Planning first trip to Paris September 2011 for 7 nights. Decided on apt. as will be in Europe 31 days and will need to do laundry at times and these apts. both have a washer for laundry. Both have a view of the ET and are about $2000-2500 USD for the week. Which one has the better location-close to means of transport, market/grocery for drinks, snacks, maybe breakfast stuff for the apt.?? Budget is around 250 euros per night or less if possible. If on an upper floor will need an elevator-we're in our 60s and don't want to climb more than 2 flights of stairs. Need to be able to sleep 3. Also would like a great view which these appear to have from the website pics. Any advice would be appreciated or if you have any other suggestions we'll check them out. Thanks.

www.vrbo.com/17323 This is a 1 BR, 1.5 BA 1 mile from ET in 15th bordering on 7th. Next to Novotel Hotel and near Bir-Hakeim metro stop. Has nice view of ET and the Seine.

www.rentalfrance.com This is a 2 BR, 1 BA at 211 Rue de l'Universite. Has terrace with great view of ET.

The first one says it has a clothes washer but not a dryer. And great views.

The second one has a dryer and those nice terraces (though we see no photos of the view or the terraces). The second one seems to be better decorated.

Both are very nice apartments, but I give the edge to the second one.

I like #2 for the washer and dryer, and the 2 bedrooms, and the location.

I believe other fodorites have stayed in the Rue de l'Universite apartment and have liked it. You can do a search.

I think it's a more convenient location than the first one. You can see the view from the terrace in the photos. You have to look along the side of the building for the Tower view. It has two bedrooms, much more convenient for three people. I'd take it over the first one any day. I like it's location and the set-up and furnishings of the apartment better. And you'll enjoy having a terrace.

Hello Chris,
I have rented from Rentalfrance.com and have had a very good experience. Have a great time!

We stayed in the apt on rue de l'universite in March and loved it. Pascal was so easy to work with. The apt is exactly like the pictures and the view is amazing. The eiffel tower webcam is on your balcony - that is how good the view is. We found some good restaurants nearby and the market must be about 6 blocks on rue Saint-Dominique. We also found patisseries to buy breakfast goodies. The metro we used was Pont de l'Alma just a short walk. The last night we ate at Trattoro Dell'Angelo on Ave Rapp, almost around the corner and it was mostly local folks which we liked. Makes you feel like you are really living in Paris. The waiter even came outside to help take our picture for the last night.

We would come home late at night and always felt safe. It was my daughter, grand daughter and myself. I slept in the small bedroom with the trundle bed and it worked out perfectly. One of the silly reasons we picked it was because of the mirrored closets. With 3 women we knew we needed space for makeup and hair. It is a very light filled apt. We'd all go back in a heartbeat! I can't imagine a better apt in Paris.

I just looked at your first apt choice and I remember looking at apts in those buildings. When we got to Paris I really didn't like the neighborhood on that side of the eiffel tower and was very glad we choose the one we did. I think you would definitely like having the terraces for breakfast and wine at night - perfect!

I didn't even need to look at them from your description. I would never stay near Bir Hakeim metro next to the Novotel.

I also do not like the area near Bir Hakeim. And then the terrace is the real selling point for me on the other property. Coffee in the am and wine in the pm! Bliss...

Thanks so much to all for the quick responses!! Knew we'd get great advice and #2 with the terraces wins by a landslide, not only on this forum but also on TA forum. Will send out an e-mail to Pascal to get more info. Txhomes-great to hear about your recent positive experience and it was also nice of you to include some suggestions for market, metro, and restaurant.

As soon as we can book our flights, we can start to reserve our accommodations. One city decided and 4 more to go!! Will have to do separate posts for Italy and London. Thanks again to all!!