.3rd Le Marais holiday apartment

My husband and I, Americans in our mid-60's, stayed in this apt for 10 days in April. It was a comfortable, newly renovated 1 BR, decorated in a sophisticated, modern Ikea style. We particularly liked its well-furnished kitchen and fast Internet connection.(though it would be convenient to have a small desk, with chair, to place our computer on rather than using the high dining counter. )

It's in a great location, with many small shops plus several larger supermarkets are a stone's throw away. The nearest bus stop was about 50 yards with good north-south routes going across the Seine, and the east-west bus stop heading toward downtown was about 75 yards. The public bus that mimics the tourist trail double decker buses, Bus 69, stops nearby at the Hotel de Ville. Two major Metro stops, one outside the Pompidou Center, were within 300 yards. For walkers, the Seine and Notre Dame southward are about 3/4 of a mile stroll, and heading eastward Place Bastille is about a mile. 5 major museums are in very short walking distance.

The owner answered all questions by email, and provides a complete "visitors' book" with instructions for operating the appliances, including the unitary washer-dryer, not a familiar item to Americans. The apt was spotless when we arrived and had basic staples. Our security deposit was refunded within 3 days of our departure. We would stay there again and highly recommend it for 2 people. I would ask for a second key; there was only one, which required more coordination between my husband and me than usual.

Favorite attractions in this area: the museums Carnavalet, Picasso, Jewish History, Arts and Metiers, the Archives National, and the Pompidou.Churches: St Eustache near Les Halles, with its overlooked Rubens in Apse 6, or the nearby lovely Fountain des Innocents, the only remaining Renaissance fountain in Paris. Finally, this area is the wholesale district for high-style handbags, shoes, and jewelry; you'll get a visual treat just walking around the block.

We would return again tomorrow if we could! It was very good value for the money, and exceeded our expectations.

--Nancy and Michael, San Francisco CA, USA

We were a bit uneasy renting an apartment via a website. However the experience and correspondence with the owner has been all positive. We stayed a week in April 2009 and loved this place. The living room is the center of activity with comfortable and appropriate furnishings and Internet. The kitchen with coffee maker, washer/dryer and dishwasher was modern and well equipped to prepare meals. Bedroom was very comfortable and adequate space and temporary storage. The location is fantastic for access to bakeries, subways, and easy walk to Pompidoux Ctr, Hotel deVille, Isle de la cite. and Notre Dame. Great find.

We thoroughly enjoyed our week in the Marais apartment. It was fantastically located - 2 minutes from the heart of the Marais for bars, restaurants and shops, 2 minutes from the Pompidou Centre for some culture, and gentle walk to the Ile St Louis and Latin Quarter. Marvellous. The flat was a delight - comfortable and warm (when it was wet and windy outside) with a huge sofa, a well equipped kitchen (we even did some washing!), and a lovely bathroom.
Thank you Severine, we'll come again.