Paris: where does a large family can eat and sleep in February?
Aug 30th, 2014, 09:53 PM
#41
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Neighborhood is OK, safe but not exactly interesting unless you are into wholesaling Chinese made fashion accessories and costume jewelry. You are just a short walk away from the small park at Square du Temple for the kids, and rue de Bretagne for its food shops and restaurants as well as the Marché des Enfants Rouges.
I'd want to see good photos of the property to be sure that space is adequate - these are old buildings - and verify things like availability of elevator if on higher floor, exposure of bedrooms (courtyard versus street) and whether windows are double glazed for noise control.
I'd want to see good photos of the property to be sure that space is adequate - these are old buildings - and verify things like availability of elevator if on higher floor, exposure of bedrooms (courtyard versus street) and whether windows are double glazed for noise control.
Aug 30th, 2014, 10:41 PM
#42
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I have not read through the entire thread so please forgive me if I repeat what others have said. You don't say what your overall budget is but apartments that have space for and permit 11 are relatively rare. At one point, I was thinking about doing a trip for 10 to Paris and bookmarked some apartments on VRBO.com: http://www.vrbo.com/441707, http://www.vrbo.com/1217464a, http://www.vrbo.com/82363ha and http://www.vrbo.com/6568948ha. I have never stayed at these places so I have no idea if they are good but they were the best of the lot for us based on reviews and number of bathrooms (there were going to be 3 teenagers on the trip so multiple bathrooms were a requirement). Ultimately, one group, a family of five, backed out early in the process so we ended up only needing space for 5 people and got two hotel rooms. I would avoid apartments in which someone has to sleep in the common areas. With 11 people, someone in the group is going to always be in the common area and that would be annoying for the person or persons sleeping there. You would probably need three rooms if you book a Citadines property -- most of their apartments have a maximum of four. There is a Fraser Suites on or near the Champs Elysees (not my favorite or a very charming area) that might be able to put some rooms together for you. Given the number of rooms you would need, you should make those reservations well in advance of your trip even though February is not high season in Paris. Also take a look at Hotel Residence Henri IV on Rue des Bernardins in the 5th. It has apartments (that sleep 4) and rooms and you might be able to find something there that works for you. It's popular small -- 5 apartments and 8 rooms. So, I would contact them now if you have any interest. Good luck and have fun.
Sep 2nd, 2014, 06:21 AM
#43
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Thanks, Jahm! I went ahead and email one of the listing you posted! I appreciate your input.
Seamus, thanks as well. You definitely got me looking a little more... I'm not keen on staying by these cheaply, unauthentic stores, but the apartment seems adequate. A few windows face the street. The rooms seem small, but there are enough rooms for everyone, so I guess we have to compromise somewhere right? But there's another possibility close by... It's a bit more expensive, but if the location is better, than I'm definitely up for it. So how about Rue Rambuteau and Rue des Arquive? One option is on that intersection... Is it a better area?
Seamus, thanks as well. You definitely got me looking a little more... I'm not keen on staying by these cheaply, unauthentic stores, but the apartment seems adequate. A few windows face the street. The rooms seem small, but there are enough rooms for everyone, so I guess we have to compromise somewhere right? But there's another possibility close by... It's a bit more expensive, but if the location is better, than I'm definitely up for it. So how about Rue Rambuteau and Rue des Arquive? One option is on that intersection... Is it a better area?
Sep 2nd, 2014, 03:35 PM
#44
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<<<i> So how about Rue Rambuteau and Rue des Arquive? One option is on that intersection... Is it a better area?</i>>>
Yes, somewhat better, IMO
Still would have same concerns about seeing lots of informative photos of the place, not just snaps of decorative details.
Yes, somewhat better, IMO
Still would have same concerns about seeing lots of informative photos of the place, not just snaps of decorative details.
Sep 2nd, 2014, 03:41 PM
#45
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Check out these 4BR apartments - one is 4BR, 4 baths: http://tinyurl.com/m56vua2
The company is called One Fine Stay, and they have apartments in Paris, London, NYC, and LA.
The company is called One Fine Stay, and they have apartments in Paris, London, NYC, and LA.
Sep 2nd, 2014, 10:57 PM
#46
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There are three apartments available from ParisVacationApartments.com on different floors of the same building on Palais Royal gardens, if your dates are in late February.
On the top floor is a three bedroom, three bath plus powder room that sleeps 6, which is spectacular. We rented it in 2006 for our family of seven (our son slept on the couch in the living rom). It's over two floors.
Then a few floors down is a two bedroom that sleeps four, which has two sofas that children can sleep on. On the bottom -ground - floor is another two bedroom on three levels, if you needed that as well.
The kitchen In the three bedroom is quite large, and the dining table seats eight. The bar at the kitchen counter seats three.
Not sure if it would work, but it is a fabulous apartment, and the adults would all have their own en suite baths. We're thinking about renting it again for our 50th anniversary in five years, we had such a wonderful time.
It's actually ON the gardens, so the children can go out the door and run around.
On the top floor is a three bedroom, three bath plus powder room that sleeps 6, which is spectacular. We rented it in 2006 for our family of seven (our son slept on the couch in the living rom). It's over two floors.
Then a few floors down is a two bedroom that sleeps four, which has two sofas that children can sleep on. On the bottom -ground - floor is another two bedroom on three levels, if you needed that as well.
The kitchen In the three bedroom is quite large, and the dining table seats eight. The bar at the kitchen counter seats three.
Not sure if it would work, but it is a fabulous apartment, and the adults would all have their own en suite baths. We're thinking about renting it again for our 50th anniversary in five years, we had such a wonderful time.
It's actually ON the gardens, so the children can go out the door and run around.
Sep 2nd, 2014, 11:03 PM
#47
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And both of the apartments have washer and dryer.
I LOVE this company and this location. It is so beautiful, and so central. The Louvre is a block away, for context.
I've seen a little bit lately about air b&b and Paris changing some laws about limiting rentals, so you might want to consider that. Search for the thread.
I LOVE this company and this location. It is so beautiful, and so central. The Louvre is a block away, for context.
I've seen a little bit lately about air b&b and Paris changing some laws about limiting rentals, so you might want to consider that. Search for the thread.
Sep 3rd, 2014, 01:11 AM
#48
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camileaos - I have been advising you on another thread, but if you are still looking for 2 apts, a friend just rented two from this company, which she has used and liked for several visits - www.cobblestoneparis.com I'm not a big fan of Rick Steves, but these apts are always very nice.
The ones she rented are in a quiet passage in the Marais, and would be convenient for whatever you want to do.
One is Le Passage du Marais, and the other is La Jolie du Passage - it's recommended to rent both of them for up to 8 people.
The ones she rented are in a quiet passage in the Marais, and would be convenient for whatever you want to do.
One is Le Passage du Marais, and the other is La Jolie du Passage - it's recommended to rent both of them for up to 8 people.
Sep 3rd, 2014, 08:45 AM
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Camieasos, meant to tell you - the one in the same building is the Palais Royal Luxury Three bedroom duplex. The owner’s family bought the townhouse (all five or six floors) after WWII, and Alex and his associates converted them into apartments.
The three bedroom is on the top two floors. There is one bedroom on the first floor of the apartment with en suite bath and a king bed that can be made into twins. Up the staircase is a smaller, double bedded room, and the master in the back, both with en suite baths. In the entry area there is a powder bath.
One floor below is the PR “Luxury two bedroom”, which I had a look at as well - beautiful, but not available during Feb.
Two floors down from that one is the “Elegant” two bedroom with all rooms on the same floor, which is tucked under the arcade (you can see the curved windows in the photos).
The first, ground, and below ground apartment is called the “Garden” PR apartment.
All of them show the floor plans to the right, after the listing of amenities. I love seeing floor plans, as it tells you how private each room is.
Like I said, all of them are in the same building, so your family/kids can just walk up and down the stairs to visit.
I’m noticing that they now have an additional three bedroom on the PR gardens, called “Amazing” 3 bedroom, but the whole year is marked off as booked. Interesting - I guess someone is going to take it on an annual basis. The floor plan looks the same as the others, so I’ll bet that it’s the one floor they didn’t originally have (probably a long-term tenant).
The three bedroom is on the top two floors. There is one bedroom on the first floor of the apartment with en suite bath and a king bed that can be made into twins. Up the staircase is a smaller, double bedded room, and the master in the back, both with en suite baths. In the entry area there is a powder bath.
One floor below is the PR “Luxury two bedroom”, which I had a look at as well - beautiful, but not available during Feb.
Two floors down from that one is the “Elegant” two bedroom with all rooms on the same floor, which is tucked under the arcade (you can see the curved windows in the photos).
The first, ground, and below ground apartment is called the “Garden” PR apartment.
All of them show the floor plans to the right, after the listing of amenities. I love seeing floor plans, as it tells you how private each room is.
Like I said, all of them are in the same building, so your family/kids can just walk up and down the stairs to visit.
I’m noticing that they now have an additional three bedroom on the PR gardens, called “Amazing” 3 bedroom, but the whole year is marked off as booked. Interesting - I guess someone is going to take it on an annual basis. The floor plan looks the same as the others, so I’ll bet that it’s the one floor they didn’t originally have (probably a long-term tenant).
Sep 3rd, 2014, 10:24 AM
#51
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lwan2go, thank you. Those were some beautiful options. And it's great to hear someone had a great experience. After a couple of scam-looking options on airbnb and unresponsive owners on vrbo, I may take the safe route and rent thru an agency. I inquired about two apartments, someone contacted me and is looking for options. Let's hope this works!
Sep 3rd, 2014, 11:47 AM
#53
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We've stayed in the Paris Vacation apartments 2 bedroom unit and loved it! We had 5 people there - the couch was large and comfortable for a kid. We would send all the kids to sleep in a bed and then move the one in the living room when the adults went to bed. This is a great agency - I've also used them in London and they were great.
This would be an ideal location for an extended family with kids - let them out into PR to run! Also, you are truly in the center of Paris, so would minimize transit time. We actually were on a tour and the kids were cold, so I was able to get back to the apartment, get sweatshirts, and re-join them easily. There are less markets in this area, but that is outweighed by the central location.
This would be an ideal location for an extended family with kids - let them out into PR to run! Also, you are truly in the center of Paris, so would minimize transit time. We actually were on a tour and the kids were cold, so I was able to get back to the apartment, get sweatshirts, and re-join them easily. There are less markets in this area, but that is outweighed by the central location.
Sep 3rd, 2014, 06:27 PM
#54
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judy and surf mom, which ones did you stay in? I've thought about the "elegant" one, with the windows under the arcade, and wondered if it was light and bright. The layout is great, and the price is too for that area.
We told some shopkeepers where we were staying and they were amazed. You're right about being in the middle of everything - and I liked being on the number one Metro line, which I think is the most convenient one for getting around.
We told some shopkeepers where we were staying and they were amazed. You're right about being in the middle of everything - and I liked being on the number one Metro line, which I think is the most convenient one for getting around.
Sep 4th, 2014, 02:50 AM
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Iwan2go, we've stayed in the 2 bedroom luxury and the 2 bedroom elegant.
The elegant wasn't really dark at all as the windows are quite big. The windows in the luxury 2 bdrm, while not under the arcade, are smaller and the ceiling is higher. The price is certainly good for the elegant. We like both.
We didn't think we'd like staying in the 1st (prefer 6th) but found it easy to get around from Palais Royal and are returning this month.
The elegant wasn't really dark at all as the windows are quite big. The windows in the luxury 2 bdrm, while not under the arcade, are smaller and the ceiling is higher. The price is certainly good for the elegant. We like both.
We didn't think we'd like staying in the 1st (prefer 6th) but found it easy to get around from Palais Royal and are returning this month.
Sep 4th, 2014, 06:15 AM
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We stayed in the "luxury" 2 bedroom apartment. We loved it.
I would also consider the "elegant" - I think anywhere will be dark in February - you may want to ask them to check that all the lamps have bulbs
We didn't have any problems with this apartment/this agency, but in other rental properties, I've gotten frustrated when 1/3 of lamps are burnt out.
The owners of the agency are very responsive to emails - so maybe ask them the question of a recommendation knowing it is darker in February?
One other benefit to PVA is that they give you a binder with recommendations *in the neighborhood* of a bakery, a few restaurants, how to get to the closest grocery store (in this case, Monoprix about 2-3 blocks away). It was nice to refer to their binder when in a pinch. They also arranged car service for us from the apartment to the airport - both in Paris and when we stayed in London. Can't promise that everything is perfect, but if it isn't, they will try to fix it, rather than shrug their shoulders like others. (at least, that is my experience).
I would also consider the "elegant" - I think anywhere will be dark in February - you may want to ask them to check that all the lamps have bulbs
We didn't have any problems with this apartment/this agency, but in other rental properties, I've gotten frustrated when 1/3 of lamps are burnt out.The owners of the agency are very responsive to emails - so maybe ask them the question of a recommendation knowing it is darker in February?
One other benefit to PVA is that they give you a binder with recommendations *in the neighborhood* of a bakery, a few restaurants, how to get to the closest grocery store (in this case, Monoprix about 2-3 blocks away). It was nice to refer to their binder when in a pinch. They also arranged car service for us from the apartment to the airport - both in Paris and when we stayed in London. Can't promise that everything is perfect, but if it isn't, they will try to fix it, rather than shrug their shoulders like others. (at least, that is my experience).
Sep 4th, 2014, 10:14 AM
#58
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I can attest to how great it is to rent an apartment in the Palais Royale gardens. We did so a few years ago and loved it! Great location and the kids would love running around the gardens and playing with the other kids there.
Sep 4th, 2014, 02:22 PM
#59
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Sniff, sniff... No availabilities at palais royal for the period we are looking to go. PVA have availabilities in La Concorde and Saint-Germain. The options at la Concorde are beautiful and the two apartments are in the same building, just one floor up. There is only one apartment per floor. The options is Saint-Germain are not in the same building, but 10 min walk apart. I know many people have recommended Saint-Germain and others are not a big fan of the touristy feel. What to do? What do y'all think? I'm definitely inclined to use an agency, unless there's still something out there that can accommodate us all, seems authentic, and, most importantly, safe to stay and negotiate. Opinions please!
Sep 4th, 2014, 02:36 PM
#60
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There is a three pack of apartments in the 2nd from vacationinparis.com that we looked at in the past. As I recall, two were in the same building and the other was next door, or two on one floor and third on different floor I don't recall exactly. I think they would hold 10 or 11. One was the Scaramouche, ID# 179. I think the other numbers were 29 and 79. You can search for the first, and it should reference the other two. They've changed their website in the last year or so, so I'm not sure how they link the apartments.
