Of all the Airbnb homes we have ever rented, "Appartement Jules et Jim" has been our absolute favorite. We felt so happy and at home during our entire stay, we didn't want to leave.
THE APARTMENT
Spacious and sunny on two upper floors of a historic home, it was the perfect place to enjoy winter in Montreal. We had plenty of room for the three of us to spread out and work/school from home. We didn't even mind the 14-day quarantine upon our arrival.
The main level is sunny and bright, with generous ceilings, a comfortable, double living room, a highly-functioning kitchen, and full-size laundry. The adjacent dining space invited long hours of shared family meals and laughs as we enjoyed the changing scenery out of its seven windows. There is also a generous bedroom and stylish full bath on this level.
Upstairs is cozy and comfortable under the eaves. Three bedrooms and a second bath offer separation and retreat. Our hosts even placed extra tables so each of us would have separate desk space for work and school during the day.
Stylish simplicity abounds. One feels like you are living in the pages of a Conran book.
THE DETAILS
Every need has been anticipated. Case in point? Hooks are everywhere you need them... on the backs of doors, at the sides of sinks, in the entry hall, above the kitchen counter, on the wall below the counter. It is details like these that exemplify our hosts' thought and care in ensuring guests are comfortable and space is maximized.
Open shelves in the living room display a bevy of French art books, games, puzzles, and vinyl albums to be played on the retro turntable. The kitchen and dining hutch are well-stocked and have almost any amenity one could require for whipping up and serving gourmet meals. The beds are super comfortable and accompanied by convenient bedside lighting, surface space, and storage. Even the simplicity of open garment racks is a welcome pleasure. The bathrooms, while smaller, are case studies in space efficiency, and so well-appointed — with sink trays, fresh soaps (fragrance-free when our hosts learned of sensitivities), and open shelving tucked into niches that they live bigger than their size.
The wifi network, heat, and hot water all worked seamlessly throughout our stay.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD
The area is a lovely balance of quiet residential streets — dotted with parks, playgrounds, and beautiful old churches — with conveniences and amenities nearby. From the apartment's windows, one can see skaters at the outdoor rink in the distance. Walking/bike paths along the river are just a block away. Two blocks up, Fleury Street hosts a variety of shops and conveniences. Downtown Montreal is a short drive, but this neighborhood was perfectly scaled for socially-distanced strolls.
THE HOSTS
Nathalie and Louis are the Dream Team! They go above and beyond to ensure their guests have every comfort. Upon our arrival, they surprised us with a delightful gourmet meal, fresh French bread, and wine... packed and ready for us to heat up as soon as we unloaded our luggage. Fresh eggs, juice, and more were already stored in the refrigerator.
As Nathalie and Louis live on the first floor, they are available anytime to answer questions and, if ever needed, send up supplies. Otherwise, the house is so well-built and quiet, we would not know they are there — save the occasional jazz notes of Louis' sax or delicious gourmet meal aromas wafting upstairs (only if we happen to leave the inner entry door open). In them, we feel like we have made wonderful new friends in Montreal, and hope to come back post-pandemic to enjoy their company in more socially conducive times.
Merci beaucoup, Nathalie et Louis!