Paris in November

The good:

The city itself is fantastic and everyone has to go at least once in their lifetime! The best part of the apartment is it's location. Very central and close to restaurants, shops, attractions etc. We walked everywhere and had a lots of fun enjoying all the sites. The apartment is a good size for two people and has a somewhat modern kitchen. Water pressure was good and lots of hot water. Bed was comfy.

The not so good:

When we arrived the caretaker Regine was nowhere to be found and there was no place to put our luggage until the other renters cleared the apartment? We were told by e-mail that upon our arrival there would be a secure place for our luggage until the apartment was available. This was not the case. A man eventually showed up (caretakers husband I think) and put our luggage in the apartment while the other renters were still in the room. They did not seem impressed and I was not really comfortable with leaving my suitcases with strangers but had no choice as we had over 3 hours to kill before the apartment would be ready. When we came back Regine was there and was very friendly. I am french so communication was not an issue. When Regine gave the tour she pointed out that the clothes washer was broken. No explanantion was given other than she had not had time to get it repaired? I was somewhat dissapointed as this was one of the convenient features that had sold me on the apartment.

The other bad thing was the fridge. It had not been defrosted in a long time. The freezer was not usable an was one massive block of ice. As a result there was a really funky odor that seeped out every time you opened the fridge....not fun.

My biggest complaint was that the apartment could of been cleaner. That's all I'm saying on that one!

I wrote to the owner about these and other concerns as well. When they finally responded I got a lot of excuses and little more. Nothing was denied in regards to my concerns.

Right or wrong the owner is responsible to offer a location that is clean and organized. The customer does not want to hear excuses on why they overbooked or did not have time to clean or gets stuff repaired, etc.? How is this their problem?

The other reviews appear positive so maybe they just had a bad week, who knows?

In the end having the owners make excuses and offering nothing to compensate (even in gesture) did not help in my overall opinion of this experience.

My husband and I recently tagged along to Paris with my parents for their 30th wedding anniversary. We stayed at this apartment and absolutely loved it!! The owners with amazing to work with prior to deparutre, offered up great hints and tips and the women who takes care of the apartment was very friendly and warm (even though she speaks little to no English. :) The apartment is in a fantastic location, about a 2 minute walk from the Louvre and depending how ambitious are you about 25min from the Eifel Tower. Overall, we had a fantastic experience and would recomman this place to anyone. It is a bit tight for four adults but considering the location and surroundings, it's well worth it.

Many thanks!

We just returned from a one week stay in this rental (May2009). The location cannot be beat and the apartment was cozy yet comfy for the three of us. In the heart of the city, most of the major sights are within walking distance, or short hop on the metro (several metro stops also within short walking distance). Pays to do your research beforehand as this is not a full service hotel. The property is very well kept and clean. The owners were wonderful to communicate with prior to, during, and afterward. Quick replies with great local knowledge. I would be happy to rent again for return trip to Paris and would highly recommend this property for friends and family.

This apartment is small, yet excellent for 3 people. The sofa bed is quite comfortable. Best of all was the location. Only a block away from the Louvre. There's a small grocery store opposite the apartment, a prize winning baker a few doors down with extraordinary baguettes and croissants (pastries too)and a wonderful fruit stand a few feet away. Excellent linens and kitchen facilities. The guardienne was very accommodating and helpful...always with an excellent disposition. I rate this apartment a 5.

We just returned from a spring break trip to Paris-my hubby and I, our teen daughter and 9 year old son. What a wonderful place to stay during our trip! I highly recommend an apartment rental over a hotel. The apartment is in an excellent location for sightseeing with nearby metro, food markets, and restaurants. The size is definitely small and I wouldn't recommend it for more than two adults with children. The kitchen was more than adequate for our cooking needs and allowed us to have breakfast in and cook a few dinners. It is very handy to have for snacks and such for the kids. The bathroom took getting used to-again small-but worked for us. It was also handy to have a washing machine. The apt. was fully equipped for all our needs. It was also VERY quiet and peaceful for a good nights sleep. I worried that we were often too loud having a teen and a rambunctious boy! The building is old and may at first appear a bit shabby but, really, it is quaint, quiet, and safe. There isn't a view to speak of but, that made it quiet and safe to sleep with the windows open. Regine is very friendly and will do her best to communicate with you if you don't speak French. All and all, I would say we had a great stay and would recommend this apartment. Also, Monique and Nicolas were a delight to do business with. We found the majority of Parisians to be friendly and helpful, often taking the time to ask us if we needed assistance (we were lost quite a bit). I can't wait to return!!! PS-it's up a few flights of stairs, as is most everything in Paris, but it's good for the thighs.

My partner, I and our 8 month old son stayed in this apartment in January 2009. We had a fantastic time and much of this was as a result of staying in such an excellent place. It is located in the centre of Paris and various attractions are within very short walking distance. If you want to wander further afield then there are excellent transport links in close proximity.
On the doorstep are various restaurants, boulangeries and shops. All that you would ever need. On our first day we obviously didnt have our eyes open and managed to walk by them all without seeing them - and then wondered where the shops were!! I don't understand how we managed to miss them. They start directly infront of the apartment.
We were amazed at how incredibly quiet the apartment was even with its central location. Our son certainly had no noises waking him up at any point. The apartment is exactly how it is described by the owners and was a brilliant size for our family to relax in. Our son even enjoyed his first ever shower and loved it!!
It was impeccably clean and the kitchen was equipped with everything we needed. Also there was plenty of floor space in the living area for our son to play in (always important when tiring out a little boy).
I'm sure I've forgotten what other things I should mention about this apartment but suffice it to say, we think we couldn't have found anywhere better to stay.
I am, although a frequent visitor to France, a first time visitor to Paris. My partner had never been to France at all before. We both loved it, had an absolutely fantastic time and didnt want to leave. We wouldnt hesitate to return not just to Paris but also we wish to stay in the apartment again.
Hey Monique - can we?!

Thank you so much

Soozi, Nick and Ethan xx

The appartment was superbly located a walking distance away from Metro station Chatelet. The property was well maintained and very clean. The interior is designed a nice and super clever way. Personally i liked the fact that the house was decorated a bit with the upcoming festive season. Initially we planned to arrive at the appartment at 13.00 however we arrived earlier. It was no problem to go up to the appartment (1st floor). We dropped our bags and went straight on a shopping spree to the nearby Bazar Hotel de Ville (BHV). Many attractions are a walking distance away such as the Louvre, Place de Vendome, many nice tinny shops such as a nice bakery and a greengrocer. The fact that there was information on restaurant and other tourist information books was seen as an additional bonus as well for us. I definately would like to recommend this place to other people in a fact i have already done so. Nicolas et Monique merci beaucoup et je reviens

We rented this apartment the thanksgiving weekend, and the location is unbeatable. We walked from here to Louvre, Notre Dame, Eiffel tower, shopping (forum des halles etc), Musee d'Orsay, Pont Neuf, etc. The metro is few minutes walk and very convenient

Also next door are several creperies, cafes, patisseries, restaurants, chocolate shops, super markets, fresh fruit and vegetables etc. Regine (the guardiane) can help book taxi for return journey to the airport. The kitchen was well stocked with utensils/cutlery and basic requirements like salt/oil/spices etc. Bed is very comfortable. Bathroom is tiny, but overall we loved the apartment.

Also for Vegetarians, there is a vegetarian restaurant close by with very interesting food (La Victoire Suprême du Coeur, 1st, 41 rue des Bourdonnais, tel# 01 40 41 93 95).