Leely2

How can the bedroom be windowless if it has a balcony? Looking at the floor plan it appears the bd has the same window/balcony arrangement as the living room.

janisj

"<i>A windowless bedroom on the top floor is just too risky in summer, . . .</i>

Leely2 is right - there is a window in the bedroom - same size and type as in the living room.

WiredPuppy

OP here, thanks for all of the replies! I was away for a very unplugged MLK day, and it was nice to check back and see so many responses.

As you can imagine, with all of the advice, I am still really torn between the two. We will be there in April, so it shouldn't be too hot, fingers crossed. I am still leaning towards the first one because of the layout, the way it looks and the fact that there is more space. <i>HOWEVER</i>..the second one is $600 less for the stay, plus the location is seeming a bit "better", and we love the rooftop views.

I will read through the replies again, and also do as recommended and take a "walk" around with Google maps.

By the way, we are arriving by train, not by air - so we will be popping out of the nearest metro stop. Also we (hopefully) will only have carry on bags.

PS: I enjoyed the conversations about teen girls being "alone" in Paris. We are looking forward to giving the girls some space to enjoy the city on their own. Even if it's just lunch, a museum visit, going for walks, etc..

Alan_CT

Both too expensive to me. We were very near the Luxembourg one in May; that's an OK area that gets swamped with tour buses etc. in season. Busy street, some good and some awful restaurants. Do love sitting in the park.
I'd take #1 for the space and the more authentic area. Transport isn't bad from there; it's a short walk to CDG-Etoile. Parc Monceau is within reach and very pretty.

kelbo

Especially since this is your first trip to Paris , I would take the Luxembourg apartment. I think location has a huge impact on your overall experience and this one is in a much better location. You will be able to walk to the Latin Quarter and the St Germain area and I think your girls would enjoy that area more than the first. Plus it is less expensive and only slightly smaller than the first option!

Jinky

kelbo, I was thinking just the opposite. Because it's their first trip, the 1st one (to me) seems better. Especially with teen girls. We are actually staying somewhere kind of close to that. Location is out of the way of the crowds but within good access of the main sights. It seems to be a fairly quiet street, maybe a 10 to 15 minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees. (<i>correct me Fodorites if I am wrong here</i

And if you take the train into Paris at night, imagine getting off at the CDG-Etoile and walking out to see the Arc in all of it's splendor! What a way to be welcomed to Paris after the train ride!

Also, their "room" in #1 is more private. It's not right next to the kitchen. as cw said "In the first there is a door to the living room and those in the bedroom can walk to the bathroom and kitchen without going through the living room where your daughters will be sleeping. In the second apartment, one has to walk through the living room to get to the bath and kitchen." I have to agree with that. Not sure about you, but I like to get up early and make coffee. This way, you don't disturb anyone.

Also, and this may sound silly, but #1 just looks more "posh" and pretty.

As for food shopping - There is also the covered market near rue des Ternes - the little Marché des Ternes, as well as Brûlerie des Ternes at the Rue Poncelet Market. Also the Monoprix right around the corner.

janisj

"<i>Also, and this may sound silly, but #1 just looks more "posh" and pretty.</i>"

True enough -not silly at all . . . but is is $600 more 'posh/pretty'?

If the budget isn't an issue, and the location isn't the most important criteria . . . I might also go w/ #1. But for $600 less AND the location #2 would be my choice.

WiredPuppy

Sticking to the first one. I contacted someone who stayed there, and she sent me more photos that she took and said it was just wonderful. Said it was roomy for 2, but would be cozy enough for 4, and we'd appreciate that extra space that the other one did not have. She loved the location, and also sent pics of some lovely views from the living area that the website did not show. She also said everything was easy to get to via bus and train.

We friended one another on Facebook, where I saw she is an avid and, what looks like, discriminating traveler. So, fingers crossed that it will be all we hope.

So, between the advice I got here and what she had to say, I made up my mind. Thanks so much for all of the pros and cons.

Next trip, we'll try another location.

Thank you again!