Families with young children (and small groups traveling together)
appreciate an apartment's sleeper sofas and a kitchen that's
available 24 hours a day. Business travelers also see the
advantages of a home away from home.
Andrew Steven, a London-based
Microsoft executive, opts for a short-term apartment rental over a
hotel whenever
Paris business trips run more than a few days. He
says he saves an estimated $750 a week on food and lodging. "Even
after a long day, it's a pleasure to cook what you want - and mix
the drinks the way you prefer," says Steven. Plus, entertaining
business colleagues in an apartment is more interesting than
meeting them in yet another restaurant or bar. "They really
appreciate the difference," he says.
Apartment living means you quickly feel like a Parisian as you get
to know the local butcher, baker, and café owner. "Every time you
go into a bakery to buy a croissant, everyone - including the other
shoppers - will say, 'Bonjour,'?" says Steven, who speaks
"restaurant and taxi" French. "Throwing in a few
mercis and
s'il vous plaits makes things quite smooth."
The Internet provides thousands of apartment-agency listings that
offer virtual tours of properties and the convenience of e-mailed
responses to any questions you might have. Be aware that many of
the largest companies are simply brokers who market properties
managed by someone else and who may not have intimate knowledge
of
all their listings, says
Adrian Leeds, who runs the online
publication
French Property Insider. "Look for a boutique
agency with a small selection of nice apartments and an agent with
firsthand knowledge," she advises. Ask the agent to describe in
detail the apartment's location, amenities, and its cancellation
and payment policies. Be clear about any extra charges for linens,
cleaning, phone, and utilities. Renting directly from an owner is
usually cheaper because there's no agency commission, but Leeds
cautions that it's a riskier proposition. ("What are you going to
do if the hot-water heater breaks and the owner is in the south of
France?") - Elizabeth Pope