Renting flat from centreparis.com
 

after weeks of research i decided to rent a small flat for the 4 of us (2 young kids) in paris over easter holidays. I came across this website (centreparis.com) which seems to have reasonably priced properties and i would like to hear from people who used this site and their experience. one thing I sm concerned about is the fact that I have to collect the keys from another part of paris rather than in the building where the flat is!!! did any one find that a problem?

Not necessarily bad but...
 

Hi Sam - think it was me that turned you on to centreparis.com, but as I noted I have not used them myself. Which apartment are you considering and where would you have to pick up the keys - is it far from the apartment? Also, I prefer to have someone meet me at the apartment to make sure all is in order on arrival. Would you also have to return the keys to an office rather than leave in the apartment? That could be a pain at departure time.
Have you also checked on www.homelidays.com? They list some reasonably priced places that may suit - e.g., property 191106 looks like it would work and is in a decent location, may even be able to take the Air France bus from CDG to Gare de Lyon and walk from there.
What are the dates you need the place in Paris?

thanks for replying...the keys issue is a real pain and considering that we will be arriving late night with two kids, the last thing we need is that..i think i will give it a miss and look for a hotel

Not a universal policy
 

Sam - totally understand the sentiment, but keep in mind that this is not a standard practice with apartment rentals. In fact, some agencies (like vacationinparis.com) will send you the keys in advance so you receive them prior to departure. Also have a look at www.kudeta-home.com for some of their studios, several of which look to be at or close to your budget. Would be worth asking if accommodation could be made for the kids.
As discussed on the previous thread, in your situation an apartment may actually work out to be the better deal when you factor in the ability to make your own meals, along with the comfort factor. Hotels in Paris, especially but not only at the lower end of the price spectrum, tend to have small rooms that could not accommodate your group of 2 adults plus 2 children in one room. In many, there is enough room for the bed with very little extra space unless it is a family room which costs more than a standard double.

Rent a place where they'll meet you, get your through the key system for the building (the varieties of which are many), show you how the heat, lights, tv, hot water, kitchen appliances all work. Even more important if you're arriving at night with kids. And ask for contact with someone who rented that unit before, if they'll give it to you. A direct referral saying a place and owner are ok is a big leg up.

Second this advice. I have never heard of a (reputable) rental firm here in Paris not meeting their clients with the keys and some basic operating instructions for the apartment.