02.20.09
Where to stay - a Hotel or an Apartment?
For years, we traveled to Europe booking our favorite 4-star hotels. Occasionally, we ventured out and tried a new hotel or a different area of the city. But as I have always thought, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” Yet, times changed and our family grew. Our one $400 room would no longer fit everyone, so we added another now $450 room. We were constantly concerned that the children’s room be as close to ours as possible. (Though they were certainly growing up and did not share our concern.)
Our travel style began to change as well. Instead of continuing to be the stereotype American tourists who cram as many cities into a week as possible, we began staying longer at each destination and thoroughly enjoying each city. On a recent visit to Paris, we sympathized with a couple who breathlessly were trying to take it all in. The husband had surprised his wife with a well-planned trip to Europe - a different city every day!
In the midst of all our travel style changes, we discovered Paris apartments. What a discovery it was! For almost the same price as one of our small hotel rooms, we could have a beautiful two-bedroom apartment. No longer did we have to get dressed and rush down to breakfast, we had our own full kitchen to eat whatever and whenever we wanted. Later, as we traveled with other couples, it was nice to share an apartment with a lovely living room to sit and discuss all the adventures of the day.
Since then, we’re sold. As long as we are staying at least 5 days, we book an apartment and experience Paris like a Parisian. We have discovered our own favorite areas, usually the ones that make us feel like we have our own little niche in the city. From luxurious to charming, each apartment is different. Many offer the usual amenities of home; so much so, we are never ready to leave!
Our experiences have left us so inspired that today we have our own company that offers Paris apartments to travelers. Paris Ambiance lists apartments for owners and managers with no additional charge to renters. It’s your chance to live like a Parisian! We welcome you to visit: www.ParisAmbiance.com