ARTICLES
Apartment
Versus Hotel
If you are staying in Paris for less than one week
and want to spend a pampered vacation, ordering room service and not even considering
making a bed or preparing a meal, we suggest staying in a hotel. If you have always
fantasized of one day living in Paris, becoming one of the locals roaming the
Parisian markets with a freshly baked baguette under your arm, sampling artesian
cheeses, lounging in a spacious
environment, coming and going as you please without
having to greet hotel personnel, opt for an apartment.
It is a misconception
to assume that apartments are cheaper than hotels. Apartments like hotels vary
greatly in quality, neighborhood and perks. But without doubt money will be saved
since every meal doesn't have to be eaten out and some evenings nothing hits the
spot better than nestling on your sofa trying to understand French television.
Europe is run on a different currency so bring a 220 volt converter, to make sure
your blow dryers, curling iron and electrical toothbrushes work. If you are traveling
with children, you will need at least a one bedroom. If you have a teenager or
young adult, we suggest a two bedroom since the thin mattress of a pullout couch
maybe fine for a 10 year old but not an 18 year old. A studio apartment is an
excellent value for couples on a budget or singles who don't plan on spending
much time in the apartment. Although if
the budget allows, we suggest you splurge
for a one bedroom, it makes all the difference in the world.
The prices
for apartments vary. In the luxury range a one bedroom is $225-$350 per night
(usually between 450-800 sq ft) and a two bedroom is $375-$550 (usually between
800-1300 sq ft) with a seven day minimum. Although some property managers/owners
do accept guests under seven days most prefer not to accommodate. Paris Luxe does
offer luxurious mansions and even an apartment with an indoor pool that can comfortably
sleep 10. Most apartments are in prime arrondisements (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,16,18).
Due to a recent demand, we have recently begun an investigation for reputable
3 star apartments and now have a solid stable of one bedrooms between $175-$250
and two bedrooms under $400. The price differences are usually reflected in the
dècor, bathroom fixtures, kitchen appliances and whether the apartment building
has an elevator.
Fresh linens and maid service are provided on a weekly
basis unless other arrangements are made. Pets are not allowed and smoking is
permitted at the discretion of the property manager/owner. Not all apartments
have bathtubs which is a given in American households and hotels but a conventional
shower with a hand held sprayer gets the job done and is usually the norm.
Some
apartments come equipped with the basic kitchen essentials such as sugar, salt, coffee, tea, cleaning supplies, cooking oil and dried herbs while others will
charge a premium to provide these items. There are some property managers that
issue gourmet supermarket gift certificates to all their guests while other simply
point you to the local market.
The apartment rental policies vary from
each apartment provider. All clients are fully briefed on the individual stipulations
of each owner/manager or agency. Most apartments have an arrival time after 12pm
and a checkout time around 11am but all will accommodate either by storing your
luggage or scheduling a later checkout time.
The key collection varies
from apartment to apartment. Some will wait for you in the apartment till the
wee hours regardless of your flight arrival time. While others will simply mail
you the key, some that have offices will ask that you pick up the key in their
office.
Most property managers/owner/agencies do not consider an apartment
booked until they receive a deposit. Paris Luxe does not suggest holding out for
a better apartment, when you see an apartment that works for you book it as soon
as you can with a deposit. If you have to cancel your booking, you must do so
in writing. If you have utilized Paris Luxe, we will assist you in this matter.
But pleased be advised that you may lose all or some of deposit depending on the
property's ability to re-rent the apartment. This
policy is rarely negotiable.
So please be sure that you are in the need of the apartments for those dates.
The best apartments tend to book quickly. Some of our most popular property
managers are booked a year in advance. We strongly suggest commencing your apartment
search as soon as possible. Please give yourself ample time to mull over the selections
Paris Luxe submits to you and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that a "once
in a lifetime" Parisian experience awaits you. |
