Hi all!

We've rented a fabulous aparment in Paris for a 1 week stay this summer from Guest Apartment Services and couldn't be more pleased. Here is the apt:

http://www.guestapartment.com/proper.../snowdrop.html

I already discussed this in another thread of after many, many yrs of coming to Paris we are finally renting an apt. The purpose of doing this is that DH has retired and one of the things we have been discussing is living in Europe for perhaps 1 month ( or more) a yr. This trip is an experiment in testing it all out.

Since we know and love Paris we are starting with Paris.

I know we will love the apart life having done it in Cannes for 1 summer.

My question is thus:

I've been messing around online to see what might be possible for a month stay ( it would be next yr). Our tastes are upscale and after seeing the Snowdrop apt we've rented for a week you can get a sense of what we like.

But....

After looking at both Guest Apartment Services and the other I like is Paris Perfect, if we were to choose one of those apts for a 1 month stay, it would be very pricey.

I think I can make those finances work, but if I could find something less expensive of course why not?

So after perusing alot of sites, I was discouraged to see that lower priced apts were lower priced for a reason. To tell the truth alot of them looked dumpy, with Ikea like furniture, etc. Even sites and with really all due respect because I know alot of posters like them: but I found nothing at Paris Best Lodges or Vacation in Paris that looked remotely appealing. I know that alot of people love the services of both these companies and I am sure they are quite delightful. I did like Paris Vacation Apartments but found their selection a little limiting, but I can look again.

But then I stumbled on Perfectly Paris

I found this apt that to me is very pretty, but it is in the lower 9th. We are used to the 5, 6 and 7th. The area is called St. Georges and its on Rue de Rochechouard. I'm familar with the 9th, but not this little enclave described as a cobblestone neighborhood that is quiet and charming. Anyone know?

Here is the apt: http://www.perfectlyparis.com/Enchan...20Georges.html

I can't believe the price of it for a month!

I know it has no terrace, no iconic bldgs or landmarks as a view, its not the typical 5, 6 or 7th or Marais. But it really looks lovely and if its in a "secret" neighborhood, that's kinda cool.

Anyway, the wide variance in price between this company and Guest apartment Services and Paris Perfect is astounding. I know that GAS and PP are agencies and that Perfectly Paris is a consortium of private owners. I've read all about the importance of renting from an agency on the PP site and it makes sense to me.

This apt I found at Perfectly Paris is owned by a Calif family.

Anyway, I am quite confused on pricing. It would be lovely to be in apt that is truly upscale and beautiful, that is what we want, but a month in a PP or GAS apt is alot of french bread! I'd do it, but if something else can come close, I'd save my $.

Here are our requirements for an apt and which are flexible to some degree and not all need to be met if most are:

1 bedroom( this Perfectly Paris apt is a 2 bdm for that low monthly price!)
nothing less than 65m2
elevator
on 2nd floor French or higher
air conditioning throughout or portable units in living room and bedrom is ok
washer and dryer ( separate is preferred)
medium to large bathroom with good lighting and surface area around the sink
preferably walk in rain shower, but tub/shower combo ok if large
no color schemes of bright red or pink in any of the rooms
prefer modern contemporary decor but also like French traditional if not overly ornate
internet and wirelss connection : this is an absolute must
flat screen TV's, preferably 2
large, bright kitchen with plenty of counter space ( I am a cookbook author and culinary instructor), dishwasher, micro,oven, gas stove ( will live with electric)
does not need to have carpeting throughout, hardwood is ok only if polished bright. Carpeting under the feet in bedroom is a plus
plenty of closet space
near Metro ( 10 minute walk is fine)
Front rooms facing lots of light, facing a beautiful building, iconic sight or panoramic view
bedroom can face inner courtyard as long as it is somewhat pretty. Prefer bedroom to be a quiet space
two security codes: one on outside of bldg and one in the interior
high ceilings
Terrace or walk out balcony a real plus( any plants or flowers need to look nice)

I'm not wedded to the Perfectly Paris apt in the 9th, just using it as an example I found here to start a conversation with all of you on pricing differences.

Thoughts??

Thanks a mil....

GraceJoan or Schnauzer, I'd love you to chime in here.

I found out later through another thread, Schnauzer that you use Perfectly Paris

And Grace Joan I know you are the queen of Paris Perfect and are a long term renter

topping

Joan is enroute to Paris today but I believe her friends, who post under the name of Laidback, have been very happy with Perfectly Paris. Give Joan a day or so to chime in.

Weekender, thanks for letting me know, That was very kind of you.

Any more thoughts from anyone??

One difference I noticed is that the apartment in the 9th has a one-month minimum stay. Right away that should account for a very significant difference in price, as one that has a 3-day minimum will need a lot more attention by owner/manager: frequent cleanings, meetings with new renters, more inquiries to answer, unrentable gaps between occupancies, etc.

kayd

I had not thought of that as a factor in figuring prices!

Yes, as you know that is what this whole post is about, finding an apt for a month that suits.

If that is a large factor, then that's no factor at all; it really doesn't effect the renter at all.

hmmmmm......

Other thoughts from you or others??

I guess you have already "wandered" around the neighborhood on google street view. The surroundings really look lovely, upscale and quiet. Also the apartment seems to be very nice and tastefully decorated. I would rent it in a heartbeat.

Here is another very good option for rentals:

http://www.haveninparis.com/

I don't have your tastes or money, so can't comment on what kinds of apartments you are used to, but I've stayed in the St Georges neighborhood a couple times and like it very much. But if you are used to the kind of ambience and expensive restaurants and shops that the folks who like Paris Perfect want, it is nothing like that and you may not like it at all. It's a real neighborhood for regular income people and not full of wealthy expats, etc. nor expensive restaurants and shops.

The first time I rented an apartment I used an agency just for the peace of mind, although I had endless sleepless nights thinking it could be a scam....it wasn't.
I have since rented apartments from owners, the price is usually better and have been very happy.
I think if you do your research, contact the owner and get a good feeling, have good back and forth conversation, it should be fine.
The apartment is lovely, looks well cared for, and would't it be nice top spend a month discovering a new neighborhood, I say take it too! Great price!

Well, you have the advantage of checking out the St. Georges neighborhood this summer. Generally, prices are lower outside the 6th, 7th. etc.

As much as I love the 6th, I would probably stay in the 12th if I were in Paris for month for the reasons Christina mentions. I had an apartment in the 12th for two weeks several years ago and loved it.

This is probably obvious but if you are interested in an apartment and a monthly rate isn't listed, ask for a discount over the weekly rate x 4.

But, looking at your criteria, you are looking at the high end.

I think the price difference is based primarily on the minimum rental period, as mentioned above, and the location. Apartments closer to the Seine, are higher priced and are aimed more towards stays of a week or less. Maintenance (cleaning, linen laundry/changing, wear and tear) are much higher for one week stays. As a general rule, units closer to Montmartre are always cheaper than their counterparts in the 1st-8th.

An apartment with a view of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Seine, etc., can probably add a couple of 100 euros to its price, add a terrace for more money. Most apartments will discount for a month or more as well.

In many cases, when a price is too low and it's not apparent why, it can be a red flag--too good to be true. But the apartments at Perfectly Paris, and the woman who manages them, get nothing but great reviews as far as I have seen over the years.

That apartment doesn't have everything you want, but it looks lovely and I think it would be fun to explore that area, especially for a month's stay. You can check out the area on your upcoming visit. I wouldn't hesitate to rent it. Good luck!

Paris Perfect does offer a discount for repeat customers. We use them primarily in the fall as their rents are lower then. It can't hurt to ask if they discount for longer stays.

Tripgirl,

Paris Perfect apartments are really beautiful. Their offices are in the neighborhood and they will be there for any questions or problems you may encounter. I'm sure you will hear from Joan when she gets settled (she left today so she'll be there tomorrow). I shared two apartments with her in December of 2008 and we enjoyed staying in both of them. The Quartier Saint Pierre de Gros Caillou is a wonderful neighborhood with all the Christian Constant Restaurants and rue Cler plus across the Pont de l'Alma (on President Wilson), the open markets on Wednesdays & Saturdays is one of the best in Paris. That was my market when we lived there in the 80s.

Perfectly Paris is not as upscale as PP but you will find that places in the Montmarte and St. Georges area are a little cheaper. We were going to stay at Caulaincourt Charm last fall but just before we were leaving, they had a problem with the elevators that would take a month to repair. Gail has been so wonderful - she contacted her friends to find us another place. We got our refund immediately and the rest of the deposit they forwarded to the new place. If you choose to deal with Perfectly Paris, be assured that you will be well taken care of. Oh, and Joan's and my friend "Laidback" has stayed in Perfectly Paris apartments and I know they stayed in Caulaincourt Charm.

Whatever you decide, the two areas will be a lovely place to stay for the month! Enjoy your search!

I can't thank you all enough for your wonderful responses; this discussion on apt prices has been most revealing.

Christine and Cathyinjoetown: So glad you responded the way you did. It was exactly what I was after. Yes, I love things upscale, but for settling in for a month I actually think it would be more interesting to be in a neighborhood other than the ones I know.

I don't think the 5,6,7 or Marais are somehow less real than other neighborhoods, but I do see your point having walked around Paris over the yrs and seeing other neighborhoods where few tourists go. A very dear friend of mine who happens to be a top tour guide lives in the 11th, her apt and neighborhood are fab.

This was all a thought when I saw the Perfectly Paris apt that was far less expensive than what I would normally lean towards be really nice and something I might see we might enjoy.

I'll take a stroll over there this summer.

Not wedded to that specific apt, so if anyone given this discussion thread so far would like to chime in, I welcome your thoughts.

I'd like to "collect' as many ideas and actual apts as I can and do a little physical research while I am in Paris this summer

Again, you all have been most generous with your responses and thanks a mil...

tripgirl,

A high end agency but perhaps a bit less expensive than Guest Apartments and Paris Perfect is Parisvacationapartments.com. We stayed once with them in the 3-bedroom Palais Royal apartment and I can give them an A+++ rating. They have locations in the 18th with are less expensive than those more centrally located. Just for comparison.

The prices aren't as good as the one you saw on Perfectly Paris, and I think if I was going for a month I might grab that one soon.

The apartment we stayed in was better than the website, and it was clear they were very responsive to renters.

cw, I agree about paris vacation apts. This fall we are staying in their Ile St Louis apartment (then I'm moving to a Paris Perfect apt for a week with my daughters and a few friends) and we just rented one of their London apartments for next spring. They respond very quickly and thoroughly to any inquiries. In London, they even called the Royal Horticultural Society to get the dates of next year's Chelsea Flower Show for me. The only negative is that they book up so early it is sometimes not possible to get the unit you want....now we plan well in advance!

Tripgirl, your list of preferred details is quite...detailed!! "Hardwood ok--only if polished bright" "Flat screen TVs--preferable 2" "walk-in rain shower" etc etc.
You are self-describedly "upscale" The apt you linked looks lovely. It proves you don't not have to spend an outrageous amount of euros/dollars.
I agree with Christina. Your list of desired apt features gives the impression that you require not only an upscale interior, but a similar exterior neighborhood, and may be disappointed with the "average" surroundings in the 9th.
As CW wrote, check it out on your upcoming trip and see if you can be happy living surrounded by folks who are content with tub-shower combos and 10 year old TVs.

I appreciate all responses, but please don't judge me before you really know me. You don't know me, only through this forum.

I feel as if some of you are putting me down for what I like, I request, you refrain; that's just me.

You like what you like and I like what I like.

Everyone can like what they wish.

Thanks a mil again for your great responses.