We are deciding between 2 properties for a 4 day stay in September (2 adult couples):
vrbo 208648 - apt in Arr. 1 (http://www.vrbo.com/208648) - the apt looks great, but it lacks A/C
Hotel Dacia Luxemborg in Arr. 5: hoteldacia.com/hotel-dacia-luxembourg-situat… - rating 184 of 1930
We want a location that is central to everything, and has restaurants that are open in the evenings. Cost is about the same, I think. I booked hotel on Expedia - great rate, but doesn%26#39;t include taxes (no idea how much that will add on to the cost!). Total cost of the apt is under 1000 Eu.
Our thoughts:
1. Do we need A/C in early Septemeber (Hotel has it, apt does not)?
2. Hotel takes credit card vs. apt requires wire transfer of funds (not sure how safe this is). How safe is wire transfer of funds?
3. It looks like Arr. 5 (hotel) has more night life, less tourist only restaurants. Is that true?
4. Which would you choose?
Thanks!
Ruth
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1. Do we need A/C in early September (Hotel has it, apt does not)?
Hard to say. One thing about apartments with no a/c is there are usually more than one window so you can get some cross ventilation. Normally only 1 window in a hotel room...
2. Hotel takes credit card vs. apt requires wire transfer of funds (not sure how safe this is). How safe is wire transfer of funds?
Wire transfer is not safe at all of the other party is a crook. Perfectly safe if the person is legit... you have to decide for yourself. Renting an apartment is often a leap of faith.
3. It looks like Arr. 5 (hotel) has more night life, less tourist only restaurants. Is that true?
Yes, most people find the Louvre area a bit quiet. 2 weeks ago we stayed within a couple of blocks of the hotel you%26#39;re looking at and enjoyed the area very much. Note though that your hotel is on Boulevard St Michel... rooms at the front could get some noise.
4. Which would you choose?
The apartment might be more fun as you%26#39;re with friends but location wise I%26#39;d take the hotel.
Your only taxes will be the 1.80 per night room tax. One of the things I like about Europe is the price you see always includes taxes.
Rob
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Really it is a matter of personal preference. I would not choose to stay in an apartment with another couple for privacy reasons. Although, that apartment looks large and has two bathrooms so it is worth considering. However, since you are only there for four days I%26#39;d go with the hotel.
You cannot predoct the weather but I believe September to be fairly mild. So I would not let the A/C factor worry me.
I have been to Paris many times and prefer the 5th over the 1st. If this is a first trip and you are trying to hit all of the big highlights of the city then the 1st is more convienient for that. The Paris metro is so great the either location is fine really.
I%26#39;m sure you will have a good time whichever place you choose. Really, you are out and about so much that as long as you have a comfortable place at night you will enjoy your time in Paris.
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are these the only two choices? I%26#39;d go for an apartment in the 5th -- by far the better place to spend time IMHO
and try to book through an agency that allows credit card payment of deposit -- wire transfer offers no protection so bde sure you trust the owner/agency
(that said -- we have rented abroad 25 times now and never had any problem with the financial end or deposit at all)
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1. AC isn%26#39;t necessary in Paris although there can be -usually- not lasting heatwaves. September can be warm but still pleasant. I don%26#39;t think you%26#39;ll stay indoors all day long anyway.
2. The means of payment cannot be a criterion. I%26#39;m sure the apartment%26#39;s owner is trustworthy, although, if you have doubts, ask for his ID and a receipt.
3. I don%26#39;t really like the 5th arrd, except the non tourist areas. The 1st arrdt is much more classy to stay in if you have the chance to. When I was in Paris, I stayed at an apt on the Right bank too, and that%26#39;s much more lively, people on the street at night. The 5th is more sleepy... it%26#39;s not the legendary Quartier latin anymore.
4. I would choose the apt although it maybe be small for the price (how wide is it by the way??). Otherwise I shall recommend the apt I had stayed in. It%26#39;s really great, 110m2, close to 6 metro lines, king size bed, quiet and full of light, great location. Maybe it%26#39;s still available in September. See www.abritel.fr/uk/detail.php…
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I have stayed in the 1st once. I thought i was a boring area in the evening,, not as many cafes etc nearby. I thouht Rue Du Rivoli was lined with lots of tacky souvernir shops.. all selling same stuff.
The 5th has some great areas,, there are one or two streets I would avoid staying on ( Rue Huchette being main one) but most of area is lovely . I also find 5th pretty convenient to site seeing.
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NOte,, %26quot;sunny south facing windows%26quot; sounds lovely when its not hot... but,, in September it could be warm or cooling off, its a bit of a gamble.
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We%26#39;ve decided to stick with the hotel in Arr. 5. Thanks for all of your advice and suggestions. Will report back when we return.
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We stayed at the Hotel Dacia Luxembourg and it was wonderful. Review posted in the Hotel section.
Thanks again for the great advice!
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It%26#39;s always nice to hear back from people who had questions.
Glad to hear you had a great time!
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