alilafnyc

We just returned from a great trip to Paris. I think one of the best parts of our trip was that we rented an apartment right outside the Rue Cler. The apartment was great. The bed was so comfortable and you could walk just one block to the Metro.
We have decided that renting an apartment is truly the only way to go.
If you're interested in checking it out, go to http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_74.htm
Good luck!
-Ali

kbrennan

Was that the "Elegant Invalides" apartment on Ave de la Motte Piquet?

alilafnyc

Yes.

kbrennan

We have that same apartment reserved for a week in March. It looks very nice in the pictures on the website and I have read postings of other people who have stayed there who confirm that it is very nice. Did you have any problems with the appliances? Although I don't intend to cook much or wash clothes, there is always the possibility I will need to wash or dry something. P

Robdaddy

hi, kbrennan--

We used the dishwasher, and the clothes washer and dryer when we were there with no problems.

Morgan Cannon will explain how everything works when you arrive, plus there is a manual of sorts.

A couple of things you might not be aware of: European clothes washers/dryers are very different from the types we are used to here in the U.S. It takes the better part of the day to perform either function, so just allow for that. Also, clothes come out of the dryer quite wrinkled, so be ready to use the iron and board provided.

And if you use the dishwasher, do Not put in the copper pots/pans. You probably already knew that.

Again, have a lovely trip.

P.S. You mentioned in an earlier thread about wanting to use the bus some on this trip. The eastbound #69 bus stops on rue Ste. Dominique, just 2 or 3 blocks from the apt. We made good use of it on this trip and now prefer it to the Metro.

mouboston

I just enquired and found that #74 is available. yeahhh

But the concern is that you have to pay the entire amount plus $300 for key deposit up front even before you get the keys or set foot in Paris. Is this normal? Any issues anyone faced? Does anyone know the cancellation policy?

arbequina

HI, I just wanted to warn people against using vacations in Paris/vacationinparis.com. We just returned from a trip in Paris and had the worst experience with them. The apartment we got was disgustingly dirty - sheets hadn't been changed, the toilet hadn't been scrubbed, etc. When we requested a change, they told us to contact the owner ourselves! Then, we finally got another apartment, but ended up having to wait an entire day with our luggage until it was cleaned up. The Paris contact, Morgan Cannon, is an absolute jerk and would phone us at midnight (we were travelling with a baby, who would wake up at phone rings). Half of ourtrip was ruined because of them. Now, we are contesting extra charges from them. A truly unprofessional and rude company - please do yourself a favor and don't use them.

Robdaddy

arbequina:

I have a feeling that there's a great deal more to your story than you are telling.

Our experience, and that of others who post here re: vacation in paris, was 180 degrees from yours.

I would use them again in a heartbeat.

opaldog

I would wonder about the post by arbequina. This is their one and only post. (unless of course they are posting under a new name). My sister-in-law used vacationinparis and was satisfied. We will be using them in March/April and hope that all goes well. I have rented from other people in the past and been satisfied. I paid upfront for everything the last time I rented and it turned out fine. I paid half and half on other rentals. I don't expect perfection, but I would want a clean apartment and clean sheets. So far my dealings with vip have been fine.

paskee

I'm so glad I came across this discussion of the Rue Cler apartment. I had it saved as my "favorite" as one we'd like to rent in August. Any thoughts on how comfortable it would be for 2 adults & 2 daughters 14 & 10?

tracypg

BEWARE--we just returned from a trip to Paris (and elsewhere, too) and rented an apartment from vacationinparis.com. The key sent did not work for us. It was a 45-minute nightmare. We could not reach the manager. Called the New Jersey office. They couldn not reach the manager either. We finally found two people downstairs who spoke some English and they were able to help us. They key almost broke off in the lock it was so difficult to use. It was after 9:00 at night. First time to Paris and we do not speak French. Two kids, grandma, my husband and myself--all totally exhausted from the overnight flight. Very rough beginning. Other keys inside the place worked fine. The manager and the office have been less than gracious about this situation. I had to use my cell phone to make the calls given the urgent situation we found ourselves in and they are not offereing to reimburse me.
MAKE SURE THERE IS A LOCAL CONTACT PERSON AVAILABLE AT THE TIME YOU ARRIVE.
I will rent again, but NOT from vacationinparis.com. I will also make certain that there is someone LOCAL readily available at check in should any problems arise.

opaldog

I guess that something can always go wrong whether it be renting an apartment or staying in a hotel. I started renting hotels when I got tired of booking rooms that looked great on the internet, but on arrival were not good.
We had a great experience with vacationinparis in April of this year. We rented the Ste. Catherine apartment in the marais. I highly recommend it. We had no problems communicating with vip. We used the phone and email. Payment couldn't have been easier. We received the key before leaving and fortunately we had no problems using it. (one time we stayed at Hotel Beaubourg and could not get the hang of using the key) The apartment was beautiful and the location couldn't have been better. We never needed to contact anyone while in Paris, so I can't comment on that. I recommend vip and plan to use them in the future. Sorry the tracypg had a bad experience with them.

Christina

well, I haven't rented from them, but did have discussions with them and didn't care for their attitude or means of doing business, either, so I don't personally doubt these stories. They were very unprofessional in dealing with me, and this whole mailing of the key business I think is dumb and unprofessional. They should have someone managing them on site, which I don't believe they do, which is the problem. I had other issues with them which I've mentioned elsewhere, but just wanted to say that they are definitely not a perfect company by my experience.

As for the question on fees, yes, it is perfectly normal and routine to expect you to pay the entire amount in advance, plus deposit, before you get into the place. Every company I've dealt with has that system, they have to. They can't afford for people to not show up or change their mind, etc., when renting vacation apts which can't be rented the same day that easily if they need a replacement renter. That's one of the disadvantages of renting vacation apts., which is why I personally don't do it without a real good reason or long stay in a city.