Vacation Rentals

We really like vacationinparis.com. They are very reliable and there are no hidden extras. They are located here in the US and you can talk to them in person. Their apartments are the same as you see on the web... you can get many different kinds of apartments in any arrondisement for many prices. The larger apartment of the Relais Bosquet is nice also. it is on their web page. Prices are good now because of the economic down turn.

We have also rented from VacationInParis and I agree with everything said above. Reliable, professional, good value, and no hidden costs. You pay with your credit card in US dollars--no worries about wiring funds in euros into someone's bank account as you would with a VRBO rental.

For any website that you look at, you need to check the "fine print" and make sure what's included. Some rentals charge separately for cleaning, linens, or electricity. I'd check specifically for these things, and contact the owner/website if you're not sure.

Most also charge a refundable damage deposit of some kind. In my experience, there haven't been any hidden costs but you do have to read the fine print as has been recommended. Be sure that linens are included so you don't have to bring them.

I think they are a good value as you can have some meals at "home." Visiting markets is one of the joys of visiting France and having an apartment really gives you the chance to take advantage of the markets. Even if you don't want to cook meals, having a refrigerator, stove, and dishes gives you more flexibility with meals. Some have a washer and dryer so you can do light laundry too and not have to wash in sinks or find a laundromat.

We used France Homestyle for a house in Provence and are using Vacation in Paris for a Paris apartment this summer and have had good experiences with both. No hidden costs with either company.

I've also rented from vacationinparis.com. There were no hidden fees. They clearly stated all the costs and terms upfront. For me there was a $150 key deposit (which was refunded once I returned the key to them) and a $29 damage waiver in addition to the stated rent. Like someone else stated, you can pay with a credit card via paypal rather than having to do a wire transfer. Everything was as expected and I would definitely rent from them again.

We usually rent from VRBO.com, or Homeldays.com in the EU. Our one bedroom apt in Paris last June was thru Homelidays, and was a fantastic value, with an Eiffel tower view (costing less than $90 EU/nite)

We have had very good luck with both of these sites, but like anything else, you have to use "Caveat Emptor". Some people have spoofed rental units on various sites, since the agencies do not usually vet each rental unit. We always look for a unit that has been in the rental pool for a while, and one that has lots of good customer reviews.

We have not always been successful being able to use our credit card for the unit we want. Some rentals are now begining to take Pay Pal, but many want some money wired up front.

We always ask for the address, turn on Google maps and look at the location, in regards to transporation connnections. Then we turn on the "street view" and go up and down the streets, and look around. If it is on any type of main street, it could be noisy.

You should be able to ascertain all of the costs when you go thru the agency web site. Our other back-up plan is trip insurance; for a few $$$$ you know that you are always covered.

Hope I am not too late with this advice, but as a vacation rental owner and vacation rental user world wide, I can say for certain that this is the very best way to travel. Aside from it being cost effective, the extra space of a house/condo/cottage (as opposed to a single hotel room), the amenities built in, the greater privacy and more unique character of the vacation rental makes it so much more appealing.

The best way to determine what the hidden costs are is to ask directly of the owner or management company a break down of the total costs of the rental.

You may also want to do some research on the rental itself to make certain it is all you want. You can do this by looking at reviews that have been written on the rental in TripAdvisor and on Facebook's new application, Second Porch.

The reviews on TripAdvisor will be anonymous but those on Second Porch will be quite transparent.

Just do all your due diligence in learning as much as you can and you will have a fantastic trip!

Thank you for all of your help! We just booked an apartment with VRBO in Paris and one in the Loire Valley. We are excited and looking forward to our trip!