Your Own Haven in Paris
In these uncertain financial times, the best way to travel is to travel intelligently: to plan ahead, to do accurate budgeting and to really know what you want out of your holiday. I was lucky enough to recently met Erica Berman of Haven In Paris to have a chat about how to get the most out of accommodation in Paris.
Like many, Erica fell under the charms of Paris many years ago and she now successfully balances her time between her native Massachusetts, Maine, France and Italy. Erica created Haven In Paris 4 years ago to provide just that – special havens for travelers. She has carefully selected high-quality apartments based in the nicest areas of the city.
It seems that she has something for the various styles of distinguished traveler. I visited three quite different apartments. The first one bedroom had what one could call the French touch – it was nicely decorated, elegant but still homey with elements of modern design. A key factor was the nice balcony overlooking Place des Abbesses and Sacre Coeur (perfect for breakfast or an afternoon Aperitif), and the panorama of all of Paris’ monuments from the South side of the apartment.
The next one-bedroom was also in the Abbesses neighborhood. To my mind, it was more of a real Parisian apartment. While it is in a slightly touristy area, you would never guess that from the inside. The décor was very Paris, original, slightly-design, but with hints of France here and there. The spacious and bright living room lined with a balcony was certainly a plus.
The last apartment was tucked on a small street, beside a garden and a stone’s throw from the Louvre, Palais-Royal and the Opera, it is certainly an artistic haven. Its Franco-American owner had the apartment completely redone, transforming a traditional Parisian apartment into a sensory experience of art, color and design.
Erica also highlighted how much cheaper it is to opt for an apartment rental instead of staying in a luxury hotel. Haven in Paris high-season rental rates average from 595 euros/week for two people to 3750 euros/week for 8 people. At a boutique or luxury hotel, the rate usually starts at 500 euros a NIGHT and can even be upwards of 750 euros or more for the Bristol or the George V, making for weekly rentals for just 2 people of 3500 to 5250 euros. This is, of course, not withstanding all the other savings and bonuses of apartment living; dining chez vous, free high speed wifi internet, phone, your own computer (in most apartments)…. And simply the experience of being a part of a real French neighborhood and community.
Posted by Lily
Lily has been living in Paris for over 10 years, she is the manager of our France and Spain operations. Outside the office she spends her time exploring Europe, visiting the latest exhibits and discovering off-beat places, and tracking down good vegetarian food.
March 10th, 2009 under Accommodation, Budget Conscious Travel, City Life, Context Travel, Paris.
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I just booked an apartment with Haven in Paris for a week at the end of May. I loved using the website with the extensive photos, detailed descriptions, availability calendars and customer reviews. Erica and her team were great to deal with and found us a beautiful apartment at pretty short notice.
Comment by Pauline Kenny — March 10, 2009 @ 12:22 pm
Great to get a customer’s perspective! Thanks for letting us know Pauline and check back in when you get back — we’d love to know how your stay went.
Comment by Jessica — March 11, 2009 @ 2:20 pm