lhenry

I will be visiting Paris around Christmas time, and have decided to rent apt because it will be three of us, and prefer the extra space. We are interested in these two apartments for their close proximity to things, have any of you Fodorites had any experience with them or the company in general?

Thanks in advance!

nytraveler

Well in both cases the 3rd person would have to sleep on a sofa bed.

The second apartment is much smaller (and the first isn't large) and is a 4th floor walk-up - which I would not want. (I don;t mind walking forever but the idea of hauling luggage and groceries up and down all those stairs doesn't entrance me.)

You need to be aware that in europe you enter the buildig on the ground floor (rez de chausee) and the first floor is up one (long) flight of steps. Since these are older buildings, often with higher ceilings (10 to 12 feet), each flight of steps is likely to be 16 to 20 steps or even more - not 10 you might find in the US.

Seamus

Have used VIP twice and been quite pleased. Have not rented either of those two properties, of the two would favor #125 as it is larger and has fewer stairs to climb.

flpab

125, sofa looks more comfy and not as many stairs to climb and though it might be cold you have a balcony. Nice area also.

cw

Neither has an oven if that matters to you. And the second besides being up four flights doesn't have a door on the bedroom. I don't know if this is a concern.

Choosing between those two for three persons, I'd opt for 125, the larger of the two. I think someone here has asked about it before. You might search for mentions.

Fodorite018

I have personally stayed in VIP's #125. That was 4 years ago, and it was fine. The location was great as it was so central and so easy to get around. It was only one flight of stairs up. The apt itself was plenty spacious for the 2 of us (DD and myself). She said the sleeper sofa was comfy. I slept in the bedroom and the bed was comfy, but the only drawback was there really wasn't anywhere to put clothes. The bathroom was across from the bedroom, right next to the front door. It was clean, but needed a couple of small repairs (chipped tile), but really it was very minor. I am just trying to think of any possible negatives so you know what to expect.

The kitchen was in the hallway between the bed/bath/front door and the living room. It was small, but had everything we needed. We did not cook there, but did reheat a few things.

In the living room there is quite a bit of space. A couple chairs to sit in, besides the sofa, so if you leave that open you still have somewhere to sit. The dining table sat 6, so plenty of room. There was a hutch next to that that was chuck full of dishes/glasses, so more than enough. The balcony was nice. We were there over June 21st, so a noisy night with all the music. When we closed the big windows, we did not hear anything, so I would think it would not be drafty in the winter.

The apt had lots of guide books to use, and a notebook for how everything worked and tips from past guests.

I would not hesitate to rent this apt again. You might ask VIP for recent referrals though, just in case anything has changed in the 4 years since we stayed there.

Cathinjoetown

I rented 122 about three years ago, about the same price as 125 but has a large queen bed--to us it seemed larger than a US queen but not quite a king--as well as the sofa bed.

It does have an oven, if that's important, and a half bath on the main level. The area was very lively, in a good way. No balcony, large windows on both levels. The shower was small, for me, but I got used to it after a few days.

You may want to have a look.

lhenry

I think I prefer to be closer to the river has any one had experience with these two apartments?Your thoughts have been very helpful on the previous two, however we are able to afford something nicer so apt 146 is out and they said apt 125 is booked.

http://www.parisbestlodge.com/quai.html

and

http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_249.htm

lhenry

also

http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_281.htm

Christina

I didn't like that 146, either. Have you been to Paris before? I just wondered, as I don't find being right on the quai particularly desirable, and I wouldn't want to be there. I don't think it's as convenient as many other locations that might be closer to a metro stop. Also, I think think the quai des Grands Augustins itself is kind of a weird ambience due to the geography and it's just big buildings there, not like a neighborhood, to me. I find it funny what they refer to as "luxury" given this apt looks very ordinary and doesn't even have AC or a clothes dryer, but they call it luxury (not that you'd need AC in winter, of course). They didn't even bother to put an area rug any where, it appears, I don't like it when the entire apt. is just bare floors. At least be sure you pack slippers. At least it has an elevator and maybe a nice view. It looks kind of stuffy to me, not my style.

I actually think the studio near Madeleine looks more comfy in a way, and it is about $100 a day cheaper. I would definitely prefer that one if I were only 1-2 people. However given there are 3 of you, I think you might want to keep looking. Also, while that location is convenient to transportation and everything, it's kind of a big business area and a bit hectic to my taste.

lhenry

Yes, I agree with all of your points. I haven't found the perfect one yet, but I do like this one for its location.

http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_256.htm

lhenry

or this (but I like the idea of having a courtyard for some odd reason)

http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_167.htm

lhenry

or this (sorry for so many!!)

http://www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_203.htm

lhenry

I really like the location of apt 146 so I think no matter the negatives I will go with that.

Seamus

Your choice, of course, but 146 is small, no elevator and the location is OK but by no means exceptional for a visitor. #203 is probably the best of the lot - we stayed in that neighborhood last month and loved it. Runner up would be #167.

HappyTrvlr

We always look for courtyards in both hotels and apartments in any city as they are much quieter.

Christina

None of them are perfect, so you do have to choose what matters to you the most. I didn't like the kitchen setup of 146, the owners just stuck some appliances on one end of the living room and didn't even bother to build a counter there to separate the kitchen area from the living room and give you some counter space and storage. Just seems like something really cheap people would do. It would look so much better, also. The rest of it was okay, just the elevator drawback. I'll admit when I'm in Paris, I usually do not come back to an apt or hotel in the middle of the day myself and I routinely rent ones where I walk up/down 3 floors which doesn't bother me at all.

The last two were both on the ground floor and I don't think I would ever rent an apt on the ground like that, although if I did, it would be the one that opened only onto an interior courtyard, not the street. I just would hate having people walk by right in front of me all the time, it would be like a fish bowl (not to mention possible noise). And regardless of how secure they claim it is, it would just make me nervous even if I didn't want to be, and I wouldn't sleep as well.

And at least 146 is the more reasonable price, not around $300 as one of them was.

nytraveler

I think you need to define what is important to you.

IMHO being near a Metro in a central area is better than being right ON the river - which can be very noisy, (Or if you're on the courtyard with no views - what's the point.)

I would look for overall size/comfort and being on a lower floor (or having an elevator).

Guenmai

"Cathinjoetown on Sep 7, 13 at 12:17pm
I rented 122 about three years ago, about the same price as 125 but has a large queen bed--to us it seemed larger than a US queen but not quite a king--as well as the sofa bed. "

I've also rented #122 which is very central. I've stayed in that neighborhood since the 1970s. Plus, it's near two different metro lines and lots of convenient bus routes, not to mention the supermarket, about a 4-minute walk away, Picard about 3 minutes away, and Starbucks a few steps away. LOL!

Happy Travels!

lhenry

Two of my main preferences are to be close to the FSH shopping and within walking distance of many sites and restaurants.