I'm traveling to France with my young adult family, along with their four-year-old, and have found a rather nice 1 br apartment in the 18th. On google earth, it looks like a nice area. My family will be there two weeks, and I'll be there alone for two weeks. I speak French pretty well, understand very well. Any advice? Recommendations?
Thanks so much.
Merci enormement, Alex. Non, ce n'est pas necessaire a traduire. (Desole si mon francais ecrit n'est pas tres bien, mais je comprends beaucoup mieux que je parle ou ecrit!)
Okay, I have other questions regarding this matter. I have posted this question (with much more detail) also on tripadvisor, and I have gotten resounding warnings. Here's the info I posted:
The apartment is through airbnb, rents for around $2450/month, has no reviews, and has an over $700 security deposit. However, from what I understand, I've heard one almost always (maybe always??) gets the deposit returned immediately if the terms of the contract have been satisfied properly. I hesitate to mention the exact address as I had to get it directly from the owner. It was not a published address. However, I will say that it was on the "quiet, pedestrian" end of Rue de Mont Cenis but near Rue Caulaincourt and Rue Custine. Here is the actual listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2896187?euid=4eac78a2-f5da-9e6f-2384-dc61ce70fb1a
Thanks so much.
It looks nice, but I would be wary because there are no reviews. Have you asked how long the apartment has been available as a rental?
I am using Airbnb for the first time this year for a few rentals in the Fall and totally disregarded places that didn't have reviews. I have used VRBO many times and Homeaway a few times and look for the reviews. The first apartment I rented in Paris 5 or 6 years ago was listed on VRBO. It didn't have any reviews, but the owner lives less than 100 miles from me and I spoke to her on the phone several times before I committed. I then actually met her in person at her home before my trip. It turned out to be a wonderful place and after my review she has received many others.
It could be great or not. One good thing about Airbnb is that you pay when you make your reservation, but the landlord doesn't get paid until after your arrival.
Looks like a fine neighborhood as long as you don't mind hilly terrain. Sacre-Coeur may be three minutes away but it's uphill. You'll be between two Metro stations, Lamarck-Caulaincourt on line 12 and Chateau Rouge on line 4, either of which will get you into the heart of sightseeing Paris in a few minutes.
I agree with Andrea, it would be good to ask why no reviews are posted. Maybe because the place hasn't been on airbnb that long. Not necessarily a red flag. Note that it's on the first floor, which means the second, and no mention of an elevator. Also unclear how big the bed is, perhaps only what we'd consider a "full" or "double," vs. a queen. Might be a little tight for your family and 4-year-old. Still the price is good and the neighborhood looks fine, and with your French you'll get much more out of your surroundings than most of us do.
Airbnb doesn't pay the owner till you've been there over one night, so if it's not as advertised you can let them know and you're protected. At least that's their business model, I haven't tested it because our experience has been good. Have a wonderful trip and surprise all the French people with your fluency!
Two more questions to ask since it's on the first floor, ie. US second.
Is it on the courtyard side or the street side, particularly the bedroom? Second, what's on the ground floor under you if you are on the street side. I would not take a place with the bedroom on the street side or outdoor tables under my windows. Finally, you might want to ask for photos of the bathroom.
I have decided against this apartment. I'm sure the person is probably completely above board; but since she says she's on vacation and can't get photos to me until Sunday (and apparently her friend can't either, although I haven't heard from her anymore), I've decided to look elsewhere. Several suggestions were right, that there are many more apartments available in the same area that don't make me uneasy. I've already found a few I like and that have many good reviews each.
Thanks to all who replied and who helped me out. I'm so thrilled that I'm going again -- after 20 years!!
