Paris questions - hotel, airbnb, rewards, logistics

[FiguringItOut]

Guys, you have been awesome many times helping me figure out my travel logistics don't seem to mind reading long posts. Here's another one for you.

Need 4 nights accommodations in Paris July 12 though July 16.  Traveling with 13 y.o. daughter.  Trying to weigh convenience vs overall out of pocket costs.

I have following options:

Option 1:  Already have cancelable reservations made for 4 night at Best Western.
Cost: 480 Euros or $540 in todays exchange rate.
Plus: Good location, 15 min walk to Eiffel tower, 30 min to Louvre, close to river, 2 blocks from metro. 
Minus: No laundry, will need to pack enough clothes for 12 day trip, this may require a larger luggage than would be allowed in cabin on a plane for a short flight Berlin-Paris, so extra luggage fees, more to carry around, etc.

Option 2: Airbnb for 4 night.  Never used airbnb before.    If we go with airbnb, it must have 2 separate sleeping spaces, air conditioner, washer and dryer, and kitchenet of some sort.  It doesn't need to be fancy, but it needs to have these things and be conveniently located, otherwise we may as well stay at the hotel.  Looked up on the website and found only 2 places that work based on prices, location, my required amenities, and availability for my dates. 
Cost: Prices range between $95 and $115 per night plus various fees they charge on top of that. Comes out to $400 - $500
Plus: Laundry so we can pack for only 5-6 days, do a small wash while we are there.  Less to carry with us, less concern about checking luggage on the plane.  Kitchenet is a plus, but I am pretty good with picking up stuff for hotel rooms for breakfast or light dinners, so it's a plus, but not a huge deal.  Laundry is the main draw with Airbnb. 
Minus:  $95 place is in the same location as Best Western I already have reserved, but $115 place is a bit further out west, 20 min walk to Louvre, over an hour walk to Eiffel Tower.  Both places have only 3 reviews, but all are good.  Pictures seem nice, though I'd need some more info than is provided.  It's not clear what floor these studios are located on.  I saw one listing when browsing that was a 6 floor walk up which is not ideal.  One of these two doesn't show washer/dryer in the pictures, etc.  Cancellations overall are more difficult than with hotels. Cheaper place with better location has a very strict cancellation policy (only 50% refund a week before check in), the other place is more flexible (full refund less fees a day before check in).  Also overall fear of the unknown having no experience with Airbnb at all.

Option 3:  A combination of two first.  2 days at Airbnb, 2 days at hotel. Hotel could be the same Best Western that I already have booked, or a Hyatt hotel 20 min away that I can book 2 nights for points with $0 out of pocket cost. I think I'd go with 'free' Hyatt in this option.  It's located 5 min from Louvre.
Cost:  2 Airbnb nights - ~$230-$260, 2 hotel nights - Free.  Total cost $260.
Plus:  Best of both worlds, airbnb for laundry and light packing, hotel for free nights.  Both locations are good.
Minus:  Again, fear of the unknown with airbnb.  Hassle of moving in the middle of stay, packing, caring luggage/backpacks, checking in, etc, when we can be sightseeing.  This move would be on July 14th, the Bastille Day and will put us 45 min from Eiffel Tower when we'd want to hang out, picnic, and watch fireworks in the evening. Also, we won't be able to check in at Hyatt early, so we'll have to leave bags there and then come back late at night after fireworks and go through check in instead of just going straight to the room and gong to be bed.   In addition, these two nights at Hyatt will 'cost' 40K points.  I have 45K Chase UR left that I am thinking of using for this.  Overall, this is not the best use of UR, but I will be canceling my Chase cards in April, and need to transfer these points somewhere.  As I'm not gong to be earning anymore Chase UR points for the next couple years, I see no reason not to use them for these two night, even though I know travel hacking experts will say that this is probably one of the worst use of UR.  But I can't think of what else to do with these points.  And I don't have enough of Marriott points left to use for two nights in Paris even when combined with Chase UR points, so it's Hyatt or nothing.

One other thing, this Hyatt only has queen/king rooms available for 20K per night.  Two-twin rooms are considered an upgrade and are not available for points.  Pictures on hotel's site show that king is actually two twin mattresses on king bad frame.  Considering that my daughter does not share a bed at all, one king matters is out of the questions, but I think I can get her to share if it's two twins pushed together.  How likely that it is in fact two twin mattresses instead of one king mattress?  Hyatt reservations were not able to answer this. 

So there you have it.  I'd like to hear your input and thoughts. 

ETA: What info should I clarify with airbnb owners?  What do I need to know, what to ask, etc? 

[rockstache]

I am an overly cautious person but I have loved Airbnb so far. You pay them, and the renter doesn't get a dime until after you check in, so if you have any issues and contact the website, they can withhold your money if they deem your complaint legitimate. I have had only good experiences so far. I would recommend contacting the host with your questions and see how they answer you and if they allay your fears at all.

[FiguringItOut]

I am an overly cautious person but I have loved Airbnb so far. You pay them, and the renter doesn't get a dime until after you check in, so if you have any issues and contact the website, they can withhold your money if they deem your complaint legitimate. I have had only good experiences so far. I would recommend contacting the host with your questions and see how they answer you and if they allay your fears at all.

Thank you. What do you think is the essential info to find out from the renter, besides confirming the amenities listed?

[rockstache]

For me it was specific things: can my husband smoke outside the property, is it wheelchair accessible, does it have a key or keyless entry, is there dedicated parking. You probably have a different set of necessities, but if the listing already covers it then you should be fine. I like thinking of at least one or two questions just because of the interaction with the host.

[Daleth]

Go on Google Street View and check out the neighborhoods where your possible hotels and Air Bnb are. Does it look like a place you'd enjoy? Are there little shops, cafes, etc.? Does the street look like it has a lot of car/bus traffic, i.e., does it look noisy?

[Zoot]

I don't have experience with AirBnB, but I've used VRBO for properties in Europe as well as places in the USA.  I so, so, so prefer the VRBO experience to the hotel experience--having a kitchen is a huge deal for me, and you get 2-3 times the space and comfort that you would in a hotel while staying in a "real" neighborhood, often within walking distance of shops public transport.  For one trip, for instance, I was traveling with a group that needed three bedrooms due to the distribution of couples/singles, and we were able to get a single property for way less per person than it would have cost us to book separate hotel rooms.  If someone's willing to sleep on a sofa, you can get an even better deal--for instance, DH and I just spent a few days in a property that was 1-bedroom (queen) at $99/night, but the presence of a sofa-bed made the property perfectly serviceable for a third person.

My advice is to read the reviews carefully (especially as regards the responsiveness of the host, the English fluency of the host if that's important in your situation, what's nearby, and the proximity of public transport), use street views to check out the neighborhood, and correspond with your host to determine your level of comfort with the person.  If it all seems good, go for it!

[FiguringItOut]

Can someone please weigh in on the change of locations between airbnb and hotel on Bastille Day (packing, going from one place to the other, then returning to the Tower, later in the day, not sure how crowded the lawn will get for firework watching, not being checked in to the ohtel until late night after fireworks, etc.)

Does this sound like a lot of hassle to go through in order to save $250?

[Josiecat]

Please don't take 12 days of clothing with you.  There are laundrymats.  Wash half way through if you need to. Some of the flats don't have elevators and the older streets can be difficult to maneuver. Don't make it hard on yourself.

[FiguringItOut]

Please don't take 12 days of clothing with you.  There are laundrymats.  Wash half way through if you need to. Some of the flats don't have elevators and the older streets can be difficult to maneuver. Don't make it hard on yourself.

This is why I"m looking at airbnb.  I will not be looking for random laundromats on the street though. 

[MsPeacock]

Please don't take 12 days of clothing with you.  There are laundromats.  Wash half way through if you need to. Some of the flats don't have elevators and the older streets can be difficult to maneuver. Don't make it hard on yourself.

I am a hard core super-light packer. I packed for a 4 days trip for 4 people to Iceland in one (yes, one) 20" carry-on suitcase including gear for hiking on a glacier, deep sea fishing, horseback riding, etc.. I packed for 3 kids, including an infant, for 3 weeks in Spain and Germany in a 14" carry-on. So, the thought of carrying 12 days worth of separate clothing items....painful.

 It is easy to find places to wash the laundry for you. It isn't hard to find a laundromat (particularly in these internet days...). You can drop the laundry off and pick it up at the end of the day (laundry service, not self-service). Personally I would not want to lose vacation time shelping my stuff from one place to another (and the gap in check-out vs. check-in time and all that nonsense). You can wear the same pair of shorts for 3 days or so.

Consider that Bastile day will be like the 4th of July in D.C. Lots of traffic problems, crowds everywhere, overcrowded metro, horrendous traffic, etc.

That said, I could pack for 12 days in warm weather w/ a tote bag and my purse, and I realize that is the extreme for most people.

[Villanelle]

On many a trip, I've done sink laundry.  It's easy to wash a shirt and a pair of underwear in the sink, and hang or lay them out to dry.  If you do this every other night, you will always have clean clothes.  You can use shampoo or pack some laundry detergent.  And of course you can wear something at least 2 times (if not 3 or 4) before washing.  For a 12 day trip, I'd probably bring 3 bottoms and 4 tops, and that would feel like more than I need . Throw in a jacket and a scarf (and if I was feeling fashion-y, a secodn scarf) and underpinnings (probably 4 days worth, with sink washing), that that's it.   

Also, it seems like your standards for the AirBNB room are higher than for your hotel.  (Oh, and check VRBO.com as well to see if they have anything better than AirBnB.)  Maybe I am misunderstanding, but it sounds like you required 2 beds and a kitchenette in the rental, but not in a hotel.  Is there a reason for that?  If you kept the standards the same, you might get a better price on AirBnB or VRBO room. 

I always read reviews, and I won't consider places that have no or only a few reviews.  Also check to make sure it has WiFi, assuming that's a requirement. 

Also, when looking at location, remember that you don't necessarily have to walk.  You can take public transport, probably very inexpensively.  (For tips and trick, I recommend Rick Steves' books.)

[FiguringItOut]

Also, it seems like your standards for the AirBNB room are higher than for your hotel.  (Oh, and check VRBO.com as well to see if they have anything better than AirBnB.)  Maybe I am misunderstanding, but it sounds like you required 2 beds and a kitchenette in the rental, but not in a hotel.  Is there a reason for that?  If you kept the standards the same, you might get a better price on AirBnB or VRBO room. 

I don't think I require more from airbnb than hotel.  Kitchenets usually come with airbnb's but they are not a requirements. I marked them a plus though.  I required two beds and air conditioner anywhere I will stay overnight.  With airbnb, I need a washer and dryer and that is the only reason I'd choose it over hotel room given the prices. 

I did check vrbo and they all have 3-4 days minimum, I only need 2. And they dont let you select by washer/dryer, only a/c.  I need to look more carefully though.



But here's the money question - do I try to save two nights worth of accommodations (~$250) and create an inconvenience of moving on Bastille day, or bite the bullet and pay out of pocket  to stay all 4 nights in either airbnb or hotel, but no moving between the two? 

[JLR]

I think it depends on your financial situation and your values. For me, I wouldn't change accommodation on Bastille Day to save $250.

We used two different AirBnBs in Paris and they were lovely. The first one was near Notre Dame. It was on the 6th floor, but had a small lift up to the 5th floor. This was no problem for us. One thing to note with lifts in Paris is that they tend to have been added on later and are tiny. We ended up squashing my husband in with the bags on move in/out days and the rest of us walked up. Our other AirBnB was near Gare de Lyon. It also had a very small lift, but this one took us to our floor.

I didn't find it difficult to find a place with two separate sleeping areas, kitchen, washer/dryer. I don't think either of them had air conditioning, but it was autumn/fall when we went so it wasn't a consideration for us. I think I've read that if air con is a must for you in Paris you may have more luck finding it at a motel than in a private home.

Thing to ask? As others have said, it depends on your situation. For us, I was concerned about the bedding provided (were they air beds, sofa beds or proper mattresses) and whether we could check in/out at our preferred times. We had a 5.30am check out from one location and I wanted to make sure this would be ok.

[Villanelle]

So even though it's cheaper, you won't stay in a rental without W/D, but you will stay in a hotel without that? 

For me, it wouldn't be worth it to switch in the middle, especially because you might have a gap between check out and check in, where you either have to find somewhere to stash you bags, or you have to return to the hotel a few hours later to get the bags and move, eating up your vacation time, which is really want you are paying for.

Also, remember that you are probably only leaving and returning to your room once a day.  Unless someone has a physical disability of some kind, 5-6 flights of stairs one, or even twice, a day isn't awful. 

You might also want to contact some of the VRBO places, if the prices are right, and see if they would consider a 2 day rental.  Can't hurt to ask.  You could even keep the hotel, if that is your top choice right now, and then search rentals again closer to your trip (but still within the hotels cancelation policy) so that you can contact some places. If it is close to your dates and they are still not booked, they may be willing to lower prices a bit (I wouldn't ask for much but a small reduction is often much more appealing than an empty rental). 

[jrhampt]

I am planning a 3-week trip to Europe with just a carry on and backpack (personal item) for luggage.  I don't plan on doing any laundry except in the sink (socks and underwear).  Use travel underwear, and pack clothes in darker colors and stink-resistant fabric that you can wear multiple times in various combinations.  Limit the number of shoes that you bring.  It's summer, so you don't need lots of bulky clothing.  I'm female, btw, not that that matters, but I think we have a reputation for not packing light.  I recently switched to vacationing with only carry-on luggage, and it is so much easier and faster to get around that way.

[FiguringItOut]

So even though it's cheaper, you won't stay in a rental without W/D, but you will stay in a hotel without that? 

I think, that never having stay at airbnb before, I am more comfortable in the hotel by default.  I'm not saying it makes a lot of sense, and I am talking myself into trying out airbnb, but right now my default comfort zone is hotel.

For me, it wouldn't be worth it to switch in the middle, especially because you might have a gap between check out and check in, where you either have to find somewhere to stash you bags, or you have to return to the hotel a few hours later to get the bags and move, eating up your vacation time, which is really want you are paying for.

This is exactly what I am trying to figure out, how much lost time during the day is worth to me.  I will be saving about $250 by switching.  And I am sort of trying to make this a vacation paid entirely by travel rewards just for fun. 

I am now leaning towards not switching and just staying in one place, though still not clear if it will be a hotel or airbnb.  I'd like to try out airbnb though and I am still looking for options that would work.

You might also want to contact some of the VRBO places, if the prices are right, and see if they would consider a 2 day rental.  Can't hurt to ask.  You could even keep the hotel, if that is your top choice right now, and then search rentals again closer to your trip (but still within the hotels cancelation policy) so that you can contact some places. If it is close to your dates and they are still not booked, they may be willing to lower prices a bit (I wouldn't ask for much but a small reduction is often much more appealing than an empty rental).

I need to get better look at VRBO site.  I looked yesterday and they seem to be more expensive than airbnb.

[Jouer]

I have stayed in airbnb in many cities in a few countries. It's is very reliable - since renters will get ditched from the site if they have too many issues. I prefer it to hotels for many reasons, mostly because I enjoy staying in an actual neighbourhood. I stayed in the Montmartre region in Paris - a bit of a walk but totally worth it. There was a fresh fruit stand below our flat and a bakery around the corner. That took care of breakfast every morning.

Whatever you decide, do not spend part of your 4 days in Paris moving from one set of accommodations to another. You spend all this money to get there - you don't want to waste time having to re-pack everything and moving. It would be pound foolish.

Paris is very walkable city. I only used public transit once - to get down to the Luxembourg Gardens.

I did get the Paris Pass which was very good. It included the hop-on-hop off bus which we did use a few times to get from attraction to attraction a few times (though we did walk most times). Best thing about the Pass is that it included not only tickets to attractions like the Louvre and D'Orsay but also allowed skip the massive lines. It rained one day we were there so scheduled that as our museum day - seems like everyone else did the same because the lines were massive. Skipped at least 200 for D-Orsay and 500 for the Louvre. Just walked right past them. This would be worth the price of the Pass right there for most people. Given we're not most people, do a cost analysis of all the sites you want to see and figure out of the Pass is cheaper than the total cost of all the sites. The Pass was much cheaper for me so I bought it.

[Thinkum]

We went to Europe last year and used Airbnb for the whole trip, in 2 different countries; Spain and France. We had never used the service prior and we were a bit hesitant, but it was a great overall experience. The benefits were that we were in neighborhoods and got to see how people lived, rather than a standardized hotel. One of the places had a washer too. Plus they were all close to the metro, had tons of shops close by, and the hosts were really friendly and communicated well.

[HenryDavid]

If you pack really light, you can move on Bastille Day for the price of a cab ride, or better yet, a Metro ticket.
And you should pack really light!
a 25 litre carry-on backpack and a "personal item" (purse or shoulder bag) works for a week.
At the end of a week, do laundry. Repeat.
So you never need more than this, ever.
Pre-pack well ahead of your trip and try different options.
For each option, carry all the bags up all the stairs in your house, then back down. Then around the block.
This is European travel reality--trains, long corridors in transit stations, small or no elevators, stairs.
Minimize the luggage part of your trip and maximize the fun experience part!

[Thinkum]

I concur with HenryDavid, pack lightly if possible. We only took carry-on's with us for a week in Europe. It worked out beautifully and saved a good amount of money.

[Villanelle]

So even though it's cheaper, you won't stay in a rental without W/D, but you will stay in a hotel without that? 

I think, that never having stay at airbnb before, I am more comfortable in the hotel by default.  I'm not saying it makes a lot of sense, and I am talking myself into trying out airbnb, but right now my default comfort zone is hotel.

For me, it wouldn't be worth it to switch in the middle, especially because you might have a gap between check out and check in, where you either have to find somewhere to stash you bags, or you have to return to the hotel a few hours later to get the bags and move, eating up your vacation time, which is really want you are paying for.

This is exactly what I am trying to figure out, how much lost time during the day is worth to me.  I will be saving about $250 by switching.  And I am sort of trying to make this a vacation paid entirely by travel rewards just for fun. 

I am now leaning towards not switching and just staying in one place, though still not clear if it will be a hotel or airbnb.  I'd like to try out airbnb though and I am still looking for options that would work.

You might also want to contact some of the VRBO places, if the prices are right, and see if they would consider a 2 day rental.  Can't hurt to ask.  You could even keep the hotel, if that is your top choice right now, and then search rentals again closer to your trip (but still within the hotels cancelation policy) so that you can contact some places. If it is close to your dates and they are still not booked, they may be willing to lower prices a bit (I wouldn't ask for much but a small reduction is often much more appealing than an empty rental).

I need to get better look at VRBO site.  I looked yesterday and they seem to be more expensive than airbnb.

I was a bit hesitant before my first VRBO (or maybe it as AirBnB, but I tend to use the former more) experience. Now, I actually prefer them.  I just feel more comfortable, and everything feels more private.  Also, really great hosts will have a list of things to do, recommended restaurants (which are actually great local restaurants, not just places that give kickbacks to your hotel), and other tips and tricks.  Locations are often better than hotels, and you feel a bit less like a tourist.  The only downside, for me, of not staying in a hotel is that you don't have a front desk person to consult for directions or with questions, but for a well-planned trip, that's usually not necessary. 

If you save $250 by switching Lodging, then you save even more by just doing a rental, yes?  If so, for me that would be an absolute no-brainer.  Read the reviews carefully, and consider interacting with the host, even if it isn't strictly necessary, just to see how polite and helpful they are.  Ask for the name of the nearest bess or metro station, and their recommended way to get there from the airport, just to see if they are willing to help you out, and if they seem to be professional and well-prepared, even if you have already figured out those things on your own. 

[MsPeacock]

Agree with prior poster that it would be pound foolish to lose even 1/2 a day of a Paris vacation to move where you are staying. Assuming that you don't get to Paris often and that vacation days are valuable, and you have invested in airfare.... Don't lose vacation time to an errand that is easily avoided. What would you give up seeing I order to shuffle your stuff to another location? The Lourve? Versailles?

[Prairie Gal]

There are many rental agencies in Paris. Here is one that has a good reputation on Trip Advisor. http://www.vacationinparis.com

[Josiecat]

I stay in the Beaujolais by www.ParisPerfect.com.  It was amazing.

http://www.parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/beaujolais.php

[FiguringItOut]

I appreciate all comments.  I sometimes overthink things and don't see forest for the trees.

In my attempt to minimize my out of pocket cost I was trying to extract maximum value out of my 45,000 Chase Ultimate Reward points without thinking through the overall cost.

I wanted to get 2 fee night at Hyatt for 40K points total.  These rooms go for 378Euros per night, so my 40K points would be worth 750Euros.  Fantastic value!  Which is why I was considering 2 night at Airbnb for ~$115 per night plus fees and 2 night free at Hyatt.  So this endevor would cost me about $260 in total for two nights and create logistical and physical inconveniences of moving in the middle of visit to Paris.

These same 45K UR points are worth $450 in cash.  This sure is not 750Euros, but it will cover most of the 4 nights at Airbnb for me with only about $100 out of pocket left over. 

 

[Kris]

This might seem tangential, but it isn't: can I ask you what area of Paris you're looking at?

The reason I ask is, you're describing distances to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, which don't really give any sense as to where you are staying.  Walking distance to the Eiffel Tower, while potentially useful, isn't essential, as you will only go there once and can easily get there by metro.  Plus, there's not quite as much to do and see over on that side.  Better to be within walking distance of cafes, interesting shops, parks, a multitude of sites rather than one... 

I know Paris fairly well, having lived there for a couple of years and visited many times since (plus I'm bilingual English/French).  I'm sure others on here know Paris just as well... it's just that the way you are describing the location doesn't make intuitive sense to me, so if I can help give you advice on a better area, that might help you with your choice of hotel vs. Airbnb.

[JLR]

I agree. At first I was looking at staying near the Eiffel Tower for the wow factor. Then I realised it was far away from everything else. In the end we stayed near Notre Dame but still visited the Eiffel Tower twice. The first time we walked there along the river from Notre Dame to the Tower. It was in the evening and was just lovely. It was so exciting to see the lights and get closer and closer. Then we took the metro back to our accommodation. The second time we just took the metro both ways.

My tip, if you want to go up the Tower book it well in advance. The first night we went we waited in line for 45 mins, realised it would take about 2 hours in line to get to the top so piked out and caught the Metro home. That is why we ended up going a second time, to actually go to up. We got there around 3.30pm and got in line (tickets for the entire week of our stay were booked out by the time we arrived and went to book them). By the time we got to the top we were able to see Paris in the late afternoon then hang around for a very short time, watch the sunset and then see Paris at night from the top. This was autumn, so check your sunset times if you are interested. It ended up being a perfect experience.

[Villanelle]

That hotel strategy isn't really worth 750 Euro.  It's like saying some handbag is worth $20,000.  That might be what it costs to pay full price, and it might be "worth" that to someone, but to me, no purse is worth 5 figures.   It's only worth to you what it's, well... worth to you.  Its a similar fallacy so saying, "I saved so much money today because I bought a bunch of stuff 50% off".  You didn't save that money unless you were truly going to buy those things full price. 

You can get a viable alternative for those days for less than 750Eu so the room isn't worth that to you. 

[Daleth]

This might seem tangential, but it isn't: can I ask you what area of Paris you're looking at?

The reason I ask is, you're describing distances to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, which don't really give any sense as to where you are staying.  Walking distance to the Eiffel Tower, while potentially useful, isn't essential, as you will only go there once and can easily get there by metro.  Plus, there's not quite as much to do and see over on that side.  Better to be within walking distance of cafes, interesting shops, parks, a multitude of sites rather than one... 

I know Paris fairly well, having lived there for a couple of years and visited many times since (plus I'm bilingual English/French).  I'm sure others on here know Paris just as well... it's just that the way you are describing the location doesn't make intuitive sense to me, so if I can help give you advice on a better area, that might help you with your choice of hotel vs. Airbnb.

This x100.