Paris apt rental?
August 24, 2010 1:22 PM Subscribe
Renting a vacation apartment in Paris: advice?
here are the details:
- one week in October
- my wife and I (honeymoon!)
- neither of us have been to Paris
- would like to stay someplace cool + convenient in exploring the city
- I don't want to accidentally pick the financial or business districts
Bonus questions:
- any advice on renting an apartment, in general?
- I found these services from an earlier post: Lodgis, Paristay, Parisattitude. Have any of you used them? How was your experience?
- should I skip these and just use Craigslist Paris? Is that a bad idea for someone who doesn't speak French?
Thanks for your time-
cgs
here are the details:
- one week in October
- my wife and I (honeymoon!)
- neither of us have been to Paris
- would like to stay someplace cool + convenient in exploring the city
- I don't want to accidentally pick the financial or business districts
Bonus questions:
- any advice on renting an apartment, in general?
- I found these services from an earlier post: Lodgis, Paristay, Parisattitude. Have any of you used them? How was your experience?
- should I skip these and just use Craigslist Paris? Is that a bad idea for someone who doesn't speak French?
Thanks for your time-
cgs
We had fantastic results with VRBO.com. Renting an apartment as opposed to a hotel or equivalent is definitely the way to go. We stayed in the Marais which is a great neighborhood with easy access to multiple Metro lines and lots to do within walking distance.
posted by proj at 1:32 PM on August 24, 2010
posted by proj at 1:32 PM on August 24, 2010
The major biz district is La Defense, I'd make sure to stay out of that - it's not actually in Paris proper, anyways. Paris is very small - easy enough to walk around if needed, the metro rules and is cheap enough. Taxis are affordable and plentiful if you find yourself out after hours.
Generally, I'd stay away from being right by Périphérique and def. do not get an apartment outside of it. Everything else is wonderful - most all of Paris has its little charms, but all of Paris is connected via the metro to everything else. My choice of location would be the Marais or the Latin Quarter. But that's just because of my personal experience. I would not stay near Saint-Ouen, although it has an amazing flea market and a hidden gem of a crepery which I will never ever tell you about ;)
posted by alex_skazat at 1:33 PM on August 24, 2010
Generally, I'd stay away from being right by Périphérique and def. do not get an apartment outside of it. Everything else is wonderful - most all of Paris has its little charms, but all of Paris is connected via the metro to everything else. My choice of location would be the Marais or the Latin Quarter. But that's just because of my personal experience. I would not stay near Saint-Ouen, although it has an amazing flea market and a hidden gem of a crepery which I will never ever tell you about ;)
posted by alex_skazat at 1:33 PM on August 24, 2010
NY Times has a few recommendations, but Air BnB was the one used and the writer had a good experience.
posted by djgh at 1:39 PM on August 24, 2010
posted by djgh at 1:39 PM on August 24, 2010
My wife and I took a very similar trip for our first anniversary. We rented with Haven in Paris (specifically this unit) and cannot recommend them highly enough. Everything was great, but the price was possibly the best thing about it. Everyone speaks excellent English, they are very responsive by phone or email, and they even have someone meet you at the unit to get you acquainted.
Montmartre (and the rest of the 18th) is a very nice area for doing touristy things without being surrounded by novelty shops. It's cheap, is extremely walkable, has good restaurants and cafes, and is close to many public transportation options.
posted by nosugrefneb at 1:43 PM on August 24, 2010
Montmartre (and the rest of the 18th) is a very nice area for doing touristy things without being surrounded by novelty shops. It's cheap, is extremely walkable, has good restaurants and cafes, and is close to many public transportation options.
posted by nosugrefneb at 1:43 PM on August 24, 2010
Here is a map of Paris
Those numbers on the map refer to the regions or arrondissements of Paris.
Generally tourists like to stay in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and the 7th. Notre Dame cathedral is on that little island in the center. The Eiffel tower is in the 7th. The 3rd and the 4th are also known as the Marais. The 5th is the Latin Quarter. The 6th is St. Germain. All fantastic places to be.
If you do get some place further out, it just means you'll have to take long subway rides to get anywhere. But, as alex_skazat says, try not to get too close to the encircling red line on my first link. At that point, you're just too far away from anything.
posted by vacapinta at 1:43 PM on August 24, 2010 [1 favorite]
Those numbers on the map refer to the regions or arrondissements of Paris.
Generally tourists like to stay in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and the 7th. Notre Dame cathedral is on that little island in the center. The Eiffel tower is in the 7th. The 3rd and the 4th are also known as the Marais. The 5th is the Latin Quarter. The 6th is St. Germain. All fantastic places to be.
If you do get some place further out, it just means you'll have to take long subway rides to get anywhere. But, as alex_skazat says, try not to get too close to the encircling red line on my first link. At that point, you're just too far away from anything.
posted by vacapinta at 1:43 PM on August 24, 2010 [1 favorite]
For anecdotal advice, Megan from notmartha* recently went on a trip to Paris where she and her husband (and another couple) rented a lovely apartment and had a great experience.
*Link goes to her March archives, with all the entries she wrote regarding the trip. I remember there being stuff in there somewhere about renting the apartment.
posted by cooker girl at 1:54 PM on August 24, 2010
*Link goes to her March archives, with all the entries she wrote regarding the trip. I remember there being stuff in there somewhere about renting the apartment.
posted by cooker girl at 1:54 PM on August 24, 2010
I rented an apartment I found on Paristay a few years ago. It went OK, but I was not impressed with their business. Basically all they did was list the apartment and then introduce me to the owner and provide us a standard rental agreement. Nice enough, but hardly worth the expensive fee we paid to them for the day's worth of work. In particular if we had trouble with the apartment or the landlord I had no faith that Paristay would have been very helpful. I gather Lodgis and Parisattitude are similar businesses. If you have some other way to find a reputable apartment in Paris I'd choose it.
I had a much better experience with Guest Apartment Services and if your budget allows 2000-3000€ for a week I can enthusiastically recommend them. They directly manage a set of about 20 apartments in the very middle of the city, mostly on the Ile St. Louis. Their front office staff were great and acted like concierges, arranging transportation, reservations, etc. They also did a good job helping arrange any maintainance and cleaning services. They don't own the apartments but exclusively rent them out and the service was great.
posted by Nelson at 2:10 PM on August 24, 2010
I had a much better experience with Guest Apartment Services and if your budget allows 2000-3000€ for a week I can enthusiastically recommend them. They directly manage a set of about 20 apartments in the very middle of the city, mostly on the Ile St. Louis. Their front office staff were great and acted like concierges, arranging transportation, reservations, etc. They also did a good job helping arrange any maintainance and cleaning services. They don't own the apartments but exclusively rent them out and the service was great.
posted by Nelson at 2:10 PM on August 24, 2010
Would highly recommend staying in either the Marais (around the metro stop St. Paul) or the 6th (Boulevard St. Germain).
posted by fantasticninety at 2:10 PM on August 24, 2010
posted by fantasticninety at 2:10 PM on August 24, 2010
Seconding AirBNB, though like with most things on the internet you do need to check reviews and stay away from anything that sounds even remotely skeezy. We stayed here for two nights, but felt like we could have stayed a month. It was nice to be able to take a break from the craziness of travelling, check up on the ol' Metafilter, and make a meal "at home".
posted by lantius at 2:21 PM on August 24, 2010
posted by lantius at 2:21 PM on August 24, 2010
Just to add to Vacapinta's summary, I've stayed a few times in the 10th, beside Canal Saint-Martin - not recommended if you're not used to being in a big city as it's got its gritty bits, but if you are and you find a promising apartment there, it's got lots of great bars and restaurants, it feels like living there, you're near some nice parks, and I used to walk to the Marais in about 20 minutes if I didn't feel like taking the Métro.
Since it's your honeymoon, I'd go for somewhere like the Marais (the main streets can be noisy at night, but there's gorgeous apartment buildings with courtyards where maybe this isn't too audible) or near Église Saint-Sulpice/Palais de Luxembourg (6th) where you're right in the thick of the city and its amenities with lots of nice places to eat and drink, lots of transportation and plenty to do within walking distance.
Beaubourg and right beside the Pompidou Centre is kind of Tourist Hell, my least favourite part of Paris, and I'd also not stay beside the Eiffel Tower or at the part of the Quartier Latin right near St-Michel station - there is nothing unsafe or business district to fear here, just the overwhelming sea of tourists and lots of nearby shops being aimed at that. But as mentioned above, Paris is a pretty compact city at the core.
Universal advice: really, really don't stay right beside any of the six major train stations, as in any city.
Bonus advice: Paris - though totally delightful - hasn't been quiet at night in any of the dozen or so areas I've stayed in - bring ear plugs and expect oddly-timed bin collections, etc.
posted by carbide at 2:21 PM on August 24, 2010
Since it's your honeymoon, I'd go for somewhere like the Marais (the main streets can be noisy at night, but there's gorgeous apartment buildings with courtyards where maybe this isn't too audible) or near Église Saint-Sulpice/Palais de Luxembourg (6th) where you're right in the thick of the city and its amenities with lots of nice places to eat and drink, lots of transportation and plenty to do within walking distance.
Beaubourg and right beside the Pompidou Centre is kind of Tourist Hell, my least favourite part of Paris, and I'd also not stay beside the Eiffel Tower or at the part of the Quartier Latin right near St-Michel station - there is nothing unsafe or business district to fear here, just the overwhelming sea of tourists and lots of nearby shops being aimed at that. But as mentioned above, Paris is a pretty compact city at the core.
Universal advice: really, really don't stay right beside any of the six major train stations, as in any city.
Bonus advice: Paris - though totally delightful - hasn't been quiet at night in any of the dozen or so areas I've stayed in - bring ear plugs and expect oddly-timed bin collections, etc.
posted by carbide at 2:21 PM on August 24, 2010
I have used RentParis.com 3 or 4 times now and have loved it (their website is down right now for some reason). The last time was in February. We found the prices to be reasonable, especially if it is for 6 or more nights. Two apartments were in the 3rd (loved the location), one in the 4th (nice but a bit noisy) and one in the 6th (pricy-est but the best location for us). The company is american owned (Delaware I think) and all your communication with them is in English. Generally since these are apartments not hotels, the areas are quieter. I have been to Paris many times and I am also a light sleeper. I have only had to use earplugs one time and that was in a hotel.
The only draw back to them is that you have to call them when you arrive in Paris to arrange for the rep. to meet you. In France pay phones that use coins are few (most use phone cards only) and very far in between, though you probably will find a few at the CDG Airport.
For something a little different, check out Context, they do walking tours of Paris with different themes (food, history, architecture, wine etc)
Paris is an easy city to walk around, you could probably walk from the north to the south in a couple of hours. It is also easy to get around on the Metro. I agree with the usual tourist recommendations of renting in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th. October is a great time in Paris, most of the tourists are gone so it is easy to be a flaneur. Have fun
posted by Razzle Bathbone at 3:57 PM on August 24, 2010
The only draw back to them is that you have to call them when you arrive in Paris to arrange for the rep. to meet you. In France pay phones that use coins are few (most use phone cards only) and very far in between, though you probably will find a few at the CDG Airport.
For something a little different, check out Context, they do walking tours of Paris with different themes (food, history, architecture, wine etc)
Paris is an easy city to walk around, you could probably walk from the north to the south in a couple of hours. It is also easy to get around on the Metro. I agree with the usual tourist recommendations of renting in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th. October is a great time in Paris, most of the tourists are gone so it is easy to be a flaneur. Have fun
posted by Razzle Bathbone at 3:57 PM on August 24, 2010
I'm MeMailing you a specific apartment that I stayed in on AirBnB that was absolutely terrific.
posted by threeants at 4:32 PM on August 24, 2010
posted by threeants at 4:32 PM on August 24, 2010
Depending on your budget, my mother, sister and I stayed at a great place at a very good price through CentreParis (we were in Basfroi 1). Wasn't in a touristy arrondissement and a bit traffic noisy, but a lovely little place, well-served by metro, boulangeries and all the good stuff nearby. Can't vouch for the other rentals by CentreParis but can vouch for the legitimacy and professionalism of the company.
posted by nicoleincanada at 4:42 PM on August 24, 2010
posted by nicoleincanada at 4:42 PM on August 24, 2010
I've used Academic Homes, despite the name, you don't have to be a professor.
But be aware that the Paris city fathers have cracked down on people renting their apartments for short term rentals.
I also like the Marais and St. Germaine, as well as the Ile St Louis.
posted by Ideefixe at 5:07 PM on August 24, 2010
But be aware that the Paris city fathers have cracked down on people renting their apartments for short term rentals.
I also like the Marais and St. Germaine, as well as the Ile St Louis.
posted by Ideefixe at 5:07 PM on August 24, 2010
Another vote for le Marais.
posted by desjardins at 5:23 PM on August 24, 2010
posted by desjardins at 5:23 PM on August 24, 2010
Yet another vote for the Marais... staying close to L'As du Fallafel cannot be overrated.
posted by asterix at 5:58 PM on August 24, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by asterix at 5:58 PM on August 24, 2010 [1 favorite]
apartmentsapart.com
I stayed in a studio apartment in St Germain for 450 euros for a week - this was a couple of years ago so prices may have risen since them. But it was to a good standard, good location, and was worth it.
And I've used them in a few other European cities - they have clean apartments, friendly people, good rates and great locations.
Paris is not a very large city, so easy to get around either by Metro, Velib, bus... or good old fashioned feet. You're never too far from a bakery or bistro, cheese shop or bar.
Bon voyage.
posted by dawn_chorus at 6:12 PM on August 24, 2010
I stayed in a studio apartment in St Germain for 450 euros for a week - this was a couple of years ago so prices may have risen since them. But it was to a good standard, good location, and was worth it.
And I've used them in a few other European cities - they have clean apartments, friendly people, good rates and great locations.
Paris is not a very large city, so easy to get around either by Metro, Velib, bus... or good old fashioned feet. You're never too far from a bakery or bistro, cheese shop or bar.
Bon voyage.
posted by dawn_chorus at 6:12 PM on August 24, 2010
Last May my daughter and I stayed in this apartment in the Marais, booked through ParisAddress. I did a lot of research before choosing this agency. Everything went very smoothly and we had good communication with ParisAddress before and during our stay. Whatever service you use, try to find one where you can pay by credit card rather than sending an international money order or wire transfer. You'll have more protection if anything goes wrong if you pay by credit card.
posted by Joleta at 6:41 PM on August 24, 2010
posted by Joleta at 6:41 PM on August 24, 2010
I used vacationinparis.com, highly recommended. I rented a beautiful little studio in the Latin Quarter right near Notre Dame and it was only $140 USD per night. Close to shops, take out food, all major attractions, etc. They even mail you the key in advance before you leave (but the previous 2 guests forgot to return the keys right away so the landlord's daughter met me at the apartment, which was nice and she showed me how to use stuff). It was a great experience for my third year in a row visiting Paris, because this time I got to feel like a local for a week, and had some interesting cultural experiences that you don't normally get staying in a hotel (such as doing grocery shopping and cooking). I could sleep in as much as I wanted or take naps (I never deal well with jetlag) and didn't have to worry about housekeeping barging in or waking me up.
The Latin Quarter is a great, active place to stay. I also like the Montparnasse area; it's not far out of the way but you aren't right in the thick of it, so it's a little quieter, has some great restaurants and cafes (I just love La Rotonde), and is near my favourite place, the Jardins de Luxembourg. Plus, I have a weird thing about visiting cemeteries, and the Cemetiere Montparnasse is just beautiful with amazing sculpted angels and weeping statues.
Enjoy your visit, and Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
posted by 1000monkeys at 8:38 PM on August 24, 2010
The Latin Quarter is a great, active place to stay. I also like the Montparnasse area; it's not far out of the way but you aren't right in the thick of it, so it's a little quieter, has some great restaurants and cafes (I just love La Rotonde), and is near my favourite place, the Jardins de Luxembourg. Plus, I have a weird thing about visiting cemeteries, and the Cemetiere Montparnasse is just beautiful with amazing sculpted angels and weeping statues.
Enjoy your visit, and Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
posted by 1000monkeys at 8:38 PM on August 24, 2010
I used Lodgis and stayed in the Marais, which was a very nice and wonderfully located area. With Lodgis you deal primarily with whomever is renting the apartment to you (and everything went fine for us) so I'm unsure what sort of recourse you'd have with them if everything didn't go well. We absolutely LOVED renting an apartment instead of staying in a hotel, I'd do it again in a second.
posted by haveanicesummer at 11:15 PM on August 24, 2010
posted by haveanicesummer at 11:15 PM on August 24, 2010
Another vote for AirBnB, used it 1½ months ago, stayed here and had a great time.
posted by bering at 12:48 AM on August 25, 2010
posted by bering at 12:48 AM on August 25, 2010
Response by poster: wow! thanks everyone... i guess ask.mefi je'taime paris :-D
posted by cgs at 1:44 PM on August 25, 2010
posted by cgs at 1:44 PM on August 25, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Freedomboy at 1:27 PM on August 24, 2010 [2 favorites]