GraceCO

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

zeppole

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.

Jay_G

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.

gracejoan3

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

gracejoan3

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

GraceCO

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

GraceCO

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

gracejoan3

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

gracejoan3

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

GraceCO

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

cw

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.

gracejoan3

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

janiekins

Best of luck Grace! Please let us know what happens.

cw

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.

gracejoan3

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

GraceCO

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

zeppole

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.

zeppole

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p213025

zeppole

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p225756

zeppole

http://www.homeaway.com/search/franc...r/region:18934

http://studio.provaction.com/paris_a...ndulgence.html

http://www.haveninparis.com/rental/bacpenthouse.php