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Paris Perfect -- Second Thoughts about Apt. Choice
My daughter and I are traveling to Paris late August and then on to Aix-en-Provence where she will attend school until December. I contacted Paris Perfect last week to reserve an apartment and thought I had one booked (Moulin a Vent) through Michelle, but Taryn told me it had already been booked apparently simultaneously. The only apartment available for our entire week's stay was the Riesling, so I went ahead and reserved it, but it's not our first, second or even third choice. Taryn offered me a split between the Chardonnay and the Kir, but I thought the Kir might be too small and I felt under pressure to decide. My daughter very much wanted the Eiffel Tower view from the window and I was looking forward to the amazing neighborhood...Now, I'm having "buyer's remorse" about the stairs and lack of A/C at the Riesling. I know how wonderful these apartments are, and the great reputation of the PP staff, so I don't think I'll be disappointed wherever we stay, but I did want this to be very special. After reading the comments in the Riesling post below, I have reason to pause about the decision. Should I have taken the split instead? Any advice -- especially from those of you fmailiar with Paris Perfect -- would be greatly appreciated.
Grace |
I'm not familiar with Paris Perfect, (Paris Imperfect? Paris Only Human?) But I am familiar with Paris, and it is chock full of beautiful rental apartments, rented by people whose reputations for quality and reliability match that of Paris Perfect.
You and your daughter are taking only one trip to Paris. Keep looking. If Paris Perfect deserves the reputation it has, it will gracefully acknowledge the mistake was theirs, and refund any and all money you paid in advance if they cannot provide you with an apartment for your entire stay that is exactly what you hoped for. |
I second zeppole's advice.
At nearly €350 a night I would expect to be borne to my front door on winged chariots, not have to worry about a lack of lift or air conditioning. For that sort of money you could have your pick of most of the choicest flats and hotels in Paris. If you're not happy, get a full refund and take it elsewhere. There are dozens of other companies (and individuals) that will rent you a flat of equal or higher standing for a similar price. If you do go ahead and stay somewhere that don't really want to, there's a good chance that the trip will be compromised from the start and won't be as special as you want it to be. |
GraceCO,
Too bad about your porblem. I know too well how these places are reserved so far in advance. I have had my 6 weeks in the fall and month for next Spring made for some time now. Having said that, does not answer your problem. While I have stayed in a great many Paris Perfect apartments, I have not stayed in the Reisling. I personally prefer the beautiful western area of the 7th in the Bourdonnais/Rapp/St. Dominique, with the trees the parks, beautiful Haussmann buidings and how could one forget...the Eiffel Tower out your windows! Paris Perfect is a top notch company, in every possible way. Taryn and Michelle will work with you in every possible way, I am very sure. Joan |
GraceCO,
Is the Pinot available? It has ET view, balcony and great location. If that was only for part and the other part the Kir. The Kir is amazing of what can be done with a small amount of space..that is if you have the talent of Madelyn! I have stayed there and have found it most enjoyable, for me. Since you are mother and daughter and probably would not mind the trundle bed...one pulls out and then up..2 separate beds..and very comfortable, I must say. The kitchen has everything you need, too. You might find it a fun experience.... I had some local friends recently say that they would like to go to Paris in Sept. and stay in one of the PP apts...a small one..like the Chablis! In July there is no way, unless you just happen to find someone who has to cancel. I suggested they make their plans for Spring. Hopefully, things will work out for you. Their apartments, amenities and everything couldn't be better... Joan |
Thank you all for your responses -- you've given me the gentle push I need to make this right.
Joan, I've been reading your posts this morning (all wonderful & getting me in the mood for Paris!)and see how devoted you are to Paris Perfect. That means something to have earned that kind of loyalty. I will email Taryn or Michelle and see if there are any other possibilites. Do you agree that splitting time between two apartments during the week is not worth the hassle? Also--I noticed in reading your posts that you recommend Shuttle Inter for transportation to/from the airport. Could you kindly share their contact info? Also, what do you think is the best way to handle cell phone service both for the week and for a 4-month period of time? Many thanks for all the help. So glad I found this wonderful Forum! Grace |
Joan, yes, the Pinot/Kir were also available. I didn't make that choice after Taryn suggested the Kir might be too small for us...I'm happy to hear you say the Kir may be large enough and fun. In looking at the photos, I think it's charming and adorable.
The Chardonnay was also offered as a split with the Meursault. There were so many choices, my head was spinning, but they were all "splits" which is why I opted for the Riesling with no move required. I thought it more practical to settle into one place. But, I truly think location matters in making it special and memorable. What would you do? Thanks, again, for all the help... Grace |
Grace,
Funny how your first name is Grace and my last name is Grace. Having two first names causes many to call me Grace rather than Joan. I am very used to that! Re: Shuttle-Inter: I have had perfect service with them so many, many times. Others more recently have told of bad experiences. I even wrote and asked them about their problems and posted their response to me as being some new drivers. Obviously, the service is only as good as their drivers...probably not the most sought after jobs..and also porobably a bit difficult to know how good they will be when hiring them. But that is not our problem, when looking for good service! I would say to you that this is the address to e-mail them. I do well with a Bonjour, telling them that I have heard of their great service and then give them your needs. Date, flight numbers etc. End with an a bientot. Kindness will get you everything!! [email protected] I have a cell phone that I travel with and am sure others can probably help you better with this question. You may need to post another thread for your specific question. I'm sure all will be solved for you..if you change apts...do not be concerned..Paris Perfec will do all your moving for you. You will have to put things in your bags...I have done it often..not a problem..but I enjoy experiencing the many apartments...look at it as a fun thing that you and your daughter can share! Joan |
Grace, We posted about the same time. I have stayed in the Meursault. I'm sure you looked at it online. It has a loft..your daughter might love it! I went up the ladder every night ..it was fun. The sofa downstairs is simmple and comfortable. A large walk in shower, full size refrigerator and a magnificent view of Paris and the ET.
I have been in the Chardonnay..same bldg. as Kir, but have not stayed there. Keep looking at them and see what appeals to you..that areaq also available!!I stayed in the Richebourg, which is next to the Pinot. I think you would like the Pinot.... Taryn will help you, for sure.. Joan |
Joan, thank you for the helpful posts...I wish I had found you and this Forum before making my decision last week. But, I'm glad to have this information and insight in enough time to make a change.
Nice to know that Paris Perfect will move us -- I didn't realize that -- and you make a great point that this is a great way to experience two different apartments and have fun doing it. My daughter will be happy just to have the ET to look at... I will check in with them and see if any of these apartments are still available. Thanks, again... Grace |
Grace,
I looked at the Riesling and realized it is on Rue de Seine. That's a terrific location and I think you and your daughter would enjoy the area and being central to many of the tourist sites. It would be very easy to explore and come back and relax before going out again. A very easy place to meet if you go out separately, as well. If you're determined to have an Eiffel Tower view, then it won't work. But I think the location of this apartment more than makes up for the view. And you are within easy walking distance to the Seine and the hourly view of the ET sparkling. If the stairs are not a problem then I would definitely stay with it rather than move mid-stay. You will have good street views from the lovely dining area. Good luck with your choice--you won't go wrong. |
Grace,
I would email Taryn ASAP..you have the time difference. cw, I think A/C was a concern and the Reisling does not have it...may be the only one that does not have it. Joan |
Best of luck Grace! Please let us know what happens.
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Joan, I did forget to mention the a/c issue but was maybe hoping (I guess!) that it wouldn't be an issue in late August. Though none of us can ever predict the weather, especially this year. The apartment does look beautiful and appears to have cross-ventilation.
I do think for a young person, that as appealing as the 7th is to many people (stayed there on my last visit and liked it a lot), the 6th and its proximity to the 4th and the 5th is a much more active and exciting area to have as your home territory. It's wonderful to be able to walk out your door and walk to the Seine, Notre Dame, the Louvre, or the Luxembourg Gardens without having to wait for a bus or spend 30-40 minutes walking. I've liked staying in both the 1st and the 7th and next time will probably stay in a new area. Part of the Paris charm and allure for me is discovering new neighborhoods and areas both on and off the beaten path. I probably would feel differently if I visited as often as you do (said as I'm green with envy!) and had decided on one area as my own. |
cw,
I think August can be hot! But you never know with the weather. I have found in the western part of the 7th that walking along the Seine and across the Seine to the high fashion area and the Parc champ de Mars at foot of the ET..the Pres. Wilson market and others..Rodin, Invalides to be so accessible. I do enjoy the Navigo Decouverte and now mainly use the buses..they are so great from this area...jump on the 69 and be in St. Germaine, the 42 takes me in a few minutes to the l'Obe in the Crillon or Madeleine....you can get on and off wherever you want with the card. It is great. I didn't get one til this past December. I didn't know what I was missing. All of Paris is great...and easy to get around.. Joan |
cw, thank you for weighing in on the Riesling apartment. Good to hear you say it's in such a great location, just in case we don't have the option of another apartment. On the plus side, it is a spacious apartment with 2 bedrooms/2 baths; on the downside, there's the four flights of stairs, no AC and no EF view. The lack of AC might be more troublesome, since I read in the PP instructions that the windows need to be shut at night and before you leave the apt. due to security or weather (rain) issues. Where is the ventilation overnight then, especially if it's hot?
Joan, I'm emailing Taryn now and will see what she says about any options I might have. Thank you again. I will keep posting. Grace |
If someone told me the windows needed to be shut at night for security reasons, I wouldn't stay there, especially in August without air conditioning.
I hope you are looking outside the few choices being offered you by Paris Perfect. As others have stated, the amount of money you are willing to spend guarantees luxury accommodations and rentals in most of Paris, certainly in the 7th, not trundle beds, ladders, no AC and security issues. |
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Grace,
I didn't look, but I can do so., but every place I have ever stayed anyplace, has asked when you go out, whether day or night to turn off lights and close windows in case it rains while you are gone. If you are home, you obviously will be there to close them should it rain. Personally, for the month of August, I would prefer an A/C one. I'm sure you would be more comfortable. Joan |
Grace, I looked and did not see anything relative to windows, but think I may have answered that above.
When looking I did see this re the stairs: "Most of our short term Paris apartment rentals that we offer have elevators: no lugging up stairs with heavy luggage and groceries. We chose two special apartments in ancient buildings where an elevator was not possible to install, the Riesling and Echezaux: we carefully state this in our description, naturally they cost less and we do not recommend them for elderly people or small children. If you can handle the stairs, they are truly special. Our goal is to have you walk into one of our beautiful, clean Paris apartment rentals and feel at home and ready for a fantastic Paris vacation the moment you step in. We want it to be sunny and luxurious so you can enjoy lazy days curled up with music and a good book, or stand on the balcony and watch the street scenes below. That is all part of the experience and memory of your stay in the City of Light and we want you to enjoy every second of it!" They have these two apartments, out of some 50, that in their opinion were special enough to purchase without the capability of an elevator being installed. I think it is well stated above. Joan |
Joan, I emailed Taryn -- we'll see if she has something else. Thank you very much for all the great info.
Zeppole, I appreciate your support and suggestions. I want to give Paris Perfect a chance to suggest other options; if not, at least I know there are other choices. Appreciate all the wonderful and knowledgeable people in this Forum... Grace |
Grace,
If you're set on the Eiffel Tower view, then taking two apartments and switching mid-week will be worth it to you. I'm sure they don't mean that you have to keep the windows closed at night in a high-up floor apartment. I can't see that there can be any security issue. I don't see that on the website but I think Joan is right--those are probably general instructions for every apartment when you are not there. You should ask them. For the fun of it, I checked temperatures for last August on www.wunderground.com and in Paris they were in the 50s and low-60s at night. One day the temperature was in the 80s during the day. Past experience with weather is never a guarantee for the future but it does give you an idea. Zeppole is right. There are a lot of beautiful Paris apartments--though it is late for booking many of them. Don't stress too much over this--whether you're in the 7th or the 6th, or somewhere else you'll have a wonderful time in Paris. |
Yes, Grace, I don't like to see you so stressed either. Wait to hear from Taryn..probably tomorrow..with time difference,
Weather is hard to know from year to year. I think this year has been one of their cooler years. I know Paris had a strange winter! As cw has said you will enjoy your stay with your daughter...think about that. Look for all to be settled tomorrow......... Joan |
Joan and cw, thank you so much for the kind words and helping me put this all in perspective.
I reread the "Read me Now" instructions from PP about securing the windows and they say to be sure to close windows and latch the shutters, especially in summer, because "thieves are known to come over the rooftops and access apartments through open windows." I know the PP neighborhoods are the safest in Paris, so I wondered why that reference was even necessary. At the end of the day, I think having the AC, just in case, makes sense. I will certainly enjoy my stay -- I just want it all to be perfect for my daughter. If I was traveling solo, I wouldn't be so picky! Thanks, again. Let's see what tomorrow brings... Grace |
Zeppole, I checked out the links you sent and there are some wonderful options, although many are unavailable for my timeframe. The pricing is impressive. Thanks for all the suggestions...Grace
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Grace,
No wonder I didn't see the s\window thing online..you found it in the 35 pg. or so packet sent to you. I guess I have never read that particular item..I just looked..sure enough, I found the section. I would imagine that "if" this sort of thing has happened in Paris that insurance companies/legal counsel has advised that this should be in print. Depending on the apartment, I don't think many could be entered that way. I can think of some that I know well, and they would have be be a TV Spider Man!! Have a good night.... a bientot.. Joan |
Good news...I heard from Taryn and the Pinot/Kir are available! I emailed her early this morning to switch us, but haven't heard back yet.
My daughter will be thrilled with the ET view -- in fact we will both be thrilled:) Taryn mentioned on the transfer from Pinot to Kir that since their office is located near the Pinot, they could hold our luggage, if necessary, during the transfer process. I was hoping they would handle the transfer and all we'd have to do is pack! I've asked her about that, hoping I've misunderstood her comment. Has it been your experience, Joan, that they take care of moving your luggage to the apartment? Grace |
Good Morning Grace,
I was sure that all would be settled this morning. Now you can relax. Re the moving from one apt. to the other. The local office will help you with all that. One time I left bags packed in the Pomerol when I left in the morning and had lunch at Violon d'Ingres and went to the Cotes du Rhone at pre-arranged time and all my luggage was waiting for me along with the greeter. They take good care of you. This past Spring I met one of the local gals at a pre-arranged time, and we walked the few blocks between the Fleurie and the Richebourg. The greeter wants to go thru all the things in the new apartment with you, just as they did upon arrival, for the first apartment. Have you been to Paris before? Do you need some help with restaurants, sights etc? Will you be returning to pick up your daughter the first of Dec? If so, you should arrange for a few days in Paris at that time. Yes, PP does rent for shorter than a week, if they have space. The Christmas decorations are magical. A great time to walk across the Pont Alma and up ave. George V and down the Champs Elysees and back via ave Montaigne in the evening. Galeries Lafayette, of course. I will be there all of Nov. til mid Dec. Perhaps we could get together. If we want to chat about some othert things it might be easier via email. I could give you my travel email address. a bientot, Joan |
Hi Joan,
I'm so happy all is settled -- thank you for all your help -- and I'm now looking forward to making fun plans. I've been to Paris twice before many years ago, but I would love some help with restaurants and hear your recommendations on the neighborhood, sights, etc. My daughter returns on Dec. 19th, but I plan to visit in November & spend if not all, at least a part of the time in Paris. (I have a feeling she'll want to take the train from Aix to meet me...)I would love to get together with you while I'm there -- what a great idea. Please send me your travel email address so we can continue the conversation... A bientot, Grace |
Hey Grace,
I hope that you and your daughter have a wonderful trip to France. Looking forward to hearing all about it when you get back. Jane |
Thanks, Jane. I'm sure we will have a wonderful time -- how can you not in Paris? I will post a report of the trip when I return after Sept. 9th.
Hope you find the ideal anniversary spot! Grace |
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Grace,
Don't know if you will check this before you depart. We had fun working on a lot of your trip planning. Glad to hear Catherine Constant got back to you with your reservation. They were on the usual August holiday! How exciting for you that you have just received word of such a great upgrade!! They do this often, whether a first timer or a regular. Often you don't know about it until you arrive. I am sure that you and Lauren will enjoy having the two full bathrooms! Have a super trip and will look to hearing more from you. Joan |
Sounds like you're already there or about to go, but I can tell you that Kir is pretty small for 2 people, even a couple.
Overall, we did not have a good experinces with Paris Perfect, or "Paris Imperfect" due to service issues while at apts. and things falling through with reservations. FYI, Paris is flush with available apartments in August as Parisian owners offer theirs for rent; hence, prices drop dramatically in August. There should be plenty of choice flats at good rates, esp. in this weak economy. |
It seems that Grace is not staying in the Kir, but has been upgraded to probably a 3 bedroom, lovely apt. for their last 3 nights. They were lucky to get any reservations on such short notice, at this time of the year.
The Paris Perfect apts appear to be completely full for some time..except a day or two here and there in between bookings, as they begin and end on any day of the week. Many, many posts from people finding everything full..hotels etc...normal. Paris Perfect does have a very fine reputation for their treatment and special care and attention to the needs of their guests. That is all commonly known. I don't need to address that subject! AbbyG seems to have only posted two times on Fodor's..not a lot of credibility for Fodorites! |
grace,
You go all wobbly and in outrage mode when people attack your credibility so I don't think you are in much of a position to cast suspicions on another poster. We already know that if anybody dares -- ohhh, dares, my heavens! dares -- to criticize Paris Perfect, you will be here in a jiffy to yodel. It's a credibility draw, I'd say. |
Hi, I certainly am glad to have come across this wonderful dialogue. You are all so gracious in sharing your experiences.
A friend actually just booked a stay with PP at their "Pouilly"(sp?) apartment, as others were evidently booked. Apt availability was tight with having little lead time, although, several seemingly very nice choices did turn out to be available. Well, they've decided to give PP a try. It seems this space is a new addition to their family of apts. And I do so hope it turns out to be a winner! My friend is venturing a 1st time alternative to their veteran routine of hotel life and restaurant fare. They've been traveling to the 8eme, for many years on biz but are not familiar with the 7th. Since I have some time on my hands I'm trying to find them the best modes of transportation from the airport to the district (alternate to taxis). I know they'll really appreciate any suggestions you might have first hand (cheese shops etc, as they are looking forward to preparing a few relaxed meals during their stay. My understanding is that the apt is suppose to be on the same block as "The Lycée Italian Léonard-de-Vinci". Any familiarity with this area (good, bad or indifferent) that you can kindly pass along, will be no doubt well appreciated many times over. I certainly hope they enjoy a positive experience w/ PP and that trying out a new neighborhood will be a wonderful and memorable adventure! Thank you for taking the time to read this and you thoughts!! :) |
Ooops * your thoughts.
PS. GraceCO I hope you and your daughter share a a safe and Wonderful trip filled with everlasting memories! I as well hope neither you, nor anyone else here minds my having posted this inquiry amidst this discussion. Sincerely. |
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