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Post by mez on May 10, 2008 8:14:23 GMT -5
Hi guys! I need help in choosing an apartment. It's only me travelling, so apartment size is not the main driver. I've been looking for apartments with washer/dryers, natural light (plan on being there late November) and a TV. Now, I don't come to Paris to watch TV, but when travelling solo some background noise and news updates are welcome. Has anyone stayed in these or is familiar enough with the areas to offer opinions? Apartment #100 - USD120 per night - www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_100.htm - this one has a TV & DVD player with 'no live reception' I assume this means there is no TV reception but need to get this clarified. Apartment #42 - USD135 per night - www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_42.htm Apartment #38 - USD145 per night - www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_38.htm - this one has a washer but no dryer Apartment #16 - USD160 per night www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_16.htm - this is the outside limit of what I would pay but it looks so pretty. I've chosen VIP for 2 reasons - I rented with them last year and the prices are lower than other apartment rentals I have found. Last year I stayed in Apartment #133 in the Marais. This time I want to stay in another area for the experience. Thanks, Mez
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Post by luckyluc on May 10, 2008 8:28:19 GMT -5
Hello Mez,
In our Paris apartment we only have a washer wih a crazy spin cycle and we dry our clothes on a rack (like most parisians) in front of the heater, all it take is about 5 hours to dry. So I would not personnaly let the absence of a dryer reduce my selection.
We are already booked for the end of November and beginning of December (oops that will be ourselves!) it a great time to be in Paris, maybe we can have a drink if our dates matches.
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Post by GitteK on May 10, 2008 9:19:03 GMT -5
Number #16 without doubt. IMO it is by far the nicest apt. - and the bathroom is recently renovated. Plus you have the comfort of a separate bedroom. And the location is fine, not in the middle of the most heavy tourist crowds. I disagree with Luc about the dryer-issue. You will be there in late Nov. - so drying clothes by hanging them up can be a veeerrry slow affair . With a combined washer/dryer, you can throw in your towels, teatowels, dishcloths, undies, socks etc. in the morning and then when you come home, it's all clean and dry. Also these I find nice - and brighter than #16. www.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_28.htmwww.vacationinparis.com/apts/id_79.htmOnly if you are looking for lots of light, I would search for more top-floor options (with elevator).
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Post by holger on May 10, 2008 13:17:32 GMT -5
Hi,
I like #16 and the two that Gitte mentioned. It is also helpful with our weak dollar for you to have some advantage in terms of cost, especially if the Australian currency is stronger than ours. Since Luckyluc's apartment is booked, have you looked at Truffaut's It looks really fantastic.
Have you looked at some of the one bedroom apartments on the perfectly paris web site? many appear about the same rate although priced in Euros.
isn't it fun to look?
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Post by ouiparis on May 10, 2008 13:30:55 GMT -5
Hiya Mez, I actually think that the first one, #100, is the most aesthetically pleasing. And it's the least expensive!
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Post by GitteK on May 10, 2008 14:00:00 GMT -5
Agree that #100 also looks nice, for a studio. But mind the no-elevator feature: >>> Be prepared to handle the stairs--44 from the courtyard to the door of the apartment. They are narrow, tapering, old and one of them--number 17 from the bottom, we call it the trickster--is domed, rocking you off balance if you are not ready for it. <<<
Also I wonder if Rue St. Jaques may not involve a LOT of traffic noise ?
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grndma
Full Member
55 days to go, (7 weeks 5days 1hours 240minutes on 21st may 2008 08.05hrs)
Posts: 181
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Post by grndma on May 10, 2008 14:26:22 GMT -5
Dear mez I love these threads, such fun and it gives you a chance to review apartments for your own use. Coincidentally I considered most of these apartments when I was looking for our July trip and I chose the #42 Tower view mainly because of the view and elevator. I think in the end I only rejected it because the one I have since chosen has a dishwasher and was cheaper. It would be no use to you because it has no washer/dryer. Denise Love from England
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Post by mez on May 10, 2008 23:28:40 GMT -5
Thanks guys. I've received word back from VIP that all the apartments are available except #100. I'm with Gitte about the washer/dryer - I normally wouldn't mind, but deepest darkest November is not ideal clothes drying weather, so a dryer is a definite bonus. Right, I'm off to check out the other apartments you all suggested.
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Post by Truffaut on May 11, 2008 12:15:41 GMT -5
Gitte, we're constantly washing clothes when we're in Paris in November/December and January/February. We hang them on the rack in the kitchen just next to the heater, and voila, they're dry as can be for the next day. Most Parisian dryers are a complete waste because they're so small and under-powedered as to make them nearly useless. You'd do just as well blowing on your clothes to dry them!
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Post by Jody on May 11, 2008 16:18:45 GMT -5
Our apt has a washer but no dryer, but there are 2 laundamats within walking distance. I was planning on just going to one of them, but if there is a rack I'll follow Truffaut's advice and was before we need the stuff. Actually with the cost of my electric bill lately I almost wish I had an old fashioned clothesline in the backyard!
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Post by mez on May 11, 2008 20:28:13 GMT -5
Demarais, an outdoor washing line is what I have - lol. When I don't use that it's an indoor drying rack...I have no dryer.
The other thing we don't have is central heating - it's not necessary (although I admit is nice to have). I hope there are plenty of instructions on how to use the controls because I have no clue. ;D
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Post by Shoesy on May 11, 2008 21:58:43 GMT -5
Despite the fact that I live in the land of the Bible, we are actually a very modern country with lots of conveniences........including dryers . However, I still take advantage of old-fashioned clothes lines and indoor dring racks to hang up most of my laundry. I prefer to save my dryer only for towels and men's cotton underwear.
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Post by Roniece on May 12, 2008 2:58:50 GMT -5
Hi Mez, How exciting you will be in Paris in November!! Wish it was September so we could catch up at the lunch planned! Here is a link to my apartment I am going to rent in the 5th ... I'm looking forward to it... RDB www.jacquesseguin.com/flats/index.htm
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Post by Shoesy on May 12, 2008 3:01:53 GMT -5
Parisbound - All of a sudden that lunch doesn't sound so exciting compared to that evening entertainment that Gitte has lined up for you girls. ;D
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grndma
Full Member
55 days to go, (7 weeks 5days 1hours 240minutes on 21st may 2008 08.05hrs)
Posts: 181
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Post by grndma on May 12, 2008 3:19:42 GMT -5
:)Mez... you may want to consider the apartment we are using in July as I have just noticed that it DOES have a washer AND a laundry room in the building. I know it is not the sexiest studio in the world but it came highly recommended by someone who has returned several times. It has been renovated since these photos and there are 4 similar studios to choose from in the same building. It is in the same area that you are looking at 2nd arrondisement near rue Montorguiell. At 65 euros per night I think it is a bargain. www.centreparis.com/location-paris/studio-aboukir-4/fiche-17.htmlI will report back in July, only 8weeks 6 days to go !! Denise Love from England Sorry about the double posting, I don't know how that happened I hadn't finished, I must have hit the wrong button!
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Post by mez on May 12, 2008 3:37:22 GMT -5
Well, Grndma, the price is definitely right! I have looked at that website, but I must have been half asleep because I missed that studio. Having said that, i think I've probably decided on #16 at VIP. I'm waiting to hear back from VIP.
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Post by Happygoin on May 12, 2008 7:01:47 GMT -5
Oh Mez, I was going to highly recommend VIP #100 until I read that it's not available. It might be me who has it rented . I stayed there over this past Christmas and loved it. So much that I've rented it again for this November. It's a fabulous apartment! PS. #16 looks really nice!
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Post by mez on May 12, 2008 7:50:04 GMT -5
Well I honestly thought that late November would not be a popluar time. I was expecting VIp to say they're all free. When are you actually in Paris in November, Happygoin? I'm there 20-26 November
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Post by Happygoin on May 12, 2008 9:28:56 GMT -5
Mez, we're there from Nov 23-28. As it gets closer, we'll have to make plans to meet for a drink...
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Post by suzanne on May 12, 2008 10:16:44 GMT -5
Mez, We stayed in the Louvre Loft. It has a washer no dryer. It does have a warming towel rack in the bathroom which dries quite well. There is also a laundrymat right next door. The location is good. There is a small TV with a VCR. The space is quite large. It is up one flight. My only complaint was no comfy chairs. There are chairs but no soft ones to read or watch TV. I had to lay on the bed. I do love being rihgt next to Rue Montorguiel.
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