I am researching where to stay in the following areas: Paris and Normandy or Bayeux (he is a BIG history buff and I think we're going to stay 3/nights in that area to explore the historical war sites), It will be our first trip to Europe ever. Some have suggested we rent an apartment in Paris. Does anyone have any suggestions of specific places they've been to before and have been happy with. I'd like to stay around $200/night more or less (less is GREAT). It will just be my husband and I so it doesn't have to be big but I'd like it to be decently decorated, clean, in a convenient/nice location and a view would be great but it isn't a deal breaker. Oh, and of course, safety is a must! Or should we really stick to a hotel? Or maybe a bed and breakfast? If you have rented vacation rentals before do you use a specific site that you've been happy with. The only one I really know of is VRBO. In case it matters: I'll be 29 and he'll be 40. I'd like to be near quaint cafes, delicious restaurants, delis/markets where we can grab food for picnics or to cook at home. I know we will be doing a LOT of exploring everywhere while we are there so access to public transit would be nice too (if that is a good way of getting around that is). I'm still pretty clueless as I have just begun researching all this so the more information you can provide me...the better! Thanks in advance.
-Tiffany
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3299 posts
Tiffany, I can't help with Normandy or Bayeux, but for Paris I highly recommend Vacation in Paris. It is an American company and they have apartments all over Paris that rent by the nightmost have no minimum stay. They take credit cards and are very easy to deal with which is why I would recommend them to a first-timer. There is no complicated contract to sign or big security deposit like you will find with some VRBO rentals and some French agencies. And they speak English. If you are attracted to the Rue Cler area by Rick's book, they have several studio apartments in the 7th Arr. For $150 a night. We enjoyed being on our own in an apartment and being able to make our own breakfast and lunch with amazing fresh baguettes and croissants from the corner bakery. Even made dinner one night with a rotisserie chicken and veggies from the produce stand. That was fun.
Posted by
Paris
10403 posts
In Bayeux we used Rick's recommendation and stayed at the Hotel Churchill, which we really liked. In addition, many of the battlefield tour companies will pick up in the parking lot behind the Churchill, so it's really convenient. (also the hotel used to run a day trip to Mont St Michel which is probably the easiest and most pleasant way to see it, if you've any interest in going there). I think they will even take guests from other hotels, check out their website to see if they still offer this tour.
Posted by
Lewiston, Idaho, USA
2092 posts
Tiffany, we also have used vacationinparis.com and were extremely pleased with everything. The staff were so helpful; it was so convenient to have our key even before leaving the US; all the information provided was excellent and the apartment was charming. (I did regret though that we didn't have an apartment on the street-side because I like to people-watch! Once you have chosen the apartment, you cannot change to another one!)) May I suggest a one-bedroom though, rather than a studio? The 2 of us found that we really appreciated the slightly bigger apartment and the bed was so comfortable. (Not that we've ever stayed in a studio apartment, just that we were really pleased with having the extra space.) In May, 2009 we stayed at Hôtel d'Argouges in Bayeux and absolutely loved it. The staff are wonderful, the garden magnifique (we ordered wine and hors d'oeuvres); the rooms very comfortable. It was like staying in a mini-château. We also thoroughly enjoyed the market right across the street.
Hope this helps!