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Post by denise on Nov 22, 2008 7:53:29 GMT -5
We stayed 1st to 9th October 2008.Here is my review of this apartment. Please note that this apartment has been renovated since this review.
www.vrbo.com/37031WHAT WE LIKED ABOUT THE APARTMENT Location.. in a quiet street,right in the heart of the left bank, near St Michel, St Andre des Arts, near Seine, Notre Dame, St Chappelle. St Germaine, rue Baci, bars, cafes, shops restaurants. Metros, buses. etc. 10 minutes walk to Luxemberg garens St Sulplice. A tourist paradise. Quiet..off the main street overlooking the courtyard. Could hear no noise at all despite the lively area. First floor. 20 easy steps. pretty well kept courard and nice neighbours. Dishwasher and washer/dryer...very efficient. Bed..very comfortable and big. We did not use the sofa bed which was smaller. Equipment..the owner seems to have thought of everything, lots of guide books, umbrellas, even a baby buggy. Lots of pots and pans etc and basic foodstuffs. Tea coffee etc. left by previous tenants. Large kitchen/ dining area. Mostly we sat at the table and ate/talked. Price..120 euros per night. Very reasonable for this area. WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THE APARTMENT. Finish..Most of the decor and fixtures were poor quality and poor workmanship. The apartment did not apear to have been upgraded for a long time. The work surfaces and shelving were chipped for example. The style was very "studenty" and ameturish The sliding doors on the closet were just suspended from the ceiling and not fixed to the floor. They were difficult to move around to access our things. Shower..there was a window in the shower which was mouldy. The shower would not empty quick enough and despite my efforts to unblock it I came to the conclusion that the drain was not fast enough to take the volume of water. This made it difficult to keep clean. Curtains.. again poor quality did not cover the widows properly. We hardly used the sitting area because there was only French language TV the sofa was not comfortable to sit on and you could not really look out of the windows. The yellow rug was dirty and there was dust in some parts of the apartment. Despite staying eight nights we were given no access to clean bed linen & towels in that time. The toilet off the sitting area was so tiny that my husband could not use it with the door closed an I (BMI 25) had difficulty. SUMMARY. I would not stay in this apartment again. Moral...look at the photos VERY carefully. Pretty courtyard  spacious kitchen/dining area  comfy bed  twenty steps   1Mouldy shower window  2 Poor finish on sealant  Poor fi nish and chipped kitchen surfaces  Chipped shelving  tiny toilet   general view   I emailed the owner with my comments and have received no reply. Denise Love from England |
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Post by Anne on Nov 22, 2008 9:25:06 GMT -5
Beurk ! The shower window is absolutely disgusting  . And the bathroom washbasin looks very uninviting . Those cheap inox sinks are usually to be found in kitchen only . I guess it goes together with the "cheap" feeling in the appartment . Such a shame, the courtyard is so lovely ... Denise, why did you write "report as inappropriate" at the end of your post  |
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Post by geordy on Nov 22, 2008 9:35:29 GMT -5
Yes , as has been said before, photos can be deceiving..yours, other than the courtyard, certainly are different from the website's!! Live and learn.... Years ago I had an invite to stay with someone...for free..at their Paris rental in the 17(!)(they knew I was alone for a couple nights)...one look at the bathroom , in person, ..and it was "I'm just more comfortable in my own space! etc. ... " Off to Hotel Ceramic..which is quite nice by the way.... At least you had Paris outside your door!  |
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Post by Truffaut on Nov 22, 2008 9:47:34 GMT -5
What a dump for 880 euros. That's more than we charge!
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Post by GitteK on Nov 22, 2008 10:21:15 GMT -5
Agree to that, Truff.  Nice, clean apartments like those at FeelslikehomeinParis or at PerfectlyParis can be had for about 700-800 euros per week, and with better furniture and decorations. And at VacationinParis I believe you can get very good apartments at even lower rates. Denise, you have done a very good job with the review. It's very informative and well corroborated by the photos. |
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Post by suzanne on Nov 22, 2008 11:30:42 GMT -5
Thanks Denise.
We stayed near to where you were last year and I'm still wondering why I was not as enthralled with that neighborhood as everyone else has been. The apartment we had from VIP was ok and clean. WE paid 150.00 per night and I see they are now charging $200.00. It was right next to Le Procope so I suppose that is the place to be and it certianly was in the midst of anything you could want yet it was not a comfy fit for us.
We were in an inner courtyard with no view. It shoud have been quiet yet the other people in the bulding were extremely noisy, The area itself is bustling at all times. Maybe I'm just getting old and chrerish my sleep too much. They actually left instructions not to run the washer after nine PM. Yet we were awakened many nights by loud rap musis at 3 AM.
I think that becuase the area is so hyped it has allowed landlords to demand higher rents and provide lower quality.
I will have to think long and hard before I rent another apartmant in that area of Paris.
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Post by GitteK on Nov 22, 2008 12:14:46 GMT -5
suzanne, you have an exalt coming for realizing that staying in the heftiest tourist areas ('cause they're "central") will not necessarily make a happy vacation.
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Post by denise on Nov 22, 2008 13:13:56 GMT -5
:)Suzanne and Gitte, I totally agree. It was an interesting experience to stay in the 6th arondissement and it IS very convenient for tourist sights, but I would not choose to stay again. Especially as prices are higher there. I do not wish to offend anyone by saying this, because I know a lot of people love it,...... each to their own. I found that the area was very international, and when you walked along the street you heard all sorts of languages. I know I am a foreigner in Paris myself but I really prefer to stay where there are more French nationals. I booked this apartment last October, before I really got into trip advisor or ourparis forum. Now I am wiser, I know how much room we require and which parts of Paris I wish to stay in. Do you think I am becoming one of those tourists who do not like tourists? Denise love from England  |
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Post by suzanne on Nov 22, 2008 16:02:06 GMT -5
LOL. A tourist who dislikes tourists.
We have stayed in the 9th, 1st, 2nd, 7th,5th,14th and this last trip in the 6th and I have to say the 6th was (so far) my least favorite. Too many people. When we stepped out the door of the apartmant building we would have to dodge people. The traffic was really heavy too. It seemed to be that way at all times of the day and night. this was also the worst Monoprix I've seen. They didn't sell glasses and I needed to replace a few that I had broken. Irritating really.
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Post by GitteK on Nov 23, 2008 5:19:20 GMT -5
For supplying your rented apartment with glasses, knife, corkscrew, tablecloth or whatever, there is no better place than the TATI shops (I bought some really pretty wineglasses last summer at the one in Montmartre on Blvd de Rochechouart). They have about EVERYTHING !! and so low prices that you won't believe it.  |
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Post by Truffaut on Nov 23, 2008 10:02:32 GMT -5
But Gitte, why on earth should anyone stay in an apartment that isn't ALREADY furnished with all those things? Any quality owner will think of the needs of his/her guests and be certain that such amenities are provided. From the reports I've heard, though, individual owners are more likely to think of those things than the larger management companies.
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Post by GitteK on Nov 23, 2008 10:07:10 GMT -5
I know, Truff. It's just sometimes you could think that the place needs a little "spicing up" - especially if you are there for a longer stay. E.g. in my apartment in Rue Pigalle this Sept. there wasn't a vase for flowers.
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Post by suzanne on Nov 23, 2008 11:03:56 GMT -5
This apartment had a dishwasher that was below the oven. Where my drawer is on my stove at home. Anyway, after drinking a few glasses I managed to drop not one, but 2, wine glasses while attempting to place them in the dishwasher. I felt it was only proper to replace them. Not to mention, I did not wnat to lose my deposit over a couple of broken wine glasses.After that I just washed the ? LOL
I think I remember seeing Tati. But is there one in the 6th? I only remember it in Mont Marte.
The year before we were near Rue Mouffard and there was little store there selling all that sort of stuff. they had waste bakets, ash trays, dishes, drying racks, shopping carts, you name it. I could not find a store like that anywhere around our apartment in the 6th.
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Post by suzanne on Nov 23, 2008 13:16:40 GMT -5
Sorry, As I was saying, after that I washed the dishes in the sink. Getting down on hands and kness to load a dishwasher just wasn't working out for me.
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fiona
New Member
Posts: 18
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Post by fiona on Feb 6, 2009 8:59:28 GMT -5
I would like to thank Denise for starting this thread and giving a thorough review of the accommodation. Unfortunately, without doing my usual research, I rushed into booking this through VRBO yesterday! Today, I decided that I better do some digging as I had an anxious feeling - a bit late I know. After looking at some of the photos posted here and reading her other review on Tripadvisor, I think I will have to forego my 390 Euro deposit (which will really cut down our spending money) and hope that I can find something suitable. My problem is that there are 4 of us (me, my husband and two teenagers who want to practice their French - and demand the availability of WiFi!!!). We arrive in Paris on Tuesday 7th April and depart on Sunday 12th April and I have spent hours looking but there does not seem to be any availability during that period within my budget (which is now down to 1400 Euro max.). Also, I have arthritic knees and so thought it would be good to have accommodation in the heart of things and also not at the top of a building without an elevator. I have now spent over 5 hours in front of the computer and can't find anything and I am getting desperate. Can any of you experienced people offer any suggestions. It would be very much appreciated.
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Post by Truffaut on Feb 6, 2009 9:45:24 GMT -5
Call the apartment owner today and tell them your plans have changed and you won't be staying. Since you just made your reservation yesterday, the owner shouldn't have much of a problem with your cancellation. If you paid with a credit card of debit card, you should expect that the landlord is entitled to recoupe the 3-6% he has to pay in bank fees, but aside from that you should get a refund. If that doesn't work, print out the pictures from the website and use those to substantiate a "charge back" on your credit card when you get the bill. But don't leave the owner hanging--take care of this right away.
You should have no problems finding an apartment on VRBO. Look outside the "touristy" arrondissements. We're already booked for that time period, but you should be able to find something easily in your budget in the 17th or 9th--both of which are perfectly good, convenient areas. Places in the western part of the 18th would be good. The 10th, 11th and 12th would also be good and affordable, but you'll want to watch where you are a bit--around Bastille, Voltaire, Nation or Republique would be good, but it might be hard to find something last-minute in those popular areas. The 14th and 15th should have availability, but you'll find yourself a bit more out of the mainstream there.
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Post by GitteK on Feb 6, 2009 10:15:22 GMT -5
I agree with Truffaut. You should contact the owner immediately and cancel you reservation. You should NOT accept that he just keeps your 390 euros.  That's a lot of money. And with 1400 euros (is that for the lodging only or does it also include eating/transport ?) you should be able to do much better. Take a look at Vacation in Paris, they are very realiable and not very expensive. Many members, both here and in TripAdvisor, recommend them. Or you could look at Homelidays. I have made a search for your dates 7. - 12. April for 5 persons (gives you a bit more space) and there are many acceptable suggestions. |
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Post by holger on Feb 6, 2009 11:32:58 GMT -5
Agree with Truffaut and Gite. Would also suggest you look at the apartments listed on the Perfectly Paris website, www.perfectlyparis.com. There are a number of apartments with elevators, two bedrooms, etc. that are at or a bit under your maximum. We are staying at one the last two weeks of March that appears open for your April dates. There are some one bedrooms with sleeping sofas in the living room that might work. As to WIFI, can't recall but believe there are a few. Good luck. |
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Post by denise on Feb 6, 2009 15:45:54 GMT -5
:)Dear Fionasamson Glad you found my review useful. if I recall Marie-Anges cancellation policy gives refunds at this point. We stayed in this two bed apartment on Rue Tournefort, and were very pleasd. Here is my review. You din't say how old your children are but they may be able to fit into the 2nd sofa bed. Or they may have changed it. Ask when you make enquires. http://www.ourparisforum.com./index.cgi?board=apartments&action=display&thread=1637 These are others on my list that have come recommended from other people. I have not stayed here personally. www.parisbestlodge.com/bourg.htmlAlso here are two, two bed , Centreparis apartments that I fancy. I have used centreparis agency and find them very reliable. www.centreparis.com/location-paris/montgolfier/fiche-75.htmlwww.centreparis.com/location-paris/saint-sauveur/fiche-24.htmlHope this helps. denise love from england |
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Post by holger on Feb 6, 2009 16:28:35 GMT -5
Just looked at Center Paris and in the 11th there is a three bedroom apt listed at 120 per night. Has a lift. The 9th also seems reasonable.
Some apartments do list wifi under amenities.
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. And the bathroom washbasin looks very uninviting . Those cheap inox sinks are usually to be found in kitchen only . I guess it goes together with the "cheap" feeling in the appartment . Such a shame, the courtyard is so lovely ...
That's a lot of money. And with 1400 euros (is that for the lodging only or does it also include eating/transport ?) you should be able to do much better. 
Let the riot begin! LOL - 
hahahha