I will be traveling to Paris with my family of 4 at the end of August, kids age 11 and 14. I’ve been reading the different threads about the risk of Airbnbs so I’m looking for advice. This is our first time to Paris and we’ll be spending 5 nights. I like the idea of an Airbnb or Aparthotel with kitchen so we can save some money by eating a few meals a day at the apartment. How can I tell if an Airbnb is a legal one that won’t get cancelled? Is it more of a sure thing to book a VRBO or other rental through a company like Expedia? Are there any recommendations for specific places? I’m hoping to stay under $400/night (including all taxes), and would love a 2 bedroom, and a 2 bathroom would be an added bonus. Open to neighborhoods that are family friendly and easy to access (ideally walking, but transit is fine also) to the main attractions.
Posted by
Boston
394 posts
The one platform (for Paris) that I've never heard even one bad thing about is Guest Apartments (guestapartment.com). The problem for you is they have a one week minimum.
Look for a 13-digit registration number on the listing. It doesn't guarantee that the apartment is legal but it's the only tool at the moment that renters have.
You can also look at aparthotels such as Citadines and Adagio.
Posted by
3106 posts
All ground level apartments are legal to rent short term (defined as fewer than 12 months). Outside of those, it is very difficult to be sure that what you are renting is a legal to rent short term. Adagio and Citadine apartment hotels might be a good solutions for you. You can also check these locations:
https://www.edgarsuites.com/fr/residence/
https://hoteldulevant.com/ 5eme
https://www.lockeliving.com/en/paris/le-jardin-de-verre-by-locke
https://www.pepperandpaper.com/ 5eme
https://yooma-eiffel.com/en/
https://www.roidesicile-rivoli.fr/
Posted by
Chicagoland
1543 posts
Whatever you decide, be sure the bedrooms have real air conditioning for an August stay.
Start thinking in Euros, 400usd is currently about 344eur. I am guessing you're going to have to increase your budget for an apartment with 2 bathrooms.
I would not book with a 3rd party like Expedia. That just adds an extra layer to get through if something goes wrong.
With only a 5 night stay you may want to consider 2 hotel rooms. Many hotels now include a mini fridge and coffee maker in the room. You could send the kids to the local boulangerie to pickup pastries for breakfast.
Posted by
Folsom, CA
11 posts
Definitely get a bedroom with air conditioning, because the mosquitos are pretty voracious. Just for air circulation and to cool the room down we had to kept the downstairs bedroom window open, just a little crack, but those little monsters would start flying around our head at 4am. We had new bites every morning.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you all, and appreciate the tip about AC. I didn't really think about that! I'm assuming I should book something here rather quickly, or do you think it's okay to shop around and watch prices for a bit longer?
Posted by
Chicagoland
1543 posts
If you're set on an apartment, I would book ASAP as there is a limited supply.
If you decide to go the hotel route, I would book refundable rooms now and keep looking for a better place/deal.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1518 posts
The issue of illegal and/or cancelled AirBnBs has nothing to do with the platform itself. You're just as likely to face these issues on VRBO. The issue is that some people are awful. Careful reading of listings, looking for the license number and especially reading the (bad) reviews can save you a lot of headaches. It definitely takes more work than booking adjoining rooms at an American chain hotel. I hope you and your kids have a great time in Paris!