Paris apartment vs. hotel

The Slow Travel website--slowtrav.org--has tons of apartment reviews. It's a great resource, since it's important to know that the agency or owner is reputable (you often have to pay in advance, and in cash or check--it's not like a hotel where if you don't like the first night, you can just leave without much penalty). I love staying in an apartment for obvious reasons--more room, you can shop the markets and cook, etc etc. I can't see why there would be any difference in safety...

Hi Evelyn,

Just returned from a trip to France - spent a week in Paris in an apt. that we rented through Vacations in Paris. I definitely recommend them and renting an apartment over a hotel. Having an apartment gives you much more flexibility - you can shop in the local market for breakfast items (and eat what you want when you want!) and the ability to make a simple meal if you want. The apartments tend to be in the more popular tourist areas and although I can't speak for all apartment rentals in Paris, the one we had was in a very safe area and was very secure.

I agree with Nancy. You have probably already thought of the advantages of preparing your meals. Restaurant food is so expensive in Paris, I would eat all my meals at home if I were there.

I have not rented an apartment in Paris, but I rented one in Italy and learned that one has to look at quite a few before deciding. I inspected 5 because the amenities are so different in Europe. Test the bed to be sure it meets your needs.

Be sure to ask the owner about dishes, coffeemaker, frying pan and toilet paper. You may think of other things, but once you pay and move in, it may be too late.

Hi Evelyn--Like Nancy, we used Vacation in Paris and had a great experience. Staying in an apartment makes you feel like a temporary local, and we loved shopping for food in the markets. Maybe the thought of not having a 24-hour front desk clerk is making you feel a bit worried, but I think staying in an apartment would be just as safe for a single female. Vacation in Paris had an in-town contact for emergencies or questions (we weren't sure how to work our washing machine, for example) so it was nice having someone to call if needed. Check out reviews and learn about the neighborhood before you rent something.

I love renting apartments, and have done so in Paris and Cortona, Italy. It makes me feel like I'm living thre, even for a short time -- instead of being separated from the real day to day living experience when I'm in a hotel. Going to the store to get food is fun, instead of a chore (most times), it's part of the cultural experience. Of course you have to clean up after yourself, take out the trash, make your own breakfast, etc. but hey, you're doing it in Paris!

Thanks for the help--anyone compare apartment to b & b?

We have rented apts in Paris through two different companies -- vacationinparis.com and iloveparisapartments.com. Both apts had great security, and everything was handled very professionally. For any stay of more than three nights, we would rent an apartment.

I tried typing in slowtrav.org using two different search engines and they came up with something that did not seem to be the site. Any advice?

Kay...it's www.slowtrav.com , not .org

I have stayed in many B & B´s and apartments and would always prefer an apartment. But I would prefer a B & B over a hotel any day. Apartments can sometimes be tricky to get for less than a week - hence moving to B & B.

Reasons for apartment - privacy, separate bedroom and living area, able to cook, have stuff in fridge, a retreat from hectic place etc. I hate hotels and would never stay in them if I could avoid it.

Just make sure that it has A/C. if you are going in the summer. We were there the summer it was so hot that lots of people died.

Depending on when you are in Paris, A/C may not be an issue. The year of the massive heat wave was certainly exceptional. In limiting ourselves last year to an apt with A/C, we ended up in an area that was not very close to restaurants, cafes, etc. or most the the sites we wanted to see. This year we just took our chances and found an apt on St. Andre des Arts, a block away from the St. Michel metro station and close to lots of wonderful restaurants, popular sites, etc. The walls of the building were stone and about 2 feet thick, and out apt faces a courtyard. We slept with the windows open. It was lovely and cool every night (in May). With the weather, it's always a gamble!