Recent Paris Apartment Experiences? Looking for a nice place in November
 

I am looking for an apartment for 1 or 2 weeks in November.

I am a solo traveler not needing a lot of space but wanting sunlight, cleanliness and a real neighborhood with shops and bistros. My budget is not too tight but I would like to spend less than I would need to spend in a 3-4 star hotel yet know it would be clean, safe and cheerful.

I usually stay in the 6th and also have stayed a few times in the 1st, but am open to suggestion, although not keen on the 7th even though there seem to be some lovely apartments there. I see a lot about the Marais, but can't get my arms around that neighborhood and think perhaps it is not for me.

I am thinking Ile St. Louis may be a neat idea. I wonder is it too quiet as I will be alone or maybe quiet is nice but I do like to have some shops and cafes...? Any solo traveler have experience there?

I am needing a bit of a restorative vacation that is cheerful despite the November gray so I hope for a pleasant apartment as I will spend some time in it. I plan to have a leisurely look at art all over Paris, eat well at lunch and dine in for dinner as I don't like to eat dinner out alone and usually have worn myself out by then anyway.

Would love any recent apartment experiences.

Thanks for your help.

gruezi

I always book with Vacation in Paris. Have stayed in #122 on rue St Andre des Arts , just aa few stps away from Place St Michel and #201 ,across from St Paul cathedral and 2 blocks from Place Bastille. Both are in lively areas with good transprtation options.VIP is really easy to deal with. They have lots of apt to choose from.

Thanks Avalon for your help and specifically the apartment numbers. I have seen the photos of 122 and will have look at 201.

I think Guenmai also has staying in 122...

thanks!

Gruezi

You're welcome.I think you're right about Guenmai having stayed there

We're staying here in October:
http://www.parisbestlodge.com/nd.html

Does anyone have experience with Parler Paris Apartments? They have some lovely looking studios but I haven't read anything about them here on Fodor's.

I am thinking of branching out to Le Marais so if anyone has an opinion I'd love to hear it... (silly to ask that here;)

Thanks marija - I also looked at that one. Lovely in the pictures! I hope you have a wonderful stay and let us know.

Thank you.

gruezi

I think the Marais could work for you if you like St Germain. I'm not super keen on the Marais myself, although I've stayed in it a couple times in hotels, it's just not my favorite part of Paris. So I don't have any apt rental experiences there.

But for the island, the main street down it is full of shops, and some of the side streets. I think there are a couple cafes on it, that I recall. Well, I can think of one, anyway, although maybe it calls itself a brasserie. However, given this is the oldest part of Paris, the streets are extremely narrow and you just will not find the kind of big grand cafes with open air terraces on it, which you may know. It has narrow streets with tall buildings on either side. The only open area is along the Seine. I think there are a couple bistros/cafes, though.

Of course, it's just a short walk across the bridge to the bank, although I don't think it is exactly cosy or full of cafes or residential right around Pont Marie on the right bank. I think the island would be fine for you.

I think www.guestapartment.com has lots in the Marais in Paris, or the Island or maybe both. I don't think they are cheap, though.

We have stayed a couple of times on Ile St Louis and we found the apts there are way overpriced for what you get. We also thing we'd be unhappy in the Marais - we've stayed in the 6th and 7th in apts owned buy locals here in SF.

Have you checked the rental reviews at www.slowtrav.com? There's a recent one for a studio on the Ile Saint Louis.

Gruezi: Yes, I've stayed at #122. I did a thread on it. It'll probably pop up if you type in my screen name.

However, here's another one....www.homeaway.com #226061. Read the reviews as there are 12 of them. This is an excellent one and great location. It's next door to the Hotel de Seine and directly across from Fish.

I like to try different places. Happy Travels!

Christina -
Thanks for the frank assessment... you confirm my uncertainty about Marais..

mztery - beyond the value issue, did you like staying there?

Mimar - I did check there but missed the studio on ISL... will check again... thanks

Guenmai - may I ask is one sunnier and more cheerful than the other? I do not want to stay somewhere dark and gloomy as it will be November and I will be coming off a very difficult few months... Thanks for all you input here on Fodor's - I've read a lot of your post in the last 24 hours!

Thanks all - keep the advice coming please.

gruezi

If you search on Denmal , there is a trip report from our apartment last May in Paris w/ Pictures - If they are not still online - email me at [email protected] and I will send them over .. It was a very good apartment in the 1st with large window and a very small balcony , big enough for chair

Not sure it was much help, it's just my own feeling. A lot of people really like the Marais, I just don't. The streets are narrower than on the Left Bank where I like, there isn't as much green space or broad open areas and it is too crowded for my taste. Now I do not like shopping, and a lot of people like the expensive shops in the Marais. I just don't. I also find it more difficult to find decent cafes and places to eat. At least the kind I like, not small, expensive places that are real packed, which you can find some of in the Marais.

Re Ile St Louis
One of the apartments was so funky is really affected my view of the ile. The 2nd time, we loved it - there is really nothing to do but walk; eat berthillion ice cream; window shop the lovely shops and walk some more.There were a lot of tourists so relatively crowded when we went in springtime but it didn't seem to hamper our experience. We also met some of the nicest local parisians that we have on any trip.

http://www.servissimo-paris.com/apar...-paris_EN.html

This is one of the places we stayed on Ile St. Louis. Small, but excellent location. You can't be too tall though, as the upper loft bedroom & bath have a 5'8" head clearence. Price is terrific and we will stay here again. Their office is just across the Seine on the right bank close by.

Now for our favorite www.guestapartment.com We stayed in Hibiscus on Ile St. Louis and it was my favorite place. A bit pricy, but we loved it. It was a large studio overlooking Rue St. Louis en Ile. I see that they also have 2 smaller studios, Lily and Daisy, that look fantastic. They have an office right on the Ile, and Phillipe & Tom will help you with anything you might need. Did I mention that I loved that place---yes I did. We also will stay here again someday.

Ile St. Louis is very convenient to everything with many good restaurants, bakeries, grocery shops, etc.

Good Luck!

Now that I read your initial post again, I wouldn't choose the servissimo apt. as it faces a courtyard and may be rather dark in Nov.

But do look at Guest Apt.

We stayed here for two weeks in July of this year. Loved the area. See: Nadine Studio 30 sqm Paris 9e near Montmartre/Opera E-mail : [email protected] Website : http://locationparis9.canalblog.com

Thanks everyone for the update on le Marais and on various possible apartments in Paris.

I think I am narrowing down to Ile Ste Louis or the 6th...

TPAYT - the hibiscus looks like a very good possibility. It is at the top but within my budget. It looks like it also looks on a courtyard though... I am hopeful it gets light. The colors and decor do look very cheerful. Thanks so much for your help. I will also look over what else they have.

I appreciate all the feedback. I've never rented in Paris before so am a bit nervous.

gruezi

Hi Gruezi,
Have you thought about the 18th, this too is a great neighbourhood, very funky cafes and gorgeous streets, if you are a little way down from the Sacre Coeur then the area becomes very local as it were. I have used Perfectly Paris the past two times and have been more than happy with them. Very fair to deal with and accommodating. Have a look at some of their places, I know the Caulaincourt Charm where I stayed this year is very light and airy and I have booked - I think it is called something like, Rooftop Vista for next year. I too needed something light and airy and Gail recommended this one for me as Caulaincourt was too expensive for two years in a row.
Schnauzer

Several firnds have stayed in rooftop vista andloved it. I think there are a few reviews and pictures on Our Paris Forum

http://www.ourparisforum.com

Hi Gruezi - I stayed here in April on Ile St. Louis.


http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_190.htm

The apartment was wonderful and extremely comfortable. Ile St. Louis is so central to everything that I wouldn't worry about it being too quiet.

I wrote a trip report with more details if you'd like to see where we ate on the actual island.

<i>We have stayed a couple of times on Ile St Louis and we found the apts there are way overpriced for what you get.</i>

I see this same sentiment on many threads about many different cities. Of course a 300 sq. ft. apartment in Mayfair will cost more than a similar one at Victoria Station. A a 300 sq. ft. apt. near the Pantheon will cost more than a similar one near the Colosseum. And a 300 sq. ft. apt. on Ile St. Louis will always cost more than a similar one near the Eiffel Tower. Supply and demand. The logical flaw is that, often, the poster is talking about the physical apartment, whereas the premium you are paying is for the LOCATION.

Gruezi: The homeaway.com apartment is sunnier. Plus, it faces a large courtyard, so it's nice to look out the window and not have to stare at the backside of an apartment building. Both the bedroom, livingroom, and one of the bathrooms faces the courtyard. Also, one of the bathrooms has a nice size window that can be opened. So, there's a lot of fresh air that can be let into the apartment which is quite nice.

As for the Marais, I stayed there once, back in the 70s, but it was south of rue St.Antoine in a less congested area. When I was on this last trip to Paris, a friend and I went over to the Marais, as I usually do, and again it was so crowded until we had to walk in the street. Personally, I just feel congested and claustrophobic over there. Happy Travels!

Since you opened up to the Marais at one point, I'll recommend this apartment right near Place des Vosges. Beautifully decorated, bright, huge shower, great kitchen if you like to cook (or just look at it--very pretty), W/D, hairdryer, bathrobes, etc. The owner is extremely nice and very easy to work with. Great place to spend a week solo, as I did last year.

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p212082

Be very careful of this agent, Jose Arturo Ibarra at
< http://www.parisapartmentrental.biz/links.html >.
([email protected] 1-415-728-7975)
Please see my post of a bad experience.
< http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ommendable.cfm >

As one recommendation, if you have any friends already living in Paris, ask them to check out potential apartments on your behalf, before your trip. Another recommendation is to stay the first night or two at a hotel, and see available rental apartments in person. Be sure to use only agents/landlords which accept credit-card payment, for fraud protection. Travel safely and have fun. Thanks.

It really isn't feasible to start checking out apartments once you have arrived. There won't be any good ones vacant just sitting there except for some freak accident. And no one is going to let you just show up and decide if you like it or not before paying anything in advance, while holding it for you.

I recently stayed in Vacation in Paris #201, which avalon mentioned above. I liked it, but the only windows are the door to the patio, and it doesn't get alot of sunlight.

As November will be the lull between summer and Christmas travel peaks, places may be available. No harm in checking.
________________
Christina on Aug 23, 10 at 5:51pm

It really isn't feasible to start checking out apartments once you have arrived. There won't be any good ones vacant just sitting there except for some freak accident. And no one is going to let you just show up and decide if you like it or not before paying anything in advance, while holding it for you.

The other web URL of that aforementioned NOT-recommended agent is < http://www.RentParisNow.com />.

If you cannot find an apartment, a decent "green" hotel is Solar Hotel. Inexpensive, quiet, well-located, friendly, and comfortable. I have stayed there recently, and plan to do so again. Thank you.

gruezi-----Hibiscus looks out directly onto Rue St.Louis en Ile across the street from L'Ilot Vache restaurant (one of our favorites). 57 Rue St. Louis en Ile

As I said, it was our favorite with just one flight of stairs. If there was any negative at all, it was a bit of street noise in the morning. Since we are early risers, it was not a problem for us.

We loved sleeping in that beautiful room with the 15 ft. beamed ceilings, rather than having a small bedroom with a small bed in it.

If you're a bit nervous about renting, Phillipe & Tom will take good care of you.

Gruezi,

I'm staying here in the 6th in September for two weeks. It's a block from the Luxembourg gardens. It looks great; I'll let you know about the light.

http://www.vrbo.com/259690

We have stayed a couple of times on Ile St Louis and we found the apts there are way overpriced for what you get.

I see this same sentiment on many threads about many different cities. Of course a 300 sq. ft. apartment in Mayfair will cost more than a similar one at Victoria Station. A a 300 sq. ft. apt. near the Pantheon will cost more than a similar one near the Colosseum. And a 300 sq. ft. apt. on Ile St. Louis will always cost more than a similar one near the Eiffel Tower.



I'm not a rub e- I live in San Francisco one of the most expensive cities in the US. And I'm well aware the Ile is some of the priciest real estate anywhere. What I'm saying is that the two flats we rented there - one was really unpleasant and one was just OK, and OI am not willing to pay PREMIUM prices for a place with a funky bed etc just because the owner can get away with it.

Gruezi,
Here is what I posted on the original Paris apt. thread, and I think it still holds, esp. since you're looking in the 6th:

Back2Sabi on Dec 17, 08 at 7:12pm
Here is a review of the place we stayed at Nov. 29-Dec. 6, 2008:

We found a lovely place through VRBO and had a wonderful stay there two weeks ago. (VRBO #56871). A spacious (by Parisian standards) 1 bedroom had a great kitchen, nice sitting area and dining table, comfortable (through low) bed and a fantastic shower.

Located in the 6th just two blocks from the Odeon metro and three from the river, the apartment was warm and welcoming after a day out seeing the sights. We ate breakfast and a few dinners at the apartment and found the kitchen to be very well stocked. (And we became addicted to the Nespresso machine.)

The only drawback to the apartment was the toilet, which was not with the rest of the bathroom but in a tiny closet just off the living room. It made for a bit of a trek in the middle of the night and a bit weird otherwise. But a small price to pay for an otherwise very nice apartment.

The owner was a dream to work with; we were allowed to bring a personal check as a deposit with us to the apartment. Her son met us at the apartment upon arrival, showed us how to use everything, answered all our questions about what was where in the neighborhood, etc. And then he stopped by the day before we left to return the deposit check.

We loved having an internet connection and a washer/dryer, which allowed us to bring minimal clothes and carry on our luggage.

Would definitely stay there again.

For good light in winter, I think three things are key: a high floor -- 6th or higher, tall windows, and facing the street rather than a courtyard. And I agree with you that good light is very important. (I'm breaking this rule myself, though, this November. I'll be staying in Paris Vacation Apartments' studio on Rue Madame, and it's not facing the street and not on the top of the building, though overall it will work for me this trip.)

I've stayed in Paris Perfect's Kir and loved the windows. Three quite tall pairs. The light in February was outstanding. (In fact, on sunny afternoons I had to pull the drapes closed a bit to be able to see my laptop screen.)

And one January I stayed in one of PVA's apartments near Sacre Coeur. Their two-bedroom would be too much for you, but do look at the one-bedroom with terrace (which is in the same building). That terrace would seal the deal for me! And you'll use it much more than you'd think in November. Many here will advise you against staying in Montmartre, but you've obviously been to Paris a good number of times, this one isn't at the top of the hill, but rather on the side of the butte leading up to Sacre Coeur, has good bus connections and a nearby metro stop, and given how you'll be spending your days, you might like going "home" at the end of a long day.

Nikki had a good experience, I believe, renting in Paris. This is a link to her trip report, and there are details on her rental within the report.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...y-to-paris.cfm

Bonne chance,
BC

I will be staying here in October. It's on Rue Dauphine in the 6th near Rue de Buci. It gets great reviews, and the price is very reasonable. Of course, I haven't been there yet so can't give my personal reviews. Good luck.

http://www.vrbo.com/113302

Oh, forgot to add....I checked the calendar for availability on the website and November is only booked for one week so far. Hope this helps.

As for whether there's better light facing the street or a courtyard, well #122 faces a street, rue St.Andres des Arts, but it's a narrow street and there are buildings directly across from it. There wasn't a lot of light. Number 226061 faced a large courtyard and there was more light than #122. Happy Travels!

Well, just had a chance to check in and thank you all for all this great advice.

I really liked the studios on Ile Ste Louis that TPAYT directed me to and as the dates were filling up I booked Acacia for 10 nights which was a bit more than some other places but has a view of the Seine and I think it will be very cheerful which is very important to me right now.

I am glad to try a new location yet still be close to my favorite neighborhoods too.

I will put the link on here when I have a second.

Thanks to all and I hope other apartment hunters will benefit from all of this great advice.

gruezi

http://www.guestapartment.com/proper...io/acacia.html

There's the link to the Acacia apt. It really looks lovely and what a fantastic location. I am sort of jealous. We are going to Ireland this Sept. instead of Paris. When I look at your apt. I feel a deep longing for Paris. I hope your trip to Paris is all that you want it to be.

I've posted this before, but here's our favorite restaurants close to you:

L'Ilot Vache and Sorza----both on Rue St. Louis en Ile

Au Bougnat----26 Rue Chanoinesse (about 2 blocks inland from Notre Dame, plain looking room, but fantastic food and "Boom" the Asian girl that runs around doing everything is a real joy)

Les Fleur en Ile(Sp?)----right by the bridge(many times very good, one time not so good)

The Guest Apt.office is on Quai de Bourbon quite close to you. Say hi to Tom & Phillipe from the Paytons from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. We always stop in the office and say Hi even if not renting from them.. During the Presidential election we gave Tom an Obama button that he fancied so they may remember us. Then again maybe not, they deal with so many people.