My wife, female cousin and I booked Claire's flat for a week as we participated in a trade show close to the airport.

The location, blocks from Gare du Nord, made it really easy to not only get to work everyday via metro (RER B) but was a great transportation hub for movement anywhere in the city.

The apartment had a Personality of its own. The unique decor, layout and great balcony view helped make our stay a positive one. It had everything 3 people would need for a week...full kitchen, wifi, clothes washer, all appliances plus the bathroom and an updated shower were in separate rooms. The layout allowed us to have personal private space whether it was in the large living room, dining or bedrooms as all have doors. Claire was easy to contact and very helpful with anything we asked.

A downside of the flat were the bedrooms. The master bed was rather small for a couple. At 6ft tall, I was unable to comfortably fit length wise and the weak mattress support added to the discomfort by the end of the week. Having no closet space forced me to hang my business suits in the 2nd room roll out clothes rack or doorknobs. I used the dining room to store my suitcase as the lack of space and light made it difficult to access clothes in the bedroom. The Fourth floor walk up (no elevator) may be an issue when you have a lot of luggage or it's been a long day.

Keep in mind that this pre-war building will have its quirks and creaks. The apartment feels lived in and since it's on a Main Street close to a main station; plenty of sights and sounds (both good and bad) will be experienced.

All in all, it fit our needs in terms of all the important things: price, location and space. Add to that the lovely charm and I can easily recommend this apartment for anyone who wants to live like a temporary Parisian.