Hi...

I will be making my first trip to Paris in April 2012 and am booked in Vacation In Paris #253. I did a search and found a few positive remarks about this apt which certainly makes me happy, but I was wondering if anyone would be able to give me a more detailed review of the apartment/neighborhood?? I'd appreciate it! Thanks!

small. really small.

You do realize that the black sofa next to the table with folding chairs (clearly necessary for them to fit) is the bed? And there is no other bedroom or space?

I wouldn't even consider this without the additional 1 bedroom upstairs. It would be smaller than a hotel room...

I think this is the link?

http://vacationinparis.com/apts/id_253.htm

If you are traveling alone it is certainly large enough. Did you consider renting just the upstairs apartment? However, the pictures of the upstairs apartment show a rather low ceiling. It looks as though they made two apartments out of a space formally built as one. They both appear to be newly renovated and very clean. I personally like to be up on a higher floor and have a view over the street for some interest.

Location is great but I would want a real bed, even though French sofa beds are very comfotable. I traverling alone I might consider it but there are lots of other really nice places on VIP We rent the Marais Garden delight #122 I think.

The neighborhood is great, super central, and very convenient for sightseeing. The neighborhood is, however, quite busy with lots of cafes with outdoor seating. Rue de Buci and its crowds is right there. This busy pedestrian area could by a plus or a minus, depending on your age/personality/interests.

The apartment is too small.

I would look to spend a little more and get an apt that works.

Here's a 1BR in the same neighborhood worth a look (#182):
http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_182.htm

For $125.00 (Not Euro, but dollars) a night, you'd likely NEVER find a hotel room (in this area) approaching 195 square feet, with a fridge, microwave/grill and washer/dryer unit. It's small, but if you're alone, this will be more than ample space.

As for beds, the bed in 253 is no different than either bed in 182, as the main bedroom has a "comfortable sofa
bed left permanently in the open position". Both of the other rooms suggested are more than 30% more expensive.

To the OP: Since it is your first trip to Paris, I'm going to assume you won't be spending an inordinate amount of time in the apartment. My first time was in a VIP apartment and we were rarely there. Don't fret over the comments it's too small, I'll also assume there is no more than you and one other person max. You're getting a room cheaper than a hotel, larger than any hotel at the price, with more amenities than any hotel room at the price.

Your location is great, but noise could be a factor if you retire early. Odeon is 2 minutes away, St. Michel is 4 minutes away. You're set. Enjoy.

Not to mention that the OP has already Booked 253.

"avalon on Dec 14, 11 at 3:24am
Location is great but I would want a real bed, even though French sofa beds are very comfotable. I traverling alone I might consider it but there are lots of other really nice places on VIP We rent the Marais Garden delight #122 I think."

#122 is the St.Andres des Arts loft that I rented before starting to rent my regular rue de Seine apartment. #122 is around the corner from the apartment that the OP has rented. Happy Travels!

"apersuader65 on Dec 15, 11 at 2:52pm
For $125.00 (Not Euro, but dollars) a night, you'd likely NEVER find a hotel room (in this area) approaching 195 square feet, with a fridge, microwave/grill and washer/dryer unit. "


True.
I first stayed in this neighborhood in the mid 70s. And then started staying, almost annually, in the immediate area of the OP's rental in 81. And even the Hotel St. Andres des Arts, around the corner and less than a 5-minute walk, from the apartment the OP has rented, had its cheapest room at around 95 Euros a night (this year). I walked past it. And those rooms are small. I had one. It had a bed, sink, and I think a shower. The toilet was down the hall. I stayed there in the 90s, while waiting for my regular room, down the street at the Hotel de Seine, to become available.

I'm very familiar with the other hotels in the area which is one reason why I started a hotel thread. I personally haven't come across a hotel room for $125. a night in that immediate area. So, an 18-square meter apartment for $125. in that neighborhood would be better than a hotel room. I know it's small and for me would be way too small for an apartment, but the OP has rented it, so is therefore fine with the space limitation. Happy Travels!

That is a very busy pedestrian street so if noise is at all an issue, bring earplugs. Also, it is on the ground floor and seems to be on the street, which means that there will be zero privacy. That said, it's a very central location with lots of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops right there, literally outside your window.

We stayed here in May and loved the apt, the location and the owner. It is only 99 euros [590 a week], no cleaning fee, and has lots of room and everything you'll need.

http://www.vrbo.com/339804

Hi. I hate to hijack this thread, but I, too, am looking at 3 VIP apartments for 4 adults and 2 children. Does anyone have any knowledge of these apartments/areas? Thanks!


http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_226.htm

http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_252.htm

http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_238.htm

For OP,

I love that area, I would stay there if on my own but would not share a sofa bed with anyone.

Best way to look at it is in comparison to a hotel room in that area for that price.

Catman,

# 3 would be my last choice in terms of area.

# 1 would be my first choice for decor

Catman, I also like the decor of no. 1 best, but no. 1 and 3 are in the exact same area, probably the same building (or almost). I don't like that location at all as it is one of the worst tourist streets in Paris as far as I'm concerned (big mobs of tourists in the street it is on, I'm not kidding, all day and night long). It is a pedestrian street and has a lot of cheap fast food places and souvenir shops, the cheap food places appeal to all the tourists, I guess (and that it is so close to Notre Dame, I guess they just stumble onto it).

So I do like the area better for no. 2 (funny that you are to be impressed by being on top of a Prada store) as it isn't like that. That decor is okay, a bit Jetson-y for my tastes, but the only thing I really hate is the clear plastic DR chairs. I have not checked the issues with prices versus number of beds, or even AC and floors, as I assume you can do that and decide for yourself. They are expensive given the sizes, so I presume they all hve elevators if high enough (the stairs to the Penthouse not ideal, but not a deal-breaker probably).

So even though I hate the area of no 1 and 3, I will admit that a lot of tourists might like it for convenience and if the apt is high enough, maybe that noise wouldn't be so bad (and if it has AC and you can close windows). They are all nice choices, actually.

Good catch, Christina, I missed that # 1 was on Harpe as well.

I like #1 and #3 because of the convenience factor. Is that area ok safety-wise, especially for kids? When my wife and I were in Paris last, we used the St. Michel metro station quite a bit, so we like that it's right around the corner. I'm not a huge fan of all the Greek fast food joints and tourist t-shirt shops, but I don't know how much time we'll spend wandering around the immediate area anyway.