For Paris, I found my apartment through this agency, which I would never recommend, ever. Although my landlady turned out to be an absolute gem and I adored my apartment in the Marais, dealings with the brokerage sucked. That’s all the time and attention I want to give that.
But…
Now I’m on the hunt for an apartment in San Francisco. I’ve decided it’s my next solo-trip destination, sometime between the seasons of “Gray” and “Gloom” here in Toronto early next year. I’m looking for an apartment with a view and in a easy-access location. So far, I’ve found a couple of great properties on AirBnB – have you checked them out yet?
Basically, AirBnB is an online community of property owners who rent out their flats/apartments anywhere from one day to month (even more in some cases). It’s cheaper than a hotel and more fun to experience, because you have access to some really great areas in some of the world’s most fascinating cities. Staying in apartment offers privacy, stellar location options and a chance to feel like a local. Many of these apartments are in even more premium locales than some popular hotels and right in the heart of the some of the best neighborhoods in the city.
AirBnB, so far, has been a great service to work with (I used them for our trip to NYC in August). I can research properties, contact the landlord and make arrangements. There is a small fee you pay to AirBnB for the hook-up, but it’s reasonable (mine was around $50 – it could vary though, not sure). For Paris, I paid more than $500 in brokerage fees!
I’m asked often about how I found my place in France and the truth is ….research. A quick Google search or recommendation from a friend can do wonders if you’re considering taking on the challenge of planning out your own solo-adventure. And that, dear readers, I absolutely recommend.
