It looked great in photos and even better in person, but we couldn't wait for our vacation to be over so we could get a good night's sleep. ... In many places, there is no legal ability for neighbors to protest short-term rentals, but they can go out of their way to make short-term renters feel uncomfortable and unwanted. ... This likely won't happen to you, but as a student, I once rented a place where you had to go out in the hallway to use the toilet. "Chambres de bonne" in France often have shared facilities including showers, so don't take this for granted, especially for low-price offers. ... You don't want your first excursion to be to a store to buy plates and towels, as I had to to do at a sublet in Corsica.
10 new questions I’d ask if I were renting a short-term apartment
January 20, 2010
It looked great in photos and even better in person, but we couldn't wait for our vacation to be over so we could get a good night's sleep. ... In many places, there is no legal ability for neighbors to protest short-term rentals, but they can go out of their way to make short-term renters feel uncomfortable and unwanted. ... This likely won't happen to you, but as a student, I once rented a place where you had to go out in the hallway to use the toilet. "Chambres de bonne" in France often have shared facilities including showers, so don't take this for granted, especially for low-price offers. ... You don't want your first excursion to be to a store to buy plates and towels, as I had to to do at a sublet in Corsica.
Hotel Villa Madame and the provenance of Rue Madame
September 4, 2009
I just learned of the provenance of the fabled street, rue Madame, that crosses rue de Vaugirard, where our apartment is located. It was named after Marie-Joseph-Louise, "Madame" de Savoie, the wife of Xavier-Stanilas "Monsieur" de Bourbon, Count of Provence and the future Louis XVIII. In 1790, "Monsieur," the current owner of the Luxembourg Palace, honoured "Madame" by naming the…read more
Culture, Food, Museums and Monuments, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel, Travel with Kids, Where to stay
Even those who are on a budget, Paris is an unexpected pleasure
June 28, 2009
Of course, as I read this article in NY Times , I was reminded once again, the democratic pleasures of Paris... that the Proustian aspects of Paris need not be costly.... 
IF YOU GO HOW TO GET AROUND The Vélib’ bicycle-rental system has become exceedingly popular. ... Le Bar à Soupes, 33, rue de Charonne; (33-1) 4357-5379; www.lebarasoupes.com, offers an excellent lunch deal: a fresh market soup, two types of cheese, bread and a glass of wine for 9.90 euros.
Apartment - 39 rue de Vaugirard - short term rental, Apartment neighborhood, Culture, For tourists only, Travel, Where to stay
If I could not stay at our place, this is where I would stay…
June 14, 2009
So many friends and others interested in traveling to Paris have been calling us to rent our place or to find other rentals and hotels for their summer holiday. Even though the economy is still in the doldrum and they say travel is definitely down, there are still many who are taking advantage of the recession and finding great values…read more
Paris Hotels are investing in their own bicycle fleet
June 4, 2009
Paris Hotels invest in their own branded bicycle fleet and picking models that reinforce the identity of the hotel. Le Meurice, the renowned hotel that occupies an 1835 palace across from the Tuileries, unveiled five retro-style bikes in the blue-green shade of the oxidized copper rooftops of the city, with matching helmets and front baskets emblazoned with the hotel’s gold logo. American and British guests in their 30s tend to be the most enthusiastic customers, according to the hotel; Le Meurice’s sister hotel, the Plaza Athénée, opted for zippy red bikes with panniers. 
Rent a barge apartment for your Paris stay
August 22, 2008
Who hasn't cruised on the Seine and wondered what it would be like to live in a houseboat at the center of Paris. ... While there are some 200 livable boats moored in Paris along the Seine, there aren't a lot of these boats that rent for short term apartments in Paris. ... The little boat is located down the Seine near the Gare d'Austerlitz and about a 15 minute walk from Notre Dame additional.
Don’t drink the water!
August 21, 2008
It's been some thirty plus years since there were any water purity issues in Europe (though I've heard of recent problems in Barcelona), but that doesn't mean you should drink every bit of water you see. ... In older buildings where you're not sure of the water supply, it's wise to drink filtered water or buy your water at the store, especially if you are staying there for an extended period. ... All but about 3 percent of public pipelines containing lead have been replaced with nontoxic materials, according to the American Water Works Association, a water-treatment industry scientific and educational group.
Internet and WIFI in Paris – tips for tourists and travelers
July 22, 2008
If only the US were advanced as Europe: great subway systems, Velib bikes , the latest mobile phones, satellite TV that is truly global, and surprisingly more and more free flowing WIFI (or "wee-fee" as it's pronounced in France). While in the US, Starbucks is just announcing a few hours of WIFI with purchase after years of that T-Mobile racket, and hotels are still gouging us for $10 plus for a few radio waves, many cafes and hotels in Paris let the WIFI run wild, run free. ... The iPhone, especially, uses up enormous amounts of data as it provides up to the minute weather, pedestrian google maps, or web searches while you stand waiting for your spouse at another shoe store.
What to Look for in Renting an Apartment in Paris
May 25, 2008
There are now more rentals for less than a week but you're likely to pay a premium which will make it not as economical to staying at hotel.... I've never needed it in our place but my husband insists on it , and you may want it for ventilation and to drown out any street noise if the rentals are located on grand boulevards, such as Blvd St.
