THE APARTMENT: At 29 bis, rue Saint-Didier, it is walking distance to Metro Trocadero, west of the city centre and close to the Eiffel Tower. There are 97 apartments, ranging from studios to two-bed apartments, generally equivalent to three-star-plus hotel properties. The exception is Citadines' Saint-Germain-des-Pres property which is akin to a five-star hotel, and comes with a 100 euro rate premium.
THE CHECK-IN: Friendly and efficient, as you would expect. There is a key-controlled door to the street for added security and there's someone on duty at the front desk around the clock.
THE APARTMENT: My one-bed apartment was a simple one-room apartment equipped with free wifi internet, TV, air conditioning, hi-fi, iron and ironing board, vacuum cleaner, small safe, basic kitchenette (with fridge, dishwasher, microwave and two-ring burner), table area for eating in the lounge and ample storage cupboards. There was also a small bathroom – with hairdryer and basic toiletries – and a separate toilet.
THE BUSINESS: There are no meeting rooms but there is complimentary wifi internet access throughout. There is a car park but it needs to be booked in advance.
THE FACILITIES: The fridge is empty on arrival but local restaurants offer their take-away menus if you don’t want to cook an evening meal – and there's a supermarket just yards away. There's also a small area in the lobby that offers a very good continental breakfast each morning. Guests can opt to pay for extras such as daily cleaning, laundry, dry cleaning and a shopping service.
THE VERDICT: A comfortable apartment and in a good location, with various transport options on offer nearby making it easy to
get round the city.
THE DETAILS: Room rates vary according to length of stay. Rates are ten per cent cheaper for seven to 30-day stays than for a one to six-day stay. There is no minimum stay. Rates start from 310 euros (around £274) per night for a one-bed apartment but it’s worth checking for special offers on the website. Tel: 0800 376 3898; see: www.citadines.com Gillian Upton
