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Post by gracejoan on Feb 6, 2008 7:48:09 GMT -5
I have to agree about Gail Boisclair. A nice gal. Very much on top of things.
I have good friends ("laidback" forum posting) who have been using Gail for several years. They have their spot for Spring from Gail. They stay a couple months Spring and Fall. I almost rented one from Gail for Spring 2009. I'm sure I will be one of these times!
Most that I use take credit cards..also either do not take a security deposit or give them a check or CC number upon arrival. I don't like those who deposit the security deposit and then return after a lengthy period of time. Paris Perfect and Parisian Flat do not require one..they have your CC info! PayPal keeps raising fees.
I'm sure you all know that Capital One is the only credit card that does not charge transaction fees for your charges. I think some credit union cards do not..but CapOne is THE credit card to use for your charges. The transaction fees do add up.
There are so many great sites to look at for apartment rentals. I have a zillion of them in my Favorites..diff. size and diff. areas of Paris and in France. New places arrive every day.
Do enjoy your looking.....I know I do!!
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Post by annettecinca on Feb 6, 2008 10:07:47 GMT -5
>>> For the foodies, I'll first describe the meal--foie gras pate with baguette, warm goat cheese on a bed of baby greens with walnuts and a champagne vinaigrette, individual cheese souffles and creme brulée for dessert (sorry no wine, just Italian lemonade <<< OK, I'll take the baguette, baby greens, walnuts, vinaigrette and créme brûlée....... ;D My apologies, Gitte--I can see this was terrible menu planing on my part. I will do better next time! But thanks so much for the suggestions for corresponding with the rental agencies! I think I may have better luck with this expert piece of advice! And thanks for treating me so nice even tho I didn't feed you well!
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Post by annettecinca on Feb 6, 2008 10:11:04 GMT -5
;D I had bookmarked parisvacationapartments.com when we thought we would be traveling with son and family. the apartment near sacre Couer with three bedrooms and two baths would have met our needs and might meet yours. the rate in dollars seems to meet your criterion and the apartment looks attractive. This would mean that no one would need to sleep in the living room. Please keep us posted. Holger, that 3 bedroom apartment with Paris Vacation Apartments you recommended looks great! I'm putting it on the list for consideration, but I'm betting it will get vetoed for being a little further out from the city center than we've talked about. It would afford us to spread out tho! Nice find!
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Post by annettecinca on Feb 6, 2008 10:41:27 GMT -5
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Post by gracejoan on Feb 6, 2008 10:42:45 GMT -5
Hi, The Paris Vacation Apartment site is the one that I listed to look at. They are nice people (Alex and Isis). I have rented from them. Also nice for those who do not know there way around, because they have the concierge services...and fluffy robes, and laptops, and all in $$. Most are either Montmartre or Palais Royal areas. A lovely Grenelle studio.
As far as metro and buses.....extremely convenient..pirnt out the bus routes in advance, wherever you are staying..makes it easier when you are there.
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Post by holger on Feb 6, 2008 18:24:46 GMT -5
Annette, I also like that Palais Royale apartment and there are two couches that can be beds. But I think the other one is better suited to four with more equal accomodations. The Palais Royale location is not as much of a neighborhood as the area near Sacre Coeur. But either one should be great and I will look forward to your written comments.
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Post by gracejoan on Feb 6, 2008 19:19:21 GMT -5
Annette, I thought you might find some things from those sites that you would find interesting. Don't overlook the www.parisperfect.com site. They have gotten a bit pricey. Now, just to muddy it up even more, since you have been looking further north....take a look at this site: www.feelslikehomeinparis.comYou gals will have fun in choosing... a bientot.............
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Post by annettecinca on Feb 6, 2008 19:41:18 GMT -5
Ah, Gracejoan...yes, Paris Perfect has been on my radar for years! When hubby retires in a few years, he promises me a month in one of their apartments! But some of the places I've been finding the past few weeks rival even those, so I may have to reconsider . Time and Place has some really nice apartments, too, but too pricey for this trip.
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Post by gracejoan on Feb 7, 2008 6:36:18 GMT -5
Annette,
There are new sites and new apartments all the time. Some very pricey ones!! It just depends what you are looking for. It's fun to look at all of them. I find something new most every day.
a bientot...........
Joan
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Post by luvparee on Feb 7, 2008 10:54:11 GMT -5
Annette - I, too, love the Paris Perfects apartments. I didn't suggest those because you wanted to be more centrally located. However, I would love to get the links to the apartments that "rival those." They must be unbelievable!
The only way I could afford my week in PP's Sancerre was because we were splitting the cost 5 ways! That made each share less than a 2*- 3* hotel!
I can't wait to see which apartment you decide on!!
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Post by susanb on Feb 9, 2008 13:52:43 GMT -5
I like looking at the apartment sights for decorating ideas. Some work, some don't fit in. But its so nice to dream. The one we just rented from is GuestApartmentServices.com. We rented a large studio with terrace on the Seine. I think that it will be perfect for the 2 of us. Susan I LOVE PP's Sancerre. Good decorating ideas. Look at Guest Apartments. The one we are renting, Acacia attaches to another apartment and would make it a huge and very beautiful 3 bedroom. Off hand I can't remember the name of it....maybe Begonia. so the name would be a combination of the 2 apartments. Lots of decorating ideas. Susanb
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Post by susanb on Feb 9, 2008 14:01:16 GMT -5
My curiousity got the better of me and I had to go and check the name of the apartment. It's listed under 3 bedrooms and called Magnolia-Acacia. Web site is guestapartmentservices.com The master bedroom in the Magnollia is stunning, IMO!!. Have fun looking. Susanb
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Feb 9, 2008 20:11:23 GMT -5
Gitte - I believe that is the one! ( www.guestapartment.com) Susan - that's lovely, and I'm sure you will have a really great stay there. As you know, I've rented from that service several times. Yes, they are expensive but they do have a level of service that's above and beyond, and it's perfect for a special occasion. Way to go, girl! And, I can't believe the combined apartment of Magnolia-Accacia! If I ever went with a group of (posh!) friends, that would be just stunning.
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Post by susanb on Feb 9, 2008 21:40:34 GMT -5
We rented the little one....Acacia. Its a "large Studio" and yes, its a little pricey but I am totally in love with it. It would be wonderful to get a large group of friends together to rent the Magnolia-Acacia. In my lifetime, I don't think that I could ever afford to rent the double apartment, but it sure is beautiful. I can't even imagine living in something like that but it would be fun to try. I might have to tone down the furniture though and make it a little more casual. Susanb Gitte, I love your new avatar! Sept. 13, will be our 35th anniversary. We're splurging!
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Post by Shoesy on Feb 10, 2008 0:00:26 GMT -5
Susan - I agree with the others. That studio is absolutely gorgeous. Such a charming piece of property in an ideal location! I'm sure you're going to love waking up there every morning and returning to it after/ when taking a break from your wonderful Paris adventures. What a great choice!
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Post by annettecinca on Feb 10, 2008 0:03:23 GMT -5
Hey Susan, I had that apartment on my short list for our trip in November! But then hubby decided we were doing a hotel again. I will be looking forward to hearing your comments about this apartment when you return. It does seem really cute and charming. And YES, some of these apartments have fun decorating ideas!
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Post by annettecinca on Feb 10, 2008 0:53:55 GMT -5
We have refined our parameters a little, and rather than shortening the list, it's expanding! These are the one's we're choosing from at the moment-- Small, but still near the top of the list because of location (and it's cute!): www.chezvous.com/apartments.php?id=26&sort=rate&select=#photoThis one is a bit more than we want to spend, but it looks great and has 2 full baths! Also, 2 bedrooms! Yes, we might give in on the separate bed requirement--just so I don't end up with a kicker! I don't have an exact address on this one, but it seems to be in a good area? After reading reviews from some of you who stay in the Marais, we're seriously considering this area www.vrbo.com/113901Another one that hasn't been cut yet--and in the Marais vacationinparis.com/apts/id_157.htmHere's a new one. It looks gorgeous, but I haven't had a response to my inquiry from the owner in several days. The location seems convenient, but I'm guessing it doesn't have an elevator and is probably on the top floor--what do you think? www.vrbo.com/139630Another one we haven't had the heart to cut yet: www.chezvous.com/apartments.php?id=1&sort=rate&select=This one seems to have much of what we're looking for. I wonder about this neighborhood tho--is it going to be deserted at night once everyone goes home after work, or do people live around here? Seems more of a business area. vacationinparis.com/apts/sub/117_photos.htmI don't think this one was on my earlier list...it's a cutie with a good location (I think?!). Still only one potty, but I think we can make it work since it's separate from the bathroom. www.chezvous.com/apartments.php?id=6&sort=rate&select=Another one from the original list. This location maybe isn't quite as convenient as the other Marais apartments above...but maybe I'm off? franceforrent.com/maraisrooftops2/images.shtmlThis is a new one on the list. Don't think I've noticed anyone here talk of staying in the Madeleine area, but it might be fun? It sure is convenient to lots of metro lines. And the apartment seems pretty decent (tho not as cute as some of the others) www.parisianhome.com/en/apartment/apartment.php?pk=208055&start=31 I'm waiting for input from the other 2 friends on these, hoping they will see something they can't live with and I'll be able to cross a few off the list! In the mean time, if anyone has any further comments or observations, I'm all ears!
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Post by Jody on Feb 10, 2008 5:05:21 GMT -5
2 comments
#vrbo 139630..It does say 2nd floor walk up nut it is gorgeous
The D'orsay apt. looks like it's on rue de Lille. There are numerous cafes and several good restaurants very closeby so I wouldn't say it's deserted. You're also only 1 block from the Seine and good transport there or maybe a block further along in the other direction, Blvd St Germain.
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Post by Shoesy on Feb 10, 2008 7:38:15 GMT -5
Annette - I too can't imagine settling for a tiny apt., which would put you in an uncomfortable "squishy" situation at night. As much as you may like your friends, none of them will be that hunk of a husband that you're used to sleeping with.
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Post by annettecinca on Feb 10, 2008 7:42:03 GMT -5
Okay Demarias...I feel really dumb! I don't know how many times I read that apartment description and didn't see "second floor walk up"!!! With the possibility of one of our gals having knee surgery before we go, that one will probably be off the list tho. Thanks for the info on the d'Orsay apt. area--now I remember walking around there a bit looking for a place to eat after seeing the museum. Maybe similar to the 7th at night? The place near Madeleine does intrigue me--I loved walking that area on our last trip. I'm seeing railroad tracks cutting across the end of Rue Tronchet tho, and am wondering what that's all about (would it be noisy?) I still haven't gotten the address from the apartment owner, so don't know how close it is yet.
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