Paris Apartment Thread
Jun 20th, 2009, 10:05 AM
#262
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Joan-What I'm trying to point out is that there are some things that are just not controllable and personally I just deal with them and move on. I don't expect every little thing to be perfect.
As far as the short-term renters, the 5-7 day ones, they're probably so busy being out all day taking in the sites and experiencing Paris, what they went to Paris for in the first place, until they're probably not in the apartment that much anyway. They probably don't get back to the apartment until late when things like construction work noise and building renovations, for example, are usually done for the day anyway. Personally, for me, other things are more important...like not seeing any rodents in my living space, which I've heard folks mention in apartment rentals. I've never had to deal with rodents, thank goodness, but have dealt with plenty of roaches, lizards, and geckos in my living space. I guess I'm just used to spending lots of times, over decades, in parts of the world, like Southeast Asia and Africa, in particular, where there are just apartment/hotel issues that are far more pressing than some of the ones I hear of here like, apartment neighbor noise, construction noise, renovation noise, partially blocked views, etc. Plus, it's been over 3 decades of staying in zero-2 star hotels in Europe, so maybe I've grown to be more flexible, about certain things, over the many decades. I guess it's just a different life experience.
As far as the situation that you have referred to above of the poster who had her view, of the Eiffel Tower, partially blocked by a crane, yes, I could see that as be disappointing to some, however not a big deal to me. Before the photo was posted, of the position of the crane,from all of the discussion that was going on, I honestly thought that the crane was directly across the street from the apartment window, not far in the distance. It's a dense city and there's usually construction going on somewhere in a city. The Eiffel Tower was still visible. I just would have handled the situation differently and definitely not have stressed out over it. Life is too short. I would have brought the situation to the rental company and the owner's attention and taken the discount that was offered, for the partial obstruction of view, then moved on and had a great time in Paris. But, to each his own.
As for apartment rental agencies that place folks in hotels or move them to other apartments if there's a problem, I don't know which ones do, except Paris Perfect since you've mentioned it several times, but know of a lot of them that don't. So, I'm sure it would be quite helpful to readers if you posted a list of agencies, other than Paris Perfect, that you personally know of, that will move renters to either another apartment or a hotel if there's a problem. Then readers can choose which type of agency they will use; one that lists apartments and the potential renter deals directly with the owner of a particular apartment, one that is an agency with a list of apartments, but the potential renter goes through the agency and pays for the apartment, but doesn't have to come in contact with the owner...I never came in contact with the owner with my Vacation In Paris apartment, or one that lists apartments and owns all the apartments in its listing and can thus move unhappy renters to either a different apartment, or a hotel, if a problem arises. Then potential renters can decide which type of agency they would like to work with and then maybe the problems will be solved. Happy Travels!
As far as the short-term renters, the 5-7 day ones, they're probably so busy being out all day taking in the sites and experiencing Paris, what they went to Paris for in the first place, until they're probably not in the apartment that much anyway. They probably don't get back to the apartment until late when things like construction work noise and building renovations, for example, are usually done for the day anyway. Personally, for me, other things are more important...like not seeing any rodents in my living space, which I've heard folks mention in apartment rentals. I've never had to deal with rodents, thank goodness, but have dealt with plenty of roaches, lizards, and geckos in my living space. I guess I'm just used to spending lots of times, over decades, in parts of the world, like Southeast Asia and Africa, in particular, where there are just apartment/hotel issues that are far more pressing than some of the ones I hear of here like, apartment neighbor noise, construction noise, renovation noise, partially blocked views, etc. Plus, it's been over 3 decades of staying in zero-2 star hotels in Europe, so maybe I've grown to be more flexible, about certain things, over the many decades. I guess it's just a different life experience.
As far as the situation that you have referred to above of the poster who had her view, of the Eiffel Tower, partially blocked by a crane, yes, I could see that as be disappointing to some, however not a big deal to me. Before the photo was posted, of the position of the crane,from all of the discussion that was going on, I honestly thought that the crane was directly across the street from the apartment window, not far in the distance. It's a dense city and there's usually construction going on somewhere in a city. The Eiffel Tower was still visible. I just would have handled the situation differently and definitely not have stressed out over it. Life is too short. I would have brought the situation to the rental company and the owner's attention and taken the discount that was offered, for the partial obstruction of view, then moved on and had a great time in Paris. But, to each his own.
As for apartment rental agencies that place folks in hotels or move them to other apartments if there's a problem, I don't know which ones do, except Paris Perfect since you've mentioned it several times, but know of a lot of them that don't. So, I'm sure it would be quite helpful to readers if you posted a list of agencies, other than Paris Perfect, that you personally know of, that will move renters to either another apartment or a hotel if there's a problem. Then readers can choose which type of agency they will use; one that lists apartments and the potential renter deals directly with the owner of a particular apartment, one that is an agency with a list of apartments, but the potential renter goes through the agency and pays for the apartment, but doesn't have to come in contact with the owner...I never came in contact with the owner with my Vacation In Paris apartment, or one that lists apartments and owns all the apartments in its listing and can thus move unhappy renters to either a different apartment, or a hotel, if a problem arises. Then potential renters can decide which type of agency they would like to work with and then maybe the problems will be solved. Happy Travels!
Jun 20th, 2009, 10:56 AM
#263
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Guenmai,
I guess different people expect different things.
It is not for me to check out which companies do what. I only pointed out the things that I have found out that I like to know the answers to before renting, to eliminate the kind of problems that people have come up with. Others can ask the questions before renting, if interested.
Yes, I now only rent from Paris Perfect. They do have all those things covered, that I have mentioned. I know that whatever unforseen problem that can come up, I will be taken care of in the best possible way. I like that.
Those who may not have traveled or rented often, may not be aware of these things. Passing on whatever information that we might have learned is what these forums are all about. Each may then pick and choose what is important to them.
Joan
I guess different people expect different things.
It is not for me to check out which companies do what. I only pointed out the things that I have found out that I like to know the answers to before renting, to eliminate the kind of problems that people have come up with. Others can ask the questions before renting, if interested.
Yes, I now only rent from Paris Perfect. They do have all those things covered, that I have mentioned. I know that whatever unforseen problem that can come up, I will be taken care of in the best possible way. I like that.
Those who may not have traveled or rented often, may not be aware of these things. Passing on whatever information that we might have learned is what these forums are all about. Each may then pick and choose what is important to them.
Joan
Jun 20th, 2009, 11:37 AM
#264
Jeanne, if you do end up staying for over a week, Guest Apartment Services are excellent in every way. I stayed on one occasion with family and later my mom and one of her friends (older women in their 60s who are picky/not terribly flexible) did as well. We were all perfectly satisfied.
Check Parisian Flat too--they may have something.
In terms of what you've posted, I like that last VRBO place, but I would find out specifically about doors, what fully shuts and what doesn't, etc., if that's a concern. Also is your tall husband going to want to go up in the loft?
The Vacation in Paris place looks great too. In fact, that may suit you all the best.
I know I have a file with recommended Paris places bookmarked somewhere, including larger ones. I'll see if I can find it. You could start a thread about this--might get more feedback from people who have rented 2bd apartments in the past.
Check Parisian Flat too--they may have something.
In terms of what you've posted, I like that last VRBO place, but I would find out specifically about doors, what fully shuts and what doesn't, etc., if that's a concern. Also is your tall husband going to want to go up in the loft?
The Vacation in Paris place looks great too. In fact, that may suit you all the best.
I know I have a file with recommended Paris places bookmarked somewhere, including larger ones. I'll see if I can find it. You could start a thread about this--might get more feedback from people who have rented 2bd apartments in the past.
Jun 20th, 2009, 12:47 PM
#265
Jeanne, Paris Address rents short-term. The downside there is they have so many apartments and I have never found an easy way to narrow using their search function--frustrating.
http://www.parisaddress.com
http://www.parisaddress.com
Jun 20th, 2009, 03:09 PM
#266
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Yes, true, Joan, different people do expect different things. But, many new renters don't know the ends and outs of renting which is why I thought it a helpful idea, for those in-the-know renters, to possibly provide a list of rental agencies that will book a person into a hotel or different apartment if things aren't satisfactory. We, on the forum, provide newbies with lists and opinions of all kinds of other things...from hotel to restaurant to shopping, etc...
I personally don't know any of those agencies and especially any, within a wide range of budgets, affordable to all. I go with the agencies that have apartments listed within my budget and those agencies aren't set up to either transfer a person to another apartment or a hotel, if the renter is not satisfied with the apartment. Happy Travels!
I personally don't know any of those agencies and especially any, within a wide range of budgets, affordable to all. I go with the agencies that have apartments listed within my budget and those agencies aren't set up to either transfer a person to another apartment or a hotel, if the renter is not satisfied with the apartment. Happy Travels!
Jun 20th, 2009, 03:29 PM
#267
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Guenmai,
If people have a list of questions to ask about, as I mentioned, they can then ask the questions wherever. Much better for them, ask the questions and receive the answers and make their own decisions.
Joan
If people have a list of questions to ask about, as I mentioned, they can then ask the questions wherever. Much better for them, ask the questions and receive the answers and make their own decisions.
Joan
Jun 20th, 2009, 03:55 PM
#268
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Joan: That's very generous of you. Our criteria is pretty picky. I'm spending all my spare time "cruising" apartments now. We are three sisters and one brother-in-law (very tall). Probably Sept or Nov 2010.
--Budget would be up to 400 eu/night. 7 or 8 nights.
--No walk up more than 1 floor.
--Maybe A/C (if Sept)
--Windows/light. (We noticed a lot of the Ile St. Louis units looked rather dark.)
--2 bedrooms/2 baths
--Quality amenities/furniture.
Small things: We like the dining table to be by the window...not at back of room or in kitchen. Would love a view of ET or the river...or other landmark from living room. Even nice views over rooftops are good. And we'll be eating in a lot (not necessarily cooking!), so in a good neighborhood for that kind of shopping.
Neighborhoods: Eiffel Tower, around Musee D'Orsay near river, Trocadero, 8th near Parc Monceau, 1st and 4th near river and Iles.
I know that's a lot. And it's not definitive. It's just what I know has caught my attention as I scroll through all the options.
Several of the ParisPerfect units would do nicely. We noticed a few of them are cross listed on VRBO, sometimes for less. Merlot and Sancere are very representative of what we're looking for.
--Budget would be up to 400 eu/night. 7 or 8 nights.
--No walk up more than 1 floor.
--Maybe A/C (if Sept)
--Windows/light. (We noticed a lot of the Ile St. Louis units looked rather dark.)
--2 bedrooms/2 baths
--Quality amenities/furniture.
Small things: We like the dining table to be by the window...not at back of room or in kitchen. Would love a view of ET or the river...or other landmark from living room. Even nice views over rooftops are good. And we'll be eating in a lot (not necessarily cooking!), so in a good neighborhood for that kind of shopping.
Neighborhoods: Eiffel Tower, around Musee D'Orsay near river, Trocadero, 8th near Parc Monceau, 1st and 4th near river and Iles.
I know that's a lot. And it's not definitive. It's just what I know has caught my attention as I scroll through all the options.
Several of the ParisPerfect units would do nicely. We noticed a few of them are cross listed on VRBO, sometimes for less. Merlot and Sancere are very representative of what we're looking for.
Jun 21st, 2009, 12:40 AM
#270
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JeanneB
Contact me at my travel e-mail address:
[email protected] and we can "talk" more without filling up this space.
It's fun to look and to plan...
Joan
Contact me at my travel e-mail address:
[email protected] and we can "talk" more without filling up this space.
It's fun to look and to plan...
Joan
Jul 16th, 2009, 06:46 AM
#272
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Hi, while I've used these threads for our previous trips, I've never posted before. I am going crazy looking for an apartment for our first trip to Paris. My husband and I and our adult son are going Sept 4 for a week. We need two bedrooms and due to a knee replacement, an elevator. From the posts the 4th, and 6th seemed best, but we just want to get to the sights and food (the guys are foodies) easily. Late nite entertainment IS eating! We'd like to keep it under $350 max.
Most posts seem to be 1 BR or really high and yes, I'm already getting back - sorry -dates taken. I'd appreciate any recommendations. Thanks
Most posts seem to be 1 BR or really high and yes, I'm already getting back - sorry -dates taken. I'd appreciate any recommendations. Thanks
Jul 16th, 2009, 10:53 AM
#273
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This is in the 7th. Calendar says it's available that week. It doesn't have any comments. Try researching on the address or vrbo#, I guess.
http://www.vrbo.com/109111
http://www.vrbo.com/109111
Jul 16th, 2009, 02:13 PM
#274
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Thank you. This will make our short list, though my husband really wants to be closer to the 6th. Vacationparis.com has 3 of interest, 142-in 5th on 52 rue L'hommond, #41 in 3rd Marais Square du Temple - I can do 1 floor up, and #190 on Ile St. Louis 1 floor up and above budget - but wouldn't this location be worth it? Has anyone stayed at one of these?
Jul 16th, 2009, 05:22 PM
#275
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Personally, #190 is the only one of those I would consider. But I didn't see A/C. It was hot when we were there in mid-September, especially at night.
I don't know if it's available, but here's one I had saved. Same agency. It has a/c & elevator. About the same price. Lovely location, steps off Blvd Saint Germain at the Seine. Great transportation options. It's in the 7th, but very near all the things I suspect you love about the 6th.
Best of luck. I would think in that price range you can find something nice with air conditioning.
http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_217.htm
I don't know if it's available, but here's one I had saved. Same agency. It has a/c & elevator. About the same price. Lovely location, steps off Blvd Saint Germain at the Seine. Great transportation options. It's in the 7th, but very near all the things I suspect you love about the 6th.
Best of luck. I would think in that price range you can find something nice with air conditioning.
http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_217.htm
Jul 16th, 2009, 05:45 PM
#276
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If ParisPerfect can take you for less than a week and it suits your requirements, I'd grab it. I visited an apartment last fall and would love to stay in one the next time I'm in Paris...(ok, I'd actually like to live in one).
-Roberta
-Roberta
Jul 17th, 2009, 05:00 AM
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Same here...we arrived about the 10th of Sept two years ago. During the day we could stop by fountains and get cold drinks to cool off. But at night it was hot and still. Windows open meant noisy street. It was not pleasant.
Jul 17th, 2009, 10:38 AM
#280
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Has anyone dealt with Parisforrent.com? there is a great sounding apartment SL101 - Boutarel on il de cite. It is available and has a $1,000. deposit requirement. Is this standard? Has anyone stayed here?
