Laidback

Tripgirl,
Let me start off by saying that we have spent about 4 months a year in France since 1998. We have stayed in houses, cottages, chateaus, apartments and hotels. There is nothing perfect. In Paris we started staying in the 7th at first but then realized that each arrondisement has it's own personality and flavor so we started moving around. We have stayed in the 6th,7th,9th,13th,15th,17th and 18th. It's now hard to pick a favorite area as each has its market and roving market days and neighborhood cafes where you will eventually meet lovely , friendly people in the neighborhood.

The closest we have come to perfect in apartments is Paris Perfect and a close runner up is Haven in Paris. We have stayed in several Paris Perfect apartments and I do know for a fact that Madelyn and Philippe are constantly maintaining and in some cases upgrading their apartments.
Of course we have not used all apartment rental services and I know there are some very good ones out there that other posters have been happy with. May I suggest that you take your list if needs and decide which are the most important to you as you will find that few apartments have A/C, separate washers and dryers are a real luxury,many baths are small and you are lucky when you have a tub,not many rentals have 2 flat screen TV's and storage space can be a joke.

Maybe you should decide which arrondisement you want to be in and thoroughly search for an apartment. It's been a couple of years but we have stayed in this the apartment on Rochfoucauld that you have listed. Our stay over a few years totaled at least 6 months---one month at time and two months at times. It is a very comfortable apartment, not luxurious. It has a really nice kitchen which was better equipped than some places we have stayed. It is on a high floor in a quiet building with an elevator. It did not have A/C when we were there. The bath is small so that would be a draw back for you. However we loved the neighborhood with the rue Martyrs market and many surrounding restaurants. The bus and metro provided good transportation to everywhere in Paris.Dealing with Gail at Perfectly Paris is really easy. This apartment has a lot going for it if you can make it work.

I hope this didn't burst your bubble or hurt your feelings. Remember planning is half the fun and you will meet some lovely people along the way. I hope you come to enjoy living in Paris as we have if only for a few months at a time.

Happy Travels,
Mrs. Laidback

tripgirl

Thanks Laidback

My "requirements" are the things I love: I am not that removed from all to think I would get each and every one of them. Some people on this forum who might think that are jumping to conclusions they should not be making.

I always think it is wise to have a wish list and then work backwards from there. Listen, in life as well as in searching apartments, you can't get what you don't ask for
!

Even the Snowdrop, the apt we are renting this summer, does not have everything I want; the bedroom is small and the bathroom is small. But it has so many of the elements I was looking for. It doesn't even have A/C although a portable unit is being provided. I just wish sometimes this forum of which I have been on since 2003 ( altho I'm far less active than I used to be)was far less judgemental.

I appreciate all that you have offered me to think about Laidback; it all makes complete sense.

I've been traveling internationally for 20 yrs and yes, I've stayed in some fab places, but also know that you never get all you want, I never have either.

PegS

Don't feel the need to apologize, Tripgirl. We live fairly modestly, but when I'm planning a trip I sometimes want to revel in the luxuries I don't have at home!

I agree there are many factors, including monthly pricing, a location outside of the tourist hub, and, of course, reputation. Like any luxury brand, Paris Perfect can charge more because they've built a reputation for lovely apartments in a certain location with excellent customer service, and they can charge a premium for them.

schnauzer

Hi sorry chiming in a bit late here. The reason that particular apt. is so well priced is that it has to be rented by the month at all times due to covenants in the building so no weekly rents. They therefore have to make it attractive price wise to get the rentals.

We stayed there three years ago for a month. The apt. was very roomy except for the bathroom as Laidback said. It was fine but not perfect, I like a separate toilet but... you can't have everything.

The area is fine, I found it took a while to discover everything and initially felt I was in a bit of a "hole". It is very well placed for the metros I have to say.

For the price I found it a very good deal. With the other Perfectly Paris apts if you book for a month you get one week free (at least most of them do this) I have rented with Perfectly Paris for three years in a row, can't fault them.

Laidback told me that they are still to find the perfect apartment!!!

I like the quietness of this apartment, but also felt maybe it was a bit too far away from everyday shops, they are there but you have to find them!!

Good luck with the decision making,
schnauzer

tripgirl

ThanksSchnauzer!

What other apts from them have you rented

What's your favorite

schnauzer

I stayed last year at Caulaincourt Charm which was my favourite, I love the area. Also separate toilet!!

I am renting Sweet Lepic this year for three nights and then Rooftop vista for 9 nights. I am on my own now and the budget has changed a bit!!! Otherwise I would be back at Caulaincourt Charm.

We did rent from Paris Perfect the first time we did the "Paris thing" but since then they have priced themselves out of my budget that is for sure. I think they have done the apartments up since we stayed but in 2005 they weren't any better than the Perfectly Paris apts. IMO.

I have to have an apartment with the Parisienne feel, I don't like modern Ikea stuff either. When I am staying I like to feel very comfortable in my surroundings, it is much more than a bed and a roof, it is the whole experience for me. Sitting on the tiny balconies, or just in front of the french doors, sipping something, having my coffee and croisant, just watching the world go by. When you have a month you can "afford" the time to do these things. I make sure I have at home time, to just take in the whole ambiance of the apartment - do a bit of pretending....

Aaah, to be in Paris.... (will be this July!!)

schnauzer

tripgirl

You are so great Schnauzer!!

Thanks for the info and I will certainly keep you posted ( and rely on you a bit if that is ok !

schnauzer

tripgirl, I have just read your "requirements" in full. To be honest, I don't think the Perfectly Paris in the 9th is going to fit your bill. It just doesn't have the luxury you require and the two tvs, etc etc. It is not contempory just eclectic in decor. I have looked at the Snowdrop apt. and it is so different.

Can I suggest that when you are in Paris this year you go and visit some of these apartments. Give Gail a call and see if you can go and visit some of them when you are there. That is what I did when I was staying at "enchanting", I visited Cauliancourt Charm and loved it - no dishwasher!! you see, to get everything you really want you will have to pay top dollar and probably be disappointed that some of your needs are not met.

Try contacting some of the other agencies as well and see about visiting. I would love to have a month in Paris and spend it looking at apartments!!! crazy eh? (to find the perfect one of course)

I hope I haven't put you off Perfectly Paris because I do rate their service and their apartments.

Schnauzer

tripgirl

That's exactly what I have already done: I've contacted Gail to meet her and see some apts while I am there in Aug.
I'm awaiting her response

The Snowdrop is for a week. It's our 20th anniversary as well so that is why I chose something pretty luxe. Sure, I would love to just say let's do that type of apt for a month and we could make it work if we really want to, but I kinda think that might be ridiculous if I can find a lovely apt that meets the most requirements without breaking the bank. Why spend it if I really don't have to.

Sure I love upscale surroundings like the Snowdrop, but I also can see ourselves settling into a lovely apt for a month that doesn't need to be draped pure luxe. The apartments form both Guest Services and Paris Perfect are right up our alleys, but for a month in any of them, even with discounts is really quite costly( I don't know what kind of discounts they would provide anyway)

I also do like Paris Vacation Apartments but haven't done enough research about them.

My requirements are really more of a wish list, I know for sure I won't get all of them, far from it. I think it is good to be specific though so you can work backwards from there. To just say anything is fine I think you can end up more let down.

The Snowdrop as gorgeous as it is, doesn't even have all: there is 1 TV ( really this is just fine), the bedroom is small, the bathroom is small, there is no A/C , although we are having portables put in for Aug, there is no terrace, it's not carpeted ( this is so minor)the kitchen while it looks contemporary is small, the stove is not gas; so you see I am fully aware of not getting all.

I love making wish lists and then working backwards from there.

What I don't want to do is to stay in apts that look like dorm rooms with Ikea type furniture and most important I want to love the neighborhood. And for a month, I don't want to be cramped. So my requirement for 65m2 or more ( a little less is fine too) I think is legit. I see plenty of apts that size.

Let me ask you another question Schnauzer:

You say you loved the Cauliancourt Charm the most and you loved that neigborhood; can you tell me in more detail as to why.

What was the diff in feeling from the Enchanting St. George as opposed to the CC.

On my many trips to Paris I've only been to Montmarte twice. Once to see the sights and once to visit a good friend who is a tour guide who lives up there; I loved her apt. When I visited her I got a better sense of village life that really appealed to me.

But for so many years we've been used to the 5, 6, 7 and Marais as places we hang out, eat, shop etc. I've always loved the Left Bank more, except for the Marais. Stayed in the 8th and while the hotel was fantastic, I felt as if I was staying in NY ( I'm from NY originally). I couldn't wait to get back to the winding little streets I love with that charm we all love so. I've love St Louis as well.

My only "concern" is that I might find myself always leaving to go "down" and then would not have an opp to go home for a few hours and then back down again.( I could do it, but it seems like a schelp) That's prob silly, but I am used to some time out and then going back to rest and then going back out. But maybe it would be all different with a month's stay anyway. Your thoughts?

Thanks a mil for any extra input you may have! Or anyone else!

PegS

Here's another option from an agency that's been mentioned on TA but not here. Caveat is that I haven't stayed in their apts yet...I just booked one for later in the year. I did speak extensively to the owner of the agency, though, and he was quite nice and helpful so fingers crossed that the apt I rented is as advertised. The one I'm linking to has quite the view:
http://bookings.cobblestay.com/Unit.mvc/Details/43381

tripgirl

Gail just emamiled me from Perfectly Paris; what a nice lady!

She will show me some apts when I am in Paris this Aug if they are not already rented. She was most delightful! We will prob get together anyway so at least I can discuss things with her.

In the meantime in addition to Cauliancort Charm she also suggested Junot Gem and Elegance at Lamarck.

I looked them over and they are quite nice. Here are my thoughts on both of them and anyone and schnauzer in particular , please comment! And schnauzer can you compare these with the CC apt.

http://www.perfectlyparis.com/Elegan...20Lamarck.html

http://www.perfectlyparis.com/Junot%20Gem.html

What I like at Junot: Like the bright airy feeling, love the kitchen, love the bathroom, entrance to the apt sounds very inviting, not crazy about the bedroom as it looks cramped, but it is bright and sweet looking, would prefer some end tables for putting down a book. It's a tad smaller than Elegance at Lamarck at 55m2 as opposed to 60m2. Both are smaller than I would like but with the right layout, it might not matter for a month.Separate washer/drier

What I like about Elegance at Lamarck: I like the bedroom much better here, roomier and better decorated, the terrace is kinda neat although it doesn't overlook anything and is at the bottom, but its kinda cool. I like the kitchen, clean lines and love the kitchen window. Not crazy about the bathroom. Not sure about a bottom floor apt, prefer to be higher up in general, but this apt looks bright from the pics

Neither has A/C, flat screen TV. These are lower on my list of requirements as long as we rent in May or June. We both don't watch a ton of TV, just need CNBC or Bloomberg and some US news but of course we have our smart phones, internet and ipads for that! I do like to watch good movies and relax at night with some TV. Who doesn't love a good flat screen TV, but really that is ok if it doesn't.

Anyway, please all take a look at these apts. The price is more than right for a month stay.

I also just looked over some of the Paris Vacation apartments and if we were to choose Montmarte( still not sure), they do have a very beautiful contemporary one that is lovely. I pretty much love everything about this apt and it has A/C. I don't know what kind of discount they might have, but even with 10% the price could close to the Perfectly Paris apts.

Take a look at this:

http://www.parisvacationapartments.c...h-balcony.html

I still love my St Germain and this apt is nice too, but to tell the truth I don't find this actual apt as interesting as the Perfectly Paris apts, but know the neighborhood very well and love it. Take a look at this one too:

http://www.parisvacationapartments.c...e-bedroom.html

It would be more money than all of these. Again, don't know what PVA would offer for discount for 1 mo stay.

Anyway, love all your thoughts!

I haven't even begun to deal with VRBO, but would rather not. However, given this entire thread, if anyone has a great reco for me for a VRBO, I'd consider it. Just rather not pour over VRBO listings.

Thanks a mil...

tripgirl

So funny PegS that you shoud mention cobblestay.

I belong to Jetsetter from Conde Nast and cobblestay had an apartment sale this month.

I bookmarked them and found them nice. However, never heard anyone mention them before.

Let me look at your chosen apt.

tripgirl

PegS

That's the one that I bookmarked previously.

The only thing I didn't care for was that it was more in the 15th than the 7th.

But it looks outstanding.

For kicks I plugged in the cost of one month, albeit all it would allow me to do online was the month of August and its about twice the price of the Perfectly Paris apts and perhaps that's low season too so I am sure May or June would be more.

It looks like an entirely different experience than some of the apartments I am looking at, but its always good to have all of these in my arsenal.

tripgirl

I also just plugged in for fun the cost of 1 wk at the Cobblestay apt versus the one month stay and it looks like they give one week free and a tad more discount.

That's pretty nice. That particular apt PegS you are renting is still even with a discount for a month stay more than everything else I have been discussing here except for any Paris Perfect apt or Guest Services apt.But have no qualms about anything in the apt, it is truly fabulous. Have a fab time in it!

Anyway, its more food for thought...

tripgirl

I realize now that i havent been fair to anyone reading this thread because I really haven't stated a budget. I've alluded, but not put a price on it.

I am going to set it at 5K for a month. If its a bit more( within a $500-$1000 range) or less that is ok( esp the less!)

It's really hard for me to narrow down to an arr. although its always comfortable to go with what you know hence, 5, 6,7 and Marais, I don't want to be a stick in the mud and not try something else.

So maybe now with a set budget, I can help you all help me a bit better.

tripgirl

Gracejoan3: I know you are in Paris right now and would love it if you can comment on my thread

I know you are out and about and enjoying, but if you have a tiny mo
moment I would love your input!

schnauzer

Okay, I have had a look at all the choices. I will come back and answer the reasons I like CC.

I made notes when I looked for the apartments, I think I have the right apartments but you will need to clarify/see for yourself. The apt. at rue Lamark, if it is 74 rue Lamark, I wrote - too dark for any more than a week, also very exposed to the street/steps. As you can see from the photo the steps from the metro are right outside your window, everyone can look in if they wanted to. I liked the interior decor etc but wouldn't take it for a month.

My notes for 40 Junot read - 2 bed apt. (which they have) light but too modern and sparsely furnished (for me). However, I recommended PP to a friend and she and her family stayed in this apt. and LOVED it, particularly the street and area. For the one bed apt. at 40 Junot I wrote - dark, internal windows only - too dark for more than a week. Nice furnishings.

Some of the photos make these apt. look very light but I found it to be different when you are actually in them.

I looked at the other company's apt. in the 18th and thought the decor looked similar to the apt. you have booked, ie your type of decor (forgive the assumption here) however, when I looked on the map it is quite a walk from the metro, not huge but not next door either. I loved the view of the greenery though.

I thought the last apt. pleasant enough, loved the bedroom, large etc but thought the lounge for one month a bit bare, not cosy just one sofa against the wall.

aaarrrhh decisions, decisions,
Okay the reasons I liked CC - mainly the size, the decor, cosy, warm, welcoming, felt like a home not a rental. Kitchen small but functional and modern, bathroom huge, separate bath and shower, good sunlight for drying clothes during the day after washing - they have a hanging rack, worked a treat. Loved the balcony windows opening up on to rue Caulaincourt, moved the Louis chair in front and had coffee/lunch/glass of wine just looking out the window.
Didn't like the toilet next to the kitchen and the door was dicky but... it was separate and I liked this, but a mild nuisance if you get up a lot in the night you have to go out of the bedroom and down a little passageway. Not a deal breaker for me.
The apartment is very secure, next to a pastry shop and a grog shop!!! Veg shop a few doors down, traiteur a couple doors down, bread shops - selection - cheese shop with miserable owner a couple of doors down. In the opposite direction heaps of other little shops and a friendly cheese shop man! Lots and lots of cafes and restaurants to choose from. The bus is right outside and the metro is a three mins walk.

Okay, now the negs about the area, yes it is away from the Seine and the nightlife there, there is no promenading back to your apt.it is a metro ride. That I did miss, it is much quieter but not dead, locals not tourists, but not the buzz of the 5th for sure. For during the day I found I organised by days, if I was going a distance then I was out all day no coming back, didn't want to, wasn't the plan. But other days I would do half day trips/activities and maybe come back for a break - lunch - a rest and then head out again. It has a different feel for sure than the Marais and the 5th/6th, but I couldn't stand all that hustle and bustle for a month I need peace and quiet. But that is me, not you!!!

I am glad you have got hold of Gail and her sidekick Preston is lovely too, very helpful. Maybe spend a few hours wandering around rue Caulaincourt when you are there this year and get the vibe (or not).

I hope this has helped, if you have a hotmail address you post here I can send some of my own photos of the apartment and me enjoying myself!!! (if you want)
Schnauzer

tripgirl

Thank you for your extensive analysis!

The separate toilet in the CC can be a deal breaker for my DH, lots of getting up!

I'd like your opinion of Montmarte with a View that Personally Paria has

I agree with your assessment about getting used to going "down" and back up again, a def factor to consider

might you know of more apts that can fit alot of my requirements now that I've given a budget

tripgirl

topping

gracejoan3

HI,

Yes, I am in Paris. Another friend emailed me and said I was being paged!

I have been treated rather unkindly and criticized in the past for expressing that I like the apartments that I stay in. I have never tried to tell anyone that where I stay is where everyone should stay. That is not me, whether it is lodging,restaurants, or the clothes that you wear!

I am famailiar with Guest Apts. and with Paris Vacation Apartments. I don't care to stay in the Guest apt. location. I stayed on Ile St. Louis once and found it 'not convenient'. PVA has the Palais Royal apts. which look lovely. Have never been in one. Otherwise they have many in Montmartre and that is not a preferred location for me...remember that..for me!

I happen to like the western 7th...St. Dominique/Bourdonnais/Rapp area!A wonderful area for so many reasons..and a most desired area for Parisians to live in..except they can't find any places to buy/rent!!I have Parisian friends looking and have been looking. It is also a high priced area!! I find it to be so convenient to go any place. I seldom use the metro,buses are right here on the corner to go wherever if you are not walking!

Paris Perfect has most/not all of their apartments in this part of the 7th. Their office and team are a few minutes away. They do all their own laundry..their service people are their people..not some outside service people. Their apts. are at least as good as the pictures show them to be. Many often say, much better! The things that Americans like..overhead shower heads are always there along with the hand held. The kitchens have all the things that you want and could ask for (and I don't cook!!) Madelyn has a touch for design and does an excellent job. Now and then an owner wants to do their own thing..you can tell the difference!!The quality and niceness is there in every possible way! This does not mean that an elevator will always operate. Remember, these are beautiful, but old buildings and can have problems. Some wonder why toilets can't be better located. In these old buildings they have wastes pipes that cannot be added to and/or changed..sooo, you almost have to do your re-modeling around the existing toilet locations! Most of their apts are 4th floor or above for the views and the light. If you are searching for an apt., go on a sunny day, mid afternoon..if you need to turn the lights on, you don't want it! Often is said that the reason that so many Parisians frequent the outside, sunny places to sit/dine, is that they live on the lower floors of these old and dark buildings! I asked my Parisian friends about this and they said that was correct!IF you have a problem with a Paris Perfect apt..next door re-modeling, non-working elevator, or whatever..they WILL move you to another apartment IF any are empty...whatever size..OR WILL move you to a hotel...whatever! I can tell you with 100% assurance in what I say, that their primary concern is for your comfort and well-being. I know that for a fact!

My advice..decide the area you prefer to stay in first. Then begin looking for your apt. You have some things that you know are a must be for you. I have often told people when asked which one to choose from several that they were thinking of, to keep looking at the floor plans, photos and eventually they would find themselves returning to 'the' one more and more often. Do be sure to note not just the number of bathrooms, but the number of toilets..not at all the same!!

I hope that I have helped you in some way in your search for 'the' apartment just for you. I am here for 1 month now, but will return for 2 months in the fall. It is somewhat like a 2nd home...the places I know so well, along with the people, restaurants etc. The weather is fantastic and is supposed to stay this way.

I have friends arriving tomorrow for 11 nights nearby and wanted to come when I was here so I could show them 'my' Paris. I think we will have a good time...we are even having a foie gras degustation at Violon d'Ingres..and they don't think they will like foie gras..I stopped in a talked with Stephane and then today caught Alexandre..just need to decide on the day!

Have fun looking and choosing..the planning is really have the fun!

a bientot..

Joan