My wife and I are going to Paris and Prague and we thought about maybe renting an apartment instead of staying in a hotel. I searched Craigslist and found many options but am leary of getting scammed. Could you please inform me of any sites that are trusted and what the pros and cons are of renting an apt instead of staying at a hotel? We will be staying 5 nights in each city. Also this is our first time in Europe. Thanks!
Posted by
Land of La
9230 posts
To rent an apartment, a great way to enjoy European cities, try vrbo.com or airbnb.com. I've used both and cannot complain. If you prefer a hotel in Paris I enjoy the Hotel Muguet. There have been many recent inquires about Paris hotel lodgings and apartment rentals. Scroll down through the helpline posts or use the search engine. Try the Graffiti Wall as well. Have a wonderful first visit to Europe.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
141 posts
For Paris, try www.vacationinparis.com. It is recommended by Rick Steves and several people on this site. I have not rented from them (yet!) but am looking to do so in the spring. They are American based, accept credit cards and deliver the keys to you before you leave the states. The prices are comparable to hotels and will give you much more space. And We have rented a couple of times in Europe and had wonderful experiences. It felt like we got immerged more in the local culture.
Posted by
Boston, MA, USA
250 posts
Ben, just my opinion but if this is your first time in Europe, why give your selves the extra hassle/worry of apartments? I think you'll have a much more care-free experience in a hotel. Most hotels listed in the RS book will give you a good breakfast and get you out the door to enjoy these cities - and their restaurants!
Posted by
Tempe, AZ, USA
1266 posts
Ben, Like Paula I would also recommend Vacation in Paris.
Posted by
Chandler, AZ, USA
22 posts
My family is staying an apartment from vacationinparis.com in 2 weeks based on a recommendation of a friend who has stayed there several times. He and his family have only had good experiences with this company.l
Posted by
Roseville, CA
57 posts
We have not been to Prague. But I have used VRBO for Paris, Salzburg, Bath. London, Vienna, Puerto Vallarta and Las Vegas. Each time I have been very satisfied. Next June We go to Ireland and I will use VRBO again. Have a great trip.
Posted by
milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
36 posts
Ben: My wife and I used the internet to look at apartments in Paris. We had a good idea about which arondosment (sp) we wanted to stay in and paid attention to those. Price was a factor as was size. We finally found a place on rue Duphine in the 5th. Rented through Locaflat.com. So far they have been
very good and responsive.