Here are the two choices:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/223610

Pros: cheaper, located in the 6th arron.

Cons: 4th floor no elevator, smaller, no landline with calls to the US, the sink is right beside the bed, has a washer dryer

http://www.flipkey.com/paris-condo-rentals/p264392/?utm_source=flipkey&utm_medium=email&utm_term=propertyname&utm_campaign=rbo_inquiry_confirm#pdp-location-nav

Pros: elevator with views, meets our requirements (wifi, centralized airconditioning, landline with calls to the US, washer dryer)

Cons: a lot more expensive

Thanks in advance!

Oops I meant to say the washer dryer is a pro not a con.

You only have a choice of 2 apartments? I'd bet every arrondisement has cheese shops, mom & pop groceries, cafes, etc. I always enjoy the vibe in the Marais or Bastille. Of your two choices, I'd choose St. Germaine. I imagine the Champs was beautiful around 1910...not so much now.

If you're American the first apartment will be on the 5th floor (US), not the 4th (European). As much as I'd prefer the 6th over the Champs Elysees area the second apartment is much better. The one in the 6th is in a great location but I would not do those stairs several times a day. It's not just the sink that's next to the bed but the shower as well. They're not in a separate room from the bed.

Why don't you keep looking although you don't have much time.

We MUCH prefer the 6th but I wouldn't suggest staying in that apartment. If these two are your only choices, I guess the Champs Elysees is better. But I suggest you look further. Good Luck.

Of the two, I would definitely choose the 6th. Elevators are often tiny and slow, so you might not want to wait for it anyway. If you are in your 20s the stairs might not be too bad. I think you will like the area better. You have to be careful where you eat on the Champs Elysees--some restaurants are just so expensive and the stores are not that special. I would like the neighborhood feel of St. Germain better. The apartment in the 6th looks like it's kind of near Le Bon Marche department store, Luxembourg gardens, lots of restaurants and some lively areas at night. Have fun!

The Champs is a sterile desert--even heard a piece on NPR the other day that they are lamenting the change to the chain stores and car dealerships. Hard to believe you only have two possibilities!!

I think I've narrowed it down to two options because I only considered le marais and st germain area.

The champs apartment is only a strong choice because it meets all our requirements:

1. Wifi
2. Elevator
3. Landline with calls to the US
4. Washer dryer
5. A definite must for my husband: central air conditioning (not the portable kind) and this is where my options have become SO limited.
Plus we're arriving in May and a lot have been booked as well.

I'm just not too sold on staying in champs area, that's why I'm posting here.

Sigh.

Should I consider staying in a different arrondissement aside from le marais and st germain? Could you please recommend another that perhaps has the same vibe?

Thank you for being so patient with me!

I agree with some of the others and prefer the 6th over the Champs area. Why don't you add the fifth/ Latin Quarter? It's got lots of what you want.

I'd keep looking, even though it's late. Yes, you should widen your scope. There's no reason to be so narrow in your outlook as to where it's OK to stay in Paris. I've been 100+ times and stayed in the 20th last time (late fall 2012) and loved it. You're young and active and can hop on the métro/buses and be anywhere in no time.

<< A definite must for my husband: central air conditioning >>

I hate hot weather but have never needed A/C in Paris in May, even the last time I was there it was quite hot during the day but my apartment had delightful cross breezes and the temps cooled off at night.

If you're booking an apartment and depending on A/C you should definitely ask if it will be turned on in May as May is not A/C season in Europe, even in hotter climates.

You should also look at places in the 14th.

Even those hotels that have AC are not necessarily going to have it turned on in May. Electricity is incredibly expensive in France, and there is a strong mentality about not wasting resources. And I agree, I've never needed AC in Paris in May.

Ok I shall widen my options and will consider the 5th and 14th too.

About the AC, it's not me but it's my husband! I can tolerate not having AC but he really doesn't do well without AC. He sweats like crazy and last year we were in Italy same time in May in a hotel without AC and he didnt sleep AT ALL! Poor guy. So this trip AC is a must!

Thanks for the tips!

Although I've stayed all over Paris since the mid 70s, I have stayed mostly in the 6th as that's what's most convenient for me. So, if I had to choose between the 6th and 8th, I'd choose the 6th. I've never been one for the 8th.

Did you also try www.vacationinparis.com , www.parisbestlodge.com , www.homeaway.com , and www.vrbo.com ? I have gotten apartments through both Vacation in Paris and Homeway, but not with air as I never need it.

Happy Travels!

<< He sweats like crazy >>

Can't he open the window to cool off?

You can never tell about the weather. Two years ago I was in Sicily at the end of May and it was quite cool and damp. I didn't open the window during the last week.

Good luck with thinking you need ac in Paris in May, you are forgetting Paris is quite north of Italy, and you will simply not have hot nights to worry about , you may get lucky and have some warm days but I find its never more then 70-75 in may and that's daytime highs, nights cool down. And as said, even places with a/c may not wish/allow you to use it ( waste it in their minds) in May. I have also been very cold in May, even had to buy another long sleeved sweater, just a warning.

Rome in May can get hot, and stays hot. Different .

I dislike the Champs area, and like St Germain a lot more, but if certain things are really that much more important then locale then you have to choose.

There is also the hotel option.

Ok, just looked at two apartments( should have done that first). well I like the one on Champs area way better. I hate corner beds .. who gets to crawl over who to get out to go to the bathroom! ?

I do find both apartments very fancy and nice, but too expensive for this poor girl... I spend my $$ on wine!