Thoughts on short term rentals in Paris. (pros and cons)
 

Does anybody have any experience with short term rentals in Paris?
My wife and I are planning a 10 - 14 day trip and are exploring our options. We are on some what of a tight budget and were hopeing to hear from people with experiece with these type of properties as they sound right up our alley. (pros, cons, scams, and so on)

I was in Paris last year and had a short term apartment rental. For us (me and my friend), it was the absolute perfect choice. Having a mini-kitchen and internet access in the apartment was fantastic. There was a small grocery store only a half block away, so we were able to save money by making our own breakfasts, picnic lunches, and some dinners. We are skilled travelers, so we had all of our sightseeing plans ahead of time, so we didn't need a concierge or hotel for arrangements. The apartment was fairly close (10 minute walk) to a Metro.
Arranging the apartment was a little scary as I also had concerns about being "scammed" especially when asked to send a personal check for $350 as a deposit. But everything worked out perfectly (we paid in cash upon arrival and received the deposit check back when we checked out). Do your research. Make sure that others who have stayed at the apartment you are interested in thought it was a good operation. Make sure it's in the part of the city that you want to be in (we stayed in Saint-Germain des Pres). If you're interested, the apartment was at http://www.residences-paris.com/apartments.php - Vladimir was great. He showed us what we needed and left us alone to explore the city. Best of luck finding what you want.

The best way to avoid scams is to rent from an agency that has had good reviews from other travelers, either here, on www.slowtrav.com, or www.ourparisforum.com.

You can get a lot of information to get started in the recent Paris apartment thread here: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ent-thread.cfm

An apartment is often cheaper than a comparable hotel, has more space, and you have the option of eating some of your meals at home. That can really help stretch a tight budget.

Dave:

We don't use apartments wherever we travel...but I came across this in yesterday's L.A. Times that may be of some help. It's owned by an American family and supposedly has a good location and nice views...on left bank ....
b>"LeVieuxParis"</b>..reported rates are $110/night.

email: [email protected]
web: www.levieuxparis.com

Stu T.

To me it doesn't matter whether it's short term or long term. It's about getting at least double the space of a hotel room and at about the same rate or many times less. It's also about having a kitchen, so that I can eat breakfast, pack a lunch, and fix other meals if I want to. And also having some privacy and not having to listen to the chamber staff, vacuum, clean,slam doors, and talk loudly at early hours of the morning as in a hotel room, not to mention noisy guests. Happy Travels!

I prefer apartments, especially for a stay of a week or more for the extra space, seating (other than just a bed and desk chair), kitchen, and privacy. I can't imagine spending 10-14 days in a hotel room with no coffee, refrigerator, in one room with barely an aisle around the bed. And, it's nice to be able to relax evenings (and enjoy your favorite music and beverages) without having to be "out".

Though I never cook much, you can still save a fortune on coffee, breakfast, snacks, even water and beverages. But, should you gather up appealing products at one of the outdoor markets, you have a place to prepare and enjoy. And, there are wonderful take-away places for roast chicken, sides, just about anything.

While there are resources for groceries just about anywhere, it's best if all is within steps for lugging "home" and not spending too much time collecting supplies during your visit.

Selecting an apartment is nearly daunting - there are so many. Best bet are those recommended here and on other forums.

We prefer to be near one or more bus routes that run late and every day, as we prefer the buses to the metro.

As for "cons", deposits, advance payment of remaining rent, hefty security deposits - and how you pay and are refunded - are considerations, versus a hotel reservation you can cancel and where you pay at the end of your stay with a credit card.

Note that photos online tend to make rooms more spacious than in actuality, so you must learn to observe carefully, and understand that you're probably looking at ALL the space, and not just the center of a room.

Ditto Guenmai's comments. We've stayed in both hotels and apartments in Paris, but will probably never stay in a hotel again.

Check this site for an excellent article on Paris apartments, with some recommended agencies, and a comprehensive list of Paris apartment web sites: http://parisnotes.com/rentals/parisa...ntrentals.html

In the past we have used HomeRental.com and Chez Vous (http://www.chezvous.com/main.html), and most recently used Vacation in Paris (http://www.vacationinparis.com/)

Of those, I'd recommend Vacation in Paris if you are at all interested in a decent apartment at a good price. They have what looks like by far the lowest deposit requirement, and they mail you the keys, which is far easier than waiting to meet someone at the apartment. The web site is good.

Chez Vous is fine if you have a higher budget. Their apartments are nice and the web site is excellent, but they have increased their prices to a pretty outrageous level in the past few years.

Home Rental was a quirky choice for us a few years back. Their web site is marginal, and their prices are not as low as they used to be. If you find an apartment you like on the site, it helps if you speak French and talk to them, and try to get them to e-mail you more details.

You should definitely poke around the internet for recommended sites. I find a lot of agencies we considered had some hidden fees, such as cleaning, weekend or late arrival, and the like. Check out TripAdvisor.com for reviews as well as the sites mentioned above. A lot of people really like ParisPerfect.com, and the apartments look great - just out of our price range. Finally, tons of people rely on vrbo.com - the potential scam factor has always scared me a little, although we did use it once for a Santa Barbara rental and did fine.

Do the research and you'll do great.

Another advantage in using Vacation in Paris is that their prices are in US dollars and you know what you are paying even if the exchange rate changes. Already since I booked a few weeks ago, the Euro has risen nearly 10 cents per dollar.

We had great success renting (for a month) from a private party who owns an apartment in Paris but works in the US. She advertised in a college alumni magazine and is employed in my profession (a college professor). We spoke by phone and e-mailed enough that I had confidence in her. However you do it, an apartment is the way to go unless you need the "support" of hotel staff to be comfortable finding your way around, getting restaurant/train/etc. reservations, and the like. There are pros and cons about renting from an individual rather than an agency, but if you can stand the risk (e.g., what if water damages the apartment?) a private owner renting directly can save you $$ over a fee-based agency.

Has anyone used Paris Perfect apartment rentals for their trips to Paris? What's the thought?

I second the positive comments above. The only "con" is aranging for key pick-up, meeting the person with the key at a specific time when you are traveling and possibly encountering delays.

Paris Perfect apartments are popular with many fodorites. Using the search box above you'll find lots of info about them. They are pricier than most apartments offered in Paris but are considered well located and are very nicely furnished.

Here is a thread by someone who is in Paris Nov 3- Dec. 14 and staying in several Paris Perfect apartments.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...v-3-dec-14.cfm

Re Paris Perfect: "Pricier" is putting it mildly.

You always pay a lot more for an English-language, US-oriented rental agency, IMO.

The poster should tell us what part of Paris he wants to stay in. That will help with specific advice.

BTW: There is currently a trip report from Nikki who stayed near Canal St Martin/ Bastille. That large, bright and lavish apartment with balcony, a vrbo.com listing, costs about 735 E in the off season.

IE about one half to one third the price of a 1 bdrm Paris Perfect apartment.

I have visited the apartment in question and it is very, VERY nice.

frankdaddy,

From reading your other thread I had the impression you had decided upon renting from Paris Perfect. If so, you have no reason to be concerned about the agency. They are expensive but get glowing reviews. Just put their name into the search box at the top of the page and you'll find many satisfied customers. I think the apartment you chose is a good choice for you and your older parents and their requirements.

We've stayed with ParisPerfect three times. Since then, prices have risen considerably, but significant improvements (not that any were essential) have been made since then including air conditioning. In "our" apartment, the kitchen was completely redone and all the furnishings and decor were upgraded/replaced. So, these are now luxe (even more so than previously) properties. Advantages are that the properties are booked and managed by the owners, who take a personal interest in the guests and are always available if there's a problem (though there's a local staff to handle everything). Nearly all their properties are nicely located in the 7th with amazing views of the Tour Eiffel and convenient food shopping in every direction.

They're not really pricier than "most" apartments in Paris, as there are many others at the same price levels. Their objective is to provide the same ammenities, but more space, a kitchen, the view, etc., as you would expect in a four star hotel for a competitive price. Of course, in an apartment, you don't have a bellman, doorman, concierge, room service, etc.

With nearly every other resource, you're taking your chances. It is very difficult to find/rely on reference for other agencies and properties. Most people report satisfactory or better experiences, but there are the disappointments and disasters.

If you're in the mood to splurge and/or can afford ParisPerfect, they do, indeed have a good reputation for their properties and their service. Their attention to inquiries, requests, and detail in all their units, is exceptional.

I haven't checked lately, but previously noticed that rates were significantly less on their VRBO listings than on their official website.

bookmarking

I agree with the above posting. It is well known that I stay in the www.parisperfect.com apartments regularly....since my first stay in one, that is all it took, for me!

I am in Paris now. I have been here since Nov. 3 and will be here until Dec. 14th...almost over!

I enjoy the part of the 7th, where most of their apartments are located. To have ET views is special. I feel at home when I arrive. This part of the 7th is special..so many, many fine restaurants, so many sights to walk to, or buses for every area of Paris..just very convenient and just plain nice!

They have a local office nearby, welcome center. All services are done by their employed people..not some outside service. They are very guest service oriented.

The apartments are lovely, furnished with every amenity that you could want or need. As to prices..specials are available, season rates do make a difference. I feel they are priced well for what you receive. They come in all sizes, for everyone's need.

Have fun doing your searching.

a bientot...

Joan

We have rented from several agencies over the years and only been disappointed once.
We've used Paris Perfect in the past and will be renting their apartment on rue de Seine beginning Saturday. We expect the usual excellent service and well-appointed apartment.

We stayed in an apt. on our last trip to Paris. Much preferred that to a hotel for the reasons all the above posters have noted. We decided on Vacation in Paris and were happy with them. Laughingd2 and Pallette said it all. I do have to say that I would really like to try a Paris Perfect apt because they look gorgeous, but do think they are pricey. We have stayed in St. Germain des Pres and the 7th and I tend to agree with Gracejoan about the 7th. We were located on Rue St. Dominique between Invalides and the Eiffel Tower, which we really liked very much. We cannot wait to go back and stay in that area again.

I have had very good luck renting apartments. I usually rent places that I have heard good reports about, but even the ones I have rented blind have worked out well.

I prefer apartments for stays of more than a day or two for all the reasons mentioned above. More space, comfortable seating. If I am with my husband, there is a place for one person to sleep while the other reads or watches TV. I don't have to eat out three meals a day. And more and more, I find I like to spend time in the apartment itself. Most days I do not spend the entire day out and about, but return for significant chunks of the day at my home base, especially if I am going to be out late at night.

On the less positive side, it can be more complicated paying for an apartment than a hotel, involving international money transfers for the deposit and bringing large amounts of cash to the apartment on the arrival day to pay the balance. Many if not most places require security deposits, although some people will accept a US check for the deposit and simply destroy it if the apartment is left with no damage.

For people who rely on the help of the hotel desk staff to call taxis and make reservations, an apartment can be more intimidating, as you have to do those things yourself. And for those whose idea of vacation includes daily changes of linen and housekeeping services, an apartment can involve less pampering than they would prefer.

<<They're not really pricier than "most" apartments in Paris,>>

Of course they are, that is simply a fact. They are very expensive for people with lots of money to burn. The fact that there are some others at the same rate doesn't make them the same as most apartments in Paris.

As for pros/cons, pros might be more space and kitchen facilities, and washer/dryer if you get one that has one (many do not).

There are lots of cons -- you have to pay lots of money in advance, and it won't be refundable (you can't move and get your money back if you hate the place). You are often giving lots of money and planning your vacation based on a total stranger you know nothing about. The apt. may not have things that work the way you expected or at all or could have other drawbacks like no elevator, very uncomfortable, cheap furniture, things like that. You don't have help from any front desk staff to call taxis or answer questions, etc. The majority of the ones in Paris do not have air conditioning, so if you go in summer, you will be limited in selection and they'll cost a lot more. They are not particularly cost effective for a single person, you can get more for the same money in hotels (but if you are at least a couple, that won't matter). Other cons are I think it isolates you from the experience of being in Paris, which is one reason why I don't get why so many people want them and want to hole up in apartments having breakfast and making their own meals. I prefer to be out and about in Paris when I visit it, and that includes breakfast.

I don't stay in hotels with only a narrow space around my bed, there is no reason that this is the only alternative to an apartment.

If you are there 10-14 days, I can see why one might want more space than a hotel, for short stays, I don't see the point. However, if you are on a tight budget, I can't imagine why you'd choose Paris Perfect since it is so expensive.

I will certainly take exception to the statement by Christina!! It is most certainly incorrect!!

These are NOT very expensive for people with lots of money to burn! I stay in them regularly and I am NOT a person with lots of money to burn!!

There are other nice apartments in the same price range as Paris Perfect!!

Joan

We do not have lots of money to burn. Off-season and with discounts, we can afford Paris Perfect. High season, we frequently look elsewhere.

Christina often seems to think that her thoughts and ways are the only way. That she knows best!

We all know what is best for us. I very much resent someone putting words in my mouth. I do not do that in my posts for others. I only say what works for me. If that is helpful to someone else, then I am pleased that I have been helpful.

There are many very expensive apartments in Paris..way beyond what the Paris Perfect prices are. There are many good outfits that have comparable prices.

Prices, budgets are for all to decide for themselves. I have said before that people like to spend their money in different ways..some food..some lodging..some both!! Some neither..they are here for the sight-seeing only. That's the way it should be.

a bientot...

Joan

>Other cons are I think it isolates you from the experience of being in Paris, which is one reason why I don't get why so many people want them and want to hole up in apartments having breakfast and making their own meals.<

I feel that an apartment does the opposite of isolating me from Paris. I usually end up in a residential building where Parisians live rather than in a hotel filled with other tourists. I'm close to restaurants, cafes and shops that Parisians frequent and tourists are less likely to frequent.

I don't think very many people who rent apartments hole up in them. I like keeping milk, cheese, yogurt, fruit and juice in a fridge so I can have breakfast in my pjs while I'm getting ready for the day. I'm out the door early and usually come back exhausted in the early evening, throw my feet up on the coffee table, have a glass of wine, get a second wind and head out for a late dinner.

frankdaddy is not the original poster. He piggybacked onto this thread. The OP was on a budget.

To a degree, I agree with Cristina. I don't rent from vrbo. I prefer an agency that comes recommended and apaprtments that have been reviewed. OntDave, look at the reviews on www.slowtrav.com. There's also lots more helpful information at that site.

And maybe if I traveled by myself, I might prefer a hotel. But traveling with my husband -- who craves space -- apartments work out so much better. And, since I don't like an early start, it's comfortable and convenient to have breakfast in an apartment. Whereas breakfast in a French cafe consists of one cup of coffee and one croissant. You can get more of course, but that's standard. I drink more than one cup of coffee in the morning. And my husband eats a lot more than one croissant.

Cristina, you seem a little defensive. If you like hotels, fine. But it's not real French life. And, nowadays the people staffing hotels are not necessarily French.

As far as an apartment for cooking..not me. I'm afraid I don't cook at home and you can be sure I am not coming to Paris to cook! I might use the Nespresso and go out and pick up a small baguette and croissant. Also go to Davoli and pick up some of their wonderful food..that is cooking for me!

I like the space of an apt. A hotel gets old in a hurry. If only for a few days, OK. I stay longer now..to avoid..the miserable flight coming up so soon. Flying is not fun anymore!
I have all the amenities that I have at home..maybe more in some ways!

As to VRBO. You will find that many of the apt. companies also list on VRBO, and now Trip Advisor is connected with Flipkey for rentals and the companies also list there. They are definitely not only individual owners. They will usually have their website on the listing, too.

You get to know the people and shopkeepers in your area.Because I stay in the same area all the time, it feels like home when I arrive. I have the local office here that will take care of any need that I have. Very guest satisfaction oriented. They only want to please.

a bientot...

Joan

I think everyone was answering frankdaddy since the OP has come and gone from Paris and has posted a trip report.

I think it's silly to be so judgmental of how people choose to spend their money. Different things are important to different people. Some people shop, others dine out at starred restaurants, others like minimal hotels or apartments, and others like plusher places to stay. Who cares? I don't travel the same as many here, but I enjoy reading about their experiences and usually always learn something new about Paris. I think the best thing to consider is value for the money spent.

I do agree with amwosu that staying in an apartment is far from isolating. You actually get a taste of living in a place--going to the bakery, figuring out the trash sorting, finding the supermarket, shopping at the wonderful open air markets. I have much more interaction with Parisians when staying in an apartment as well as having the usual tourist interactions of eating in restaurants.

Make decisions on what pleases you--after all, it's your vacation.