Apartment Advice

I am hoping some of the apartment savy people on the board may help me out. I have decided to rent an apartment in Paris since I will be there for two weeks. I actually picked out one within my budget that I really liked , vrbo #73969. Someone however has told me that this may be too good to be true. I am planning an emailing the owner soon, but does anyone have an opinion? I used pagesjaunes to look at the area, which seems really nice and not very touristy. And the apartment is small, but adequate for a solo traveler, and it looks clean.

~Anna

|||

I have not used vrbo however, it does have a good reputation on TA. You deal directly with the owner and not an agency so that is a plus. I would e-mail the owner with any questions and if you feel comfortable with when and how the owner responds I would not hesitate to rent. The pictures look nice and as you say clean. Not sure what is meant by too good to be true?? The price? For the square footage your quoting I think that is within the range you would expect to pay.

|||

Thanks Parisbaby2!

I have emailed the owner with a list of questions I have.

I had thought the apartment to be perfect for what I wanted and the price withing budget, but then someone told me the price is too low for it to be anything decent. Which got me worried, hence this post.

~Anna

|||

Willow, that price does seem awfully cheap but the apartment is extremely small so that may be why. According to the vrbo listing, it is only 247 square feet.

Also, this person appears to be an agent of some kind, because if you click on the %26#39;show other listings%26#39; there is a long list.

It would be interesting to have the address of this property as well, many of us on the forum are familiar with that area and can tell you whether it is a quiet area or not.

|||

Well the apartment is located on Rue de Cardinal Mercier, which according to the map, is a street off of Rue de Clichy.

|||

Hi again Anna

Sorry if I missed the address on the vrbo listing. I%26#39;ll have a look and give you my .02 worth since I am somewhat familiar with that area...

be back shortly. :)

|||

Hi Anna

I don%26#39;t think the area where this apartment is located is necessarily bad... however

I was reading some of your past posts and they seem to indicate you are traveling alone (?) and in the summer, correct? Also is this your first trip to Paris?

If so, you might want to consider a place closer to the river and also a place where there may be other travelers staying that you can meet. The other consideration is air conditioning- the older buildings can get hot and a very tiny studio like the one you mention could be an absolute horror if there is heat.

What exactly is your budget? That may help with suggestions from myself and others...

Just some things to think about. :)

|||

Thanks Mascara for checking it out!

My trip is planned for late for 2 weeks, starting the first week in September. The owner notes fans are provided if necessary, but no AC. Does it ever get really hot in September?

Also, I will be traveling by myself, and yes this is my first trip.

My budget is minimal, due to hopefully being a recent college grad by then! I am looking for something around 400 a week, but I am willing to go up to 500 if it is really worth it.

Thanks!

~Anna

|||

I agree with Mascara and traveling alone you may wish to consider staying near the Seine. I think a hotel will be a better idea if I may suggest that instead.

The 5th district is very central and is popular with young people. There are lots of sights, cafes, and restaurants here. It%26#39;s a relatively safe area too.

I%26#39;ve never stayed at this hotel, but it%26#39;s been recommended by many people who have been pleased with it. The rates fit your budget. I know that area and it is very pleasant near the Pantheon and rue Mouffetard.

Hotel Monge

www.hotelmonge.com/hotel-standalone.php…

Have a nice visit!

|||

Well, it is TINY, definitely a %26quot;nest%26quot;. I, personally, would be a bit offput with only one %26quot;testimonial%26quot; and two (hardly representative) photos. The location is not bad (even a block from Blvd de Clichy is a world away), but not all that convenient either. You might want to post over on Fodor%26#39;s to see if anyone has experience with that particular unit. VRBO is %26quot;by owner%26quot;, or sometimes owner%26#39;s agent. All are different and everything turns on the particular unit and owner.

It can be very warm in September. We were in Paris the third week of September last year and temps reached the 80%26#39;s many days. Our apartment was not air conditioned and only a small oscillating fan was provided. With western exposure, it was very uncomfortable with the afternoon sun (so we just left during those hours). But, it was also very warm all night. In case there%26#39;s a hot spell during your visit, without air conditioning, you would want to select an apartment in a neighborhood where you%26#39;d feel comfortable leaving the windows open at night.

Since your trip is not until September, I would recommend that you keep shopping, but not for too long.

|||

Regarding a/c, to people who are used to having it at home, I strongly recommend staying in a place that provides it if you%26#39;re going to be in Paris at a time when it can be very hot.