We have lots of ideas such as a mobile phone for guests, cable TV with CNN, CD Player, Itineraries for walking tours, Bus routes, Metro routes, possibly places for runners to run in Paris, we have a celler and have thought of having bicycles available for guests. We also have thougt of information packets with info about the neighborhood, local restaurant recommendations with menus, we should also have a car and driver available for airport pickup and possibly other services. <BR> <BR>I also wonder how important it is to have a dishwasher. I believe a clothes washer and dryer is essential but I'm not sure how useful or important a dishwasher is. <BR> <BR>At any rate I'm open to any suggestions or comments on the above. I am attempting to get a web site up so anyone interested can follow the progress especially if anyone else is interested in doing the same thing. <BR> <BR>Please comment or feel free to contact me by email. I will be happy to share our experience in this venture. <BR> <BR>Thank-you, <BR> <BR>R.J. Smith

I would love to have everything I would need for my baby there, so I wouldn't have to pack it from home. <BR>Sleeping contraption, stroller, wash tub, nappies, anything else you may imagine. Even at the cost of a nominal fee it would make traveling POSSIBLE. <BR> <BR>Jogging routes w/ distances would be great. <BR>How about internet on a small computer station? <BR>Having a few paris guide books (the kind you have to pay for) in the quarters would be helpful. <BR>Wine cellar as opposed to mini-bar would be a nice touch. <BR>I hope I've helped a bit and good luck!

Cher Craig, <BR> <BR>Thank you for your kind response. Child care products is a good idea and something we hadn't talked about. <BR> <BR>We have talked about internet connection and I will have to do some research, also a great idea and something that would be appreciated by many. <BR> <BR>We do have a celler and we could will have wine in it. Also plan on having wine and flowers as will as all the basics, tea, coffee, etc. There are at least 2 wine specialty shops nearby, one just around the corner and on about a block away, we will include directions in the infomation pack. <BR> <BR>Planning on doing an introductory video with a history of the neighborhood, restaurants, parks, instructions on which buses to take and where they go, and anything else that will help you rapidly become familiar with the quartier, are representitive will be availabe by phone if you have problems or questions. <BR> <BR>We want a stay to be the most trouble free and memorable experience ever, and if not why not just stay in a hotel. We want our guests to feel they actually are living in Paris, and not just visiting. <BR> <BR>Thanks again for your time and comments. <BR> <BR>RJ Smith

What a lovely idea, to do some research on what would make your accommodations more attractive to guests. So far, your ideas sound great! I would also include your own personal guide on locations for the best nearby food markets, wine stores, flowers, local restaurants, boulangeries, fromageries, etc., to help us "live" like a Parisian, even for a few short days. Air Conditioning is very important. And, some great Parisian CD's, jazz, romantic, etc. Museum brochures with hours/fees would also be great and any a calendar of local festivals and free events. I would also love a dishwasher - since I don't even like washing dishes at home. Good luck and please let us know when your apartment is available for rent - it sounds terrific and I want to be able to stay there. We're renting an apartment in the 6th and will be there in August - really looking forward to it!

We have stayed in apts in England, Switzerland and France and I can tell you what has really made a difference for us (although this may differ for others): <BR> <BR>1)transportation to and from the airport is a BIG plus. After a long flight it helps just to be picked up and taken to the apt without muss and fuss. When we were in Paris this March, the only negative was the taxi ride from the airport - it cost over 400 franc and I believe he drove us the long way around. Just started us off on a slightly bad note. Whereas a cottage we stayed at in the Cotswolds provided pickup and return to the airport - it was wonderful. <BR> <BR>2) A brief list of the best places to eat in the neighborhood (in your opinion). If possible, a list of special events that will be going on during the stay. Untours does this and is a very very nice feature. <BR> <BR>3)washer and drier for clothes - you can pack light. Huge benefit. Although I use my dishwasher every day at home, I've never used one on vacation. If we eat in, it's usually pretty simple, not a lot of dishes. <BR> <BR>4)comfortable mattresses and pillows. <BR> <BR>5)I hesitate to say cable TV - my son would love it but we've had so much fun watching local shows trying to figure out what they are about. We're usually so busy, this is not a priority at all. <BR> <BR>6)Fans. In case you don't have air conditioning. <BR> <BR>7)Good lighting so you can read or cook easily. Had a real problem with this in Switzerland. <BR> <BR>8) Clear instructions on how to use electrical equipment - washer/dryer, TV <BR> <BR>That's about it. Good Luck.

For the last 20 + years we have rented places througout France. I would second several of the suggestions such as good beds, local information and good lighting for reading. But I would caution against too much to detract from the "Frenchness" of the place. I feel the world is becoming more and more international and it is a pity to lose the essential flavour of a country.

Randall, <BR> <BR>Your ideas sound great. Please be sure to post the URL of your site once you have it up and running (or email me directly). My husband and I will be looking for an apartment to rent on our next visit. <BR> <BR>One other touch that might be nice once you have your place set-up is a photo/travel album that your visitors could leave comments & pictures for future visitors. <BR> <BR>

All of this would have to be worked into your expenses and fees of course, but <BR>my ideal temporary apartment would have <BR>essential supplies (toilet paper, soap, <BR>towels,bed linen and even a very few basic cleaning supplies to help us clean freaks keep it clean) <BR>Maid service, either included or optional, once or twice a week (change and launder the sheets, vacuum, etc) <BR>Hangers in the closets <BR>An operating telephone, perhaps with a prepaid phone card for long distance service <BR>An ironing board and iron, in addition to the hoped-for washer and dryer <BR>Information on Paris basics such as the Carte Musee which is only mentioned in some guidebooks <BR>First aid kit--bandaids, aspirin/tylenol,etc <BR>hair dryer <BR>alarm clock/radio of course <BR>a toaster, a few basic plates and glasses and cutlery along with products to wash them with <BR>a few stamps suitable for postcards and a few other basic stationery items <BR>(scissors, tape, pen, paper, paperclips) <BR>Neighborhood information: including addresses, directions, phone numbers, and hours open for <BR>dry cleaning <BR>pharmacy <BR>groceries <BR>fruit, cheese, bread <BR>wine <BR>post office <BR>souvenirs/post cards <BR>hospital <BR>metro stop <BR>bus stop <BR>railroad stations <BR> <BR>I think the guest book is a lovely idea for people to pass on hints and suggestions <BR>

English-language paperback books! When I travel, it is hard to find inexpensive, used paperbacks to read on the plane or train. In one apartment, the owners and other guests had left books for this purpose, so we left the books we had finished and took ones to read on the next leg of our trip.

Randall, <BR>If you take the last poster up on the book suggestion, contact me directly for books. I think I could help you out on that front. <BR>BC

It sounds like you have really thougfht this through. My comments: A Washer / Dryer would be more important than a dishwasher. A dishwasher would be a plus but most folks don't do substantial cooking on holiday so hand washing is OK. <BR> <BR>A basic hospitality welcome pack on arrival -- Salt, Pepper, some basic spices, olive oil, a loaf of bread, coffee, tea, sugar, sweetener, perhaps milk, the day's (english?) newspaper. Not too much stuff but the basics to get them started. <BR> <BR>And I definitly second the idea of a journal or diary. It is wonderful to read entries from past visitors. I always get good ideas for places to see and restaurants from these kind of books.

Bonjour, <BR> <BR>I want to thank you all for your kind and thoughtful responses. I really don't know how this post was reserected, since it was written over a year ago after returning from Paris and purchasing our apartment. Since then I have developed a web-site, and we have completely gutted the apartment and essentially created a new apartment. I think that we have incorporated many of your suggestions in the apartment. <BR> <BR>I think that is inappropriate to advertise on this site and have tried to observe the non-commercial tone of this excellent forum. I have tried to only offer information to contributors when is has been specifically asked for. <BR> <BR>I do have many entertaining stories concerned with remodeling an apartment in the Latin Quarter, but all in all it has been a wonderful and rewarding experience. <BR> <BR>We have been fortunate to meet many interesting people who love Paris and France as we do. <BR> <BR>Please stop by and visit our home at http://www.lacigaleparis.com <BR> <BR>I will be happy to assist in apartment stays whether you are interested in our apartment or another. I think home stays are the way to go as opposed to staying in a hotel. <BR> <BR>I will be happy to answer any of your questions either on this forum or privately. <BR> <BR>Again, I was suprised to see this thread appear once more, since it was begun over a year ago. <BR> <BR>I wish you all wonderful travels in France!! <BR> <BR>Sincerely, <BR> <BR>Randy & Diana Smith

Dear Mr. Smith,<BR><BR>I realise I've been reading old postings and by now, your proposed apartment rental is most likely a reality.<BR>I'd second the person who asked that you retain some (I'd say a lot) of the "Frenchness". After all, isn't that why we travel - to experience other cultures and customs? (And apts!)<BR>To your astonishingly long list, I'd add a desk on which to write and a good reading light over the bed.<BR>Are you renting now and where is the apartment located? I try to stay in the 6em. and only need a studio.<BR>Please respond to my posted e-mail address.<BR>Sincerely.<BR>

Bonjour, Randall!<BR>I remember when we had a thread going about things to buy in Paris and you mentioned having an apt! I was a tiny bit jealous then and now I think I still am,but would be interested in renting your apt!How nice!<BR>As to the dish washer, I always like dishwashers, but if it were a big expense,I would understand why you wouldn't have one.When researching for apts a couple of years ago,there was one ,right off of Blvd St Germain that had a dishwasher. Actually they had every modern convenience and asked an appropriately large amount of money for rent because of it! The problem with them was-their deposit was way too high, and having rented houses and flats in the past, not appropriate to the rental for a week.<BR>I wish you great luck in the apt reno,as I am also in the process with an old house and I know that nothing goes as quickly as I would like...but the finished product is so nice,I guess it is always worth it.<BR>I will definitely keep your email adress as there will most likely be the day that we will want an apt, and why not from a fellow Fodorite!?<BR>Candice<BR>

PS&gt; you might get ideas from looking through the apts for rent from www.barclayweb.com.<BR>We used them for Florence, Italy and you can see the apts and what they offer to compare with yours~c

any other suggestions?

Hello
We love Paris and often read the comments here re places to stay etc.
We have an apartment in Christchurch New Zealand, and rent it similarly.
The dishwasher is the one thing we do noy have either, though the kitchen has full facilities eitherwise.
Interesting to read all the correspondence and if you would like to email me at my own address wuld love to correspond re apartment experiences and also staying in Paris!
Amaryllis

I wonder how many people realize this original post is over 4 years old? I'm just curious whatever happened. Did Randall Smith and his wife finish the apartment? I wonder if we'll ever know.

Yes, they finished that apartment and it is lovely. We stayed there about a year and a half ago. We enjoyed the location as it got us started trying different arrondisements. They also have another apartment on rue de Sevres. Their website is www.lacigaleparis.com They were really easy to work with.

Just visited the website and the apartments look lovely. I wonder if any of them have A/C? I read some of the messages posted on the message board but that question is never answered directly. Mr. Smith always says he'll reply by private e-mail. I'm just curious...thanks!