by Sandra Sheridan

Created on: June 01, 2010   Last Updated: June 02, 2010

Traditional hotel or vacation rental apartment?

For travelers who prefer daily service, restaurant amenities and room service; traditional hotels will always be the ideal choice.  Many today, however, forego some hotel service features in favor of more spacious lodging, kitchen facilities and the authentic personal experience of staying in a vacation rental in a typical Parisian neighborhood. 

Apartment rental choices continue to grow, as investors elect to purchase apartments for personal and rental uses.   Using the internet to browse available apartments has never been easier.  While you may encounter individual listings, many popular listing services offer easy access and a multitude of choices.

In all cases, carefully review the rental contract terms and conditions with an eye toward any applicable agency fees, cleaning charges, security deposits and cancellation penalties.  For the most part, you will be dealing directly with owners in securing your reservation.

Two of the largest of the Google traffic generators are HomeAway.com and VRBO.com – Vacation Rentals by Owners.  Each of these trusted sites provide easy search options, a wide range of types and prices for apartments and strict policies governing properties that receive complaints (they may be removed from the site).  You will find complete information, photos, availability, pricing and – especially helpful – guest comments on the quality of their stay.   

HomeAway, for example, offers almost 1500 listings in Paris from nightly rates of 75 Euros for a Latin Quarter studio to 350 Euros for a 2 bedroom in the same area.  Longer stays generally warrant reduced nightly fees, and high-end rentals often require a significant security deposit. 

As one would expect in the dynamic “City of Light”, many other luxury and quality listing sites offer a dazzling selection of apartments in Paris.  The few listed below demonstrate offer concierge-like service and luxurious accommodations.

Paris Attitude.com  http://www.parisattitude.com/ - a real estate agency with nearly 3000 listings from one week to one year, from studios to grand 4 bedrooms.  High service levels, good locations, but expect to pay an agency booking fee up to 30 percent for rentals up to 40 nights (lower fees with longer-term rentals).

Paris Perfect http://www.parisperfect.com/ - “Hand-picked” furnished luxury apartments

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