Let's talk Airbnbs! One of my favorite things to do before a trip is to look at Airbnbs all over the city. For this trip, I booked a room fairly last minute and really lucked out. Choosing a place to stay is a personal decision, but here is what I look for:
An accessible location. The closer to metro, the better.
Cute or fun decor. A nice environment puts me in a good mood and gets me excited to explore.
Natural light, or even a balcony if I am ready to splurge.
Amenities. A nicely sized bed, towels, a fridge and microwave, and an espresso machine. It's also nice to be in a building with an elevator and/or AC, but these are not essentials for me. Some apartments even have a laundry machine, which is really deluxe! Take time to think about what really matters to you when you're traveling before you book.
I also look at the Host's rating and reviews, and of course the price.
I am staying in the 20e arrondissement for this trip, but I have stayed in the 7e, 8e, and 2e in the past. The 20e is further from the city center, but since I am well connected on the 3 metro line, I was willing to trade the convenience of being centrally located for the lower price of the 20e. Each arrondissement has its charms, so be sure to do your research before booking.
Here are some of my favorite aspects of the apartment I am renting; the vibrant colors in the living room, the kitty in the courtyard, and the lovely street where it is located.
PS: here is a peak at some of the other Parisian apartments I have rented in the past: