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Post by iowamom on Jul 20, 2008 20:21:39 GMT -5
I'm traveling to Paris with my husband to celebrate our 20th anniversary in October. I'm so excited but could use some advice. I've looked at what feels like thousands of rental listings trying to find the perfect apartment. I have a budget of about $1500 for the week. I've been conversing via e-mail with Holidays France Rentals. Is anyone familiar with them? These are the two apartments I've been looking at. I would appreciate feedback as to whether these seem to be good choices as far as location and ease of getting around. Please let me know if you think there is anything that should be of concern to me. www.holidays-france-rentals.com/apartments/view-apartment.php?id=35www.holidays-france-rentals.com/apartments/view-apartment.php?id=13I would welcome suggestions of other apartments that I should be sure and consider. Thanks so much. I've spent a lot of time on this site already and you all are so nice to share your wonderful suggestions. |
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Post by Shoesy on Jul 20, 2008 21:34:21 GMT -5
 Hi there, new member! I bet Gitte will be able to give her expert advice concerning those apts. Her favorite pastime seems to be searching out Paris apts., and she's even started to give ME some suggestions for my next trip to Paris, even though we're basically "only a hotel" type of travelers. |
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Post by annettecinca on Jul 20, 2008 21:43:19 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum, Iowa Mom! Both of these apartments are really cute and seem to have everything one would need, but I lean toward the Opera - Vendôme because of it's location: easy walk to 2 metro stops, and walking distance to almost everything! The only downside I see is the bed looks like it might be small? The other one mentions specifically a King, and I like that! I don't recall seeing any recommendations or complaints about this particular rental agency--maybe someone else will know. I totally relate to your comment about looking at thousands of apartments! The next one we click on just might be better!  |
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Post by holger on Jul 20, 2008 21:56:53 GMT -5
While we have stayed in a wonderful hotel the last two trips, next march we will be in our forst apartment in Paris. We used Perfectly Paris and have felt quite comfortable with them. Others on this site have also rented through them. There are several one bedrooms in your price range. Shoesy is correct about Gitte's expertise. You might also want to check out LuckyLuc's and Truffaut's apartments. They are two of our Paris experts. Of the apartments you posted, I like the Villa Spontini for the walk in shower and king bed and also the carriage house arrangement. It is also less expensive which leaves more room on your budget for restaurants and other things. Keep in mind that 1000 euros is about $1600 at the current rate. We spent our 50th anniversary in Paris in 2006 and loved it. So advance congratulations. www.perfectlyparis.com |
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Post by GitteK on Jul 20, 2008 23:06:03 GMT -5
Iowamom, don't listen to those two. I have been in excatly ONE Paris apartment and next month I shall be staying in my SECOND Paris apartment.  So talking a lot about something does NOT make one an expert, OK ? I am like the unmarried marriage counsellor here......... but shoesy is correct, when she says that surfing the net for Paris vacation rentals is a favorite sport of mine. I like both of your apts. and the prices are OK when you travel as a couple. Agree with Annette that the Opéra apartment is perhaps more conveniently located for stepping right out into "everything". Check out www.perfectlyparis.com as holger suggests, which is the agency I have been dealing with too, although their apts. are mostly in the 9th, 17th and 18th arr. Another reliable agency is www.vacationinparis.com which several members have excellent and satisfactory experiences with. These 2 are "central" - although IMO it doesn't really matter all that much, because busses and metro are always close by, whereever you are in Paris: Saint Honoré-Louvre: vacationinparis.com/apts/id_125.htmVieux Paris: vacationinparis.com/apts/id_79.htm Also the apartments smack in the middle of the Seine are attractive, but expensive. With one exception, though, staying just about inside your budget: the DAISY studio, which I find super cute: www.guestapartment.com/apartment,studio,ile_saint_louis__4th_district,DAISY.html Other well-reputed agencies are www.parisaddress.comwww.feelslikehomeinparis.com |
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Post by Shoesy on Jul 20, 2008 23:32:13 GMT -5
Now if that isn't expert opinion, I don't know what is. Not only that.....Gitte, you must have ESP, knowing that there was a thread awaiting your reply, because you seem to be awake a bit earlier than usual today. ;D |
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Post by Jody on Jul 21, 2008 5:26:25 GMT -5
I really like both apts. In fact I liked Villa Spontini so much I've added it to my wish list! The king sized bed and walk in shower are great extras. It looks like there is also a washer and dryer in the kitchen. You'd have good transport options on Ave Foch or Victor Hugo.
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Post by Happygoin on Jul 21, 2008 6:51:32 GMT -5
As Gitte suggested, I always use Vacation In Paris. I've stayed in three of their apartments and they are a very reputable agency. I like that they have apartments to fit all budgets. They have plain (but clean!) ones and they have some more luxurious ones as well. One other advantage is that they are located in NJ, so the transaction is in USD and not subject to the tanking, stinking  euro. |
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Post by Jody on Jul 21, 2008 7:14:46 GMT -5
I've been very satisfied dealing with Vacation in Paris, too. I like the fact that you have the key in hand and don't have to arrange to meet someone. Also like that I could charge the rent and deposit and get FF miles for it!
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Post by iowamom on Jul 21, 2008 10:11:38 GMT -5
You have all been so kind. I will follow up on your suggestions. I have been leaning towards the king size bed as well. My husband and I are both tall and are used to that at home. Thanks again.
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Post by mez on Jul 21, 2008 17:22:23 GMT -5
I have been leaning towards the king size bed as well. My husband and I are both tall and are used to that at home. Oh a good night's sleep is priceless! I like both apartments but definitely go for the larger bed. And welcome to the forum, Iowamom. |
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Post by Sandy M on Jul 21, 2008 20:01:35 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum iowamom from another Iowan! I live in West Des Moines and really enjoy this forum and I know you will also. I like both apts that you are considering but I believe I like the Villa Spontini the best - the other one seems to have a lot of "stuff" in there and I think I might get a closed in feeling.
Is this your first trip to Paris? Congratulations on your 20th and best wishes for a great trip.
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Post by iowamom on Aug 3, 2008 13:14:20 GMT -5
Today's the day. I'm making a final decision. I honestly can't think of anything that has been more difficult and time consuming than settling on an apartment. Here are my three contenders. As you will see, two of them are more than I had planned to spend but are in what may be better locations for a first time traveller. My favorite is unfortunately a 4th floor walk-up. No doubt why it is still available. So - wonderful Paris experts - help me decide. I have to get back to laundry and grocery shopping and all the other things that are taking a back seat to apartment hunting. Thanks! franceforrent.com/placebourg5 haveninparis.com/rental/notredame.phpwww.holidays-france-rentals.com/apartments/view-apartment.php?id=13 |
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Post by ray on Aug 3, 2008 13:23:51 GMT -5
They all look nice. If I was picking for myself, I would take the Havininparis one.
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Aug 3, 2008 13:38:26 GMT -5
I agree with Ray - I would choose that one because not only does it have a separate bedroom (the drawback of the third) but it also has a decent kitchen area (the drawback of the first, at least if you hope to do any shopping in the markets followed by cooking - or even just food arranging - at "home"). I do like the look of this one! But, I think you would probably be happy with any of them, so just follow your instincts.
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Post by denise on Aug 3, 2008 15:22:06 GMT -5
I agree about the haveninparis apartment, it would be my choice too. I like the area, there is a separate bedroom,unlike the holidays -france-rentals AND a dishwasher, something the Marais apartment does not seem to have. The "four flights of stairs " would not put me off. Only once up with he cases and once down!
I know what you mean about apartment hunting. I felt like my brain was fuddled after my last hunt. Just choose one now and go for it.
denise
love from England
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Post by Darcy on Aug 3, 2008 22:42:18 GMT -5
They all look good, but do you really want to climb four flights of stairs everyday after probably walking several hours and several miles? If it's not a problem, go for it! |
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Post by annettecinca on Aug 3, 2008 23:27:42 GMT -5
Yes, they all do look great! I'm sure you'll feel at home in whichever you end up choosing. For what it's worth, I have an apartment rented for October thru France For Rent, and Emiline has been wonderful to work with so far.
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Post by GitteK on Aug 4, 2008 2:52:21 GMT -5
I agree that the 4th floor walk up has a killerview beyond comparison. And the décor is very lovely. Plus the daily climbing will do wonders on one's thighs ! BUT I suggest you consult your knees, your birth certificate and your fitness rating first - or else you risk ending up hating those stairs before you're half way through your vacation.
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Post by Shoesy on Aug 4, 2008 3:30:19 GMT -5
I too would not relish the idea of climbing all those stairs, and I agree that at the end of a long day it would be quite a challenge.  However, I think for me it would depend on how many times a day I'd probably need to go up those stairs rather than base my decision on the end of the day "ouch" experience. |
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Hi there, new member!
So talking a lot about something does NOT make one an expert, OK ? 
euro.
However, I think for me it would depend on how many times a day I'd probably need to go up those stairs rather than base my decision on the end of the day "ouch" experience.
hahahha