Paris Perfect apartments are stunning. But they are really pricey. Look into Paris BestLodge.

We also use ParisVacationApartments. They are well priced and well located and so book up quite early! Most have king sized beds, air conditioning and comfortable furnishings. We've used Paris Perfect in their low season when the price drops.

I just booked for May 2015.

We have used VRBO with great results. Our one exception was a listing in the back of the Harvard alumni magazine. My wife and I are overeducated, so we get lots of alumni magazines :-) Every one of them has vacation rental listings in the US and abroad.

The most we ever paid for an apartment in Paris was $2700 for a vast, well-equipped place for six of us on a side street off the Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. Our room had a garden view but no closet or wardrobe. Another room had storage space but was a bit of a hike to the bathrooms. The third bedroom had only one view less window but was large. Perfection? No. Comfortable? Yes. Charm? Considerable? Location? Awesome. Parisian feel? Unbelievable.

If what you want is not matched by what you find right away, keep looking.

I didn't see your last post earlier. Paris Vacation Apartments has several apartments where one or both bedrooms have beds which separate. You just need to ask which can be set up as twins.

Also have a look at www.onefinestay.com for some very nice Paris apartments.

Some agencies are more expensive, but there is a big difference in renting, say, a VRBO or Airbnb flat or a Onefinestay flat. Paris Perfect and Onefinestay manage properties; it is closer to a hotel experience, with service, beautifully made-up beds etc. This is more expensive, but I prefer this to renting directly from an owner.

Paris Perfect does not "manage" all their properties and if you ask they will tell you that. I think at one time they did but now some of their properties are managed by other companies...for those they have to go to them to check availability etc. Once on the ground you are dealing with a different company.I know some here won't believe that but check with them. I was told in advance and ended up not booking with them but some others got the surprise upon arrival. It is not uncommon for an apartment not to be an "exclusive" property with one agency...you will find some on many sites. It can be just fine but you should know.

I thought they worked like Onefinestay; letting the property, taking care of payment, preparing the property for guests with their own linens, cleaning after guests leave. We let a flat through Onefinestay in London, and they handle everything.

Anyway, I just wanted to point out that there is a big difference between different agencies, and therefore also a price difference.

I too have stayed at http://lacigaleparis.com . American owner, great location and well maintained.

Tulips...big different in agencies...good point.

Yes, I did like that Paris Perfect managed the properties, but while the apartments are beautiful, I think they are also slightly overpriced. 5000-6000 USD/3600-4300 Euros for a two bedroom apartment (turns out I was originally looking at their sale prices for February/March) is very expensive. I ended up really liking the Paris Vacation apartments and the Parisian Flat apartments. Similar quality (it seems), much better price.

Also, looking at the availability of these places, it looks like we will have to go in late July. Would this be a really bad time to go?

Paris Perfect is probably the most expensive agency in Paris, so it is not normal nor for average folks. It is for people with a lot of money to spend on vacation apts and also want a lot of hand-holding.

Yes, I agree Christina. I think I could make Paris Perfect fit my budget, but why would I do so if there's plenty of other, nice, slightly cheaper apartments? Does anyone else feel the same way? OneFineStay appears to do similar things to Paris Perfect, but aren't as pricey (still expensive, but not 1000E per night expensive).

Of course I feel the same way. We have rented very cheap apartments in Paris, but not the cheapest.

I go with the nicest I can afford.

I don't think you need do pay the prices for Paris Perfect...I note you have not indicated a strong need to have a view of the Eiffel Tower...for me that is their strong point...they do have some apartments where it almost seems like the tower is in your room...and for that you pay top $$ and I'm not sure the current level of service is worth it. So I would pick another company...still beautiful apartments but more reasonable and I don't think you will compromise anything.

Also...before you get too excited about a certain property do check with the agency as to the availability...many popular apartments book very far in advance.

Thanks for the last tip, Lois2. It's happened to me more than once! I've checked that all the apartments I like have availability, as to avoid
disappointment.

And yes, I don't really care that much about an Eiffel Tower view. Not worth the price.

I think I've decided upon one of the Parisian Flat apartments.

Friends of mine have rented the one on Rue de Vaugirard for later this year. Please report back about your experience wherever you end up booking.

I have long coveted the Parisian Flat and the Parisian Vacation Apartment places!

Leely, I will definitely be sure to report back! When are your friends going?

Thanks! They aren't going until fall.

Enjoy your trip.