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Post by arrowcapet on Jul 10, 2007 9:01:59 GMT -5
OK...I value the opinions shared on this board, so I'm throwing this out there to see what you all think... I'm spending three weeks in Italy and Paris this Sep/Oct, and with the exchange rate what it is, I'm about to go broke, so I've decided to give up my usual hotel room and rent an efficiency apartment instead. But I'm having issues. Apartment #1 is in the 2e, near the Bonne-Nouvelle Metro. Pluses: It's within walking distance to everything I want to be near, and will allow me to stay out late without the worry of the Metro closing, i.e., no transportation issues at 2am, cut down significantly on Metro transport, and allow me the opportunity to stroll home after dinner, etc. In other words, location, location, location. It also has a pretty nice view over the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower. Minuses: It's on the 6th floor of a walk-up, and it's only available for the last 7 days of my 9 day stay (which is kind of OK because I'll be there for the first two with friends who are staying at my usual hotel). Apartment #2 is in the 18e near Metro La Fourche, steps from Montmartre Cemetery. Pluses: It's on the ground floor, it's available for my entire 9 day stay, which will save me even more money not having to stay at the hotel the first two nights. Minuses: Location. I won't be able to walk home if I stay out late, nor will I be able to stroll home after dinner from some of my usual haunts. I'm not fond of Line 13, as it's both busy and requires making a correspondance to just about anywhere I want to go (except St Denis ) Last year I stayed in Montmartre and have since written a lot about how much time I wasted on the Metro getting to where I wanted to be. Both apartments are the same price, except that the one in Pigalle is available the entire time, so it will save me more money. My costs will be: Hotel: $1160 USD Apt 1 + Hotel: $800 USD Apt 2: $700 USD So...the question is: Should I go for the max savings in $$, ground floor convenience, and one time unpacking with no moving, or; Should I opt for the better location and deal with walking up 7 flights of stairs, the move and slightly more money??? I know the decision ultimately has to be mine, and I won't hold anyone accountable for their comments (LOL), but I'm just curious for your feedback. Maybe someone can bring something up that I haven't thought of yet that might help me make my decision. Any thoughts???
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Post by sistereurope on Jul 10, 2007 9:25:08 GMT -5
Wow, A (LG) C...that's a hard one! But since you asked for our opinions, I'd say (even though I'm not in Real Estate) go for the location location location, despite the extra cost and hassle of moving. You state in your post that you fretted last time about the transportation issue. You can make up that $100 somehow (you can start by deducting metro fares!)...it just appears that the location IS most important to you, so I just think that you'd probably be happier overall with the closer place. I mean, how many times will you have to climb the stairs??! You'll be out most of the time, since you'll be close to your haunts!
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Post by Shoesy on Jul 10, 2007 9:28:30 GMT -5
Definitely go for location. BTW, would you consider looking for a third option?
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Post by Ray(aka) tripnebraska on Jul 10, 2007 9:33:22 GMT -5
I agree with Shoesy. I would go with location, but take one more spin through apartment listings to see if I could match, location+price+elevator/lower floor. Are you traveling through Italy, or in one place?
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Post by arrowcapet on Jul 10, 2007 9:37:19 GMT -5
I'm still looking at third and fourth options, Shoesy. But haven't found anything at this price. The other issue that makes these places nice is that I don't have to put down a deposit, which keeps me from tying up needed funds. The places really are perfect, I just have to decide which one is more perfect. If I could get over the transportation issue, the decision really is a no-brainer. I'm trying to focus on the things I liked about staying in Montmartre last year and less on the time I spent on the Metro. The other thing is that if I stay in Pigalle, I'll save $100 which I could then, in good conscious, spend on taxis if I need them. Which makes the last issue whether or not I want to move after two nights. Honestly, I'm leaning more and more toward the Pigalle apartment. After changing hotels 4 times in Italy in 8 short days, I'm thinking I might just want to unpack and be done with it. I've already canceled my 3 night stay in Versailles for that very reason. Ugh...I just need to make up my fickle mind. LOL
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Post by Truffaut on Jul 10, 2007 9:40:14 GMT -5
Arrow, what's the address of the one near LaFourche? I might stroll by and take a look. You know, we're just west of that metro in Batignolles.
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Post by sistereurope on Jul 10, 2007 9:43:03 GMT -5
Arrow, I am SO obsessed when choosing an apartment - I drive myself and everyone else crazy until the decision is made!! Hopefully you'll be able to make a decision soon...my only concern is that you MAY be (I have no idea) trying to talk yourself into something - in other words, thinking with your head and not your heart. Of course we must all be logical, but I have found that if I try to still my logical brain for a minute, sometimes I can hear the "other" voice, meaning my true feelings, and I'm always happier when that happens. In any event, you know that it will all be good whatever choice you make - you'll be in Paris!!
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Post by arrowcapet on Jul 10, 2007 9:44:31 GMT -5
It's on Villa Saint Michel, a little north of La Fourche. Pics on the website and pagesjaunes.fr make it look like a fairly quiet, almost drab, street, but it's near the end of the street that meets Avenue de Saint-Ouen, which is plenty lively. It's on the ground floor, with two windows right on the street....but the street looks quiet...doesn't look like that would be an issue.
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Post by arrowcapet on Jul 10, 2007 9:46:39 GMT -5
And...Truffaut...strolling by would be just too much to ask.
Oooh....I'm a junior member now!!
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Post by Truffaut on Jul 10, 2007 9:58:16 GMT -5
I know where the street is, although I've never been on it. It might be a little loud if you're at the end closest to ave de S-O, but the other end would be "deathly quiet" snuggled up against the cemetary. What are your dates? Have you considered Luc's apartment?
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Post by arrowcapet on Jul 10, 2007 10:04:13 GMT -5
No...didn't know he rented his out. I'm there 29 SEP - 8 OCT
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Post by Truffaut on Jul 10, 2007 10:10:46 GMT -5
That's a shame. He's booked for those dates. For future reference, though, I think you'd find it much more amenable than the other locations you're considering and the price is right around your budget. It's a very short walk from Oberkampf or Bastille, and just a bit longer from the Marais or even Etienne Marcel areas. www.vrbo.com/103254
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Post by arrowcapet on Jul 10, 2007 10:16:26 GMT -5
How cute. You guys have such beautiful places.
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Post by Shoesy on Jul 10, 2007 10:18:03 GMT -5
Luc's apartment looks like a real gem. Yours is gorgeous too, Truffaut.
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Jul 10, 2007 10:23:39 GMT -5
I think on something like this, you have to follow your heart -- if what you really want is the location, just do it and don't worry about it (if you make it up by having a savory tart from a charcuterie for lunch several days, it will be well worth it to you in the long run!).
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Post by sistereurope on Jul 10, 2007 10:27:56 GMT -5
Have you looked at all of the rental agencies offerings, AC? I used Parisaddress for the apartment I'm renting in Dec, and used VRBO the first time...others have used Vacation in Paris.
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Post by Anne on Jul 10, 2007 10:39:39 GMT -5
Arrow, you're young and fit, aren't you ? So don't tell me that you are afraid of a few (OK, 6) stairs to climb once or twice a day . And as Becky says if I get her right, you may be able to save some money by having a few meals at home instead of going to a restaurant if the place is close enough to where your activities may be . 100$ = 75 euros only with the current exchange rate, and that amount can be very easily saved on restaurants or taxis at the night fare . So I would say like others : go for location !
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Post by luvparee on Jul 10, 2007 11:36:31 GMT -5
Loved Luc's studio apartment and it has been added to my list!! Does anyone (or Luc if you're out there) have a street name? I always like to check out the area on PagesJaunes.
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Jul 10, 2007 12:04:10 GMT -5
Anne, that's exactly it -- a few "lunches" from a crepe stand or charcuterie (for onion tart, a sandwich, or whatever) will offset quite a bit of other expense if the altnernative normally would be a bistro lunch.
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Post by arrowcapet on Jul 10, 2007 12:15:35 GMT -5
OK...LOL...Ray wins!!! I guess seeing something "in print" made me stop to think..."maybe I can find something that's available, lower floor, location, location, location....so I started looking all over again...and KABOING!!! I found it!!! It's not as nice, and it's kind of a dive (but I'll reserve judgment until I actually see it), but the location is outstanding, the apartment is on the 1st floor, it's available all 9 days, and it's only 34€ more than the other one near it, and still cheaper than two nights in a hotel and 7 there...and I don't have to move! Yay! It's only about 100m from Etienne-Marcel, so I like the location a lot.
I already faxed them and sent off the money. It's done!!!
Thanks everyone for sticking with me and helping out with the thought process.
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