Top 10 reasons to stay at a vacation rental instead of a hotel

Absorb life as a neighbor, not a visitor

If you really want to experience the life of your destination city, this first reason easily rates 1 through 5 of the top ten. Come. Join us for a little journey through our two weeks at “My Little Home in Paris”.

Step out of your cab just off Place Contrescarpe near the top of the Latin Quarter’s fabulous rue Mouffetard. Just a few steps down your private pedestrian street, rue Rollin, the sounds of children at play fill the air with soft, joyous exchanges. The bright September day matches the smile of our host, Sandy, as she welcomes us to our home. Step through the open, cobbled courtyard to the back building, up a flight of stairs and voila! You enter a charming and exceptionally stylish, 18th century apartment, one completely renovated with great respect and consideration for comfort.

If you’ve ever stayed in two- or three-star hotels in Paris, you’ll understand that space and convenience are not currencies of the day! We’ll rush through the amenities to get to the overall experience. Begin in the petite, bright kitchen with every thoughtful utensil and appliance to satisfy each desire from the simple glass of wine and appetizer to the preparation of a complete meal. Also off the living room is a wonderfully complete, spacious bathroom with tub, no less, and, unlike most French hotels, at no extra charge.

Your living/bedroom is equipped with the most comfortable sofa bed we’ve ever experienced, tasteful art objects, local magazines, maps and menus, flat-screen television and drop-leaf dining table in front of a sun-drenched window overlooking the courtyard. Just through the doorway to the right is another windowed, small room with the piece de resistance. We discover our own, free internet-accessed computer and, again free, international phone AND cell phone. Are you KIDDING? No. From your apartment, call anywhere free. Get your phone card, and you’ve a cell to use in Paris.

Before she presents our keys and invitation to call for anything, Sandy tells us, “Oh. There’s a chilled bottle of champagne in the refrigerator for you to celebrate your arrival!”

Now to the “experience”, but let’s review several of the top ten reasons to choose a vacation rental. Space, Style and Comfort, Privacy, Kitchen and Bath Conveniences, Extraordinary Hospitality and Personal Assistance, Free Internet and Telephones. Oh, and at the top of the list for many, the price at 80 Euros per night or 500 Euros