There were pros and cons for Gilian’s place, and though I wanted to like it, ultimately I can not recommend for all travelers. The price value was a positive, and for Paris stays in this price range this place probably isn’t bad, but I might spend more to get more next time myself.
Four people can sleep here, but the beds are very small, the mattresses thin, and the bottom beds a little slanted to one side, which did cause some back pain to be honest. Even for a European bathroom, this one was small. In fact, the entire place, including the bathroom, could be described as a room and not really an apartment. The small wooden ladder to the loft part of the room was slight, wobbly, and did not fell safe. At 250 lbs myself, I ultimately chose not to climb to the loft for fear I would break the ladder.
Communication with Gilian was fine and self check-in was easy. The location was fairly convenient with about a 3 minute walk to one Metro station or about a 7 minute walk to another. The area felt generally safe overall; however, and this is a significant point here, there were several, and I mean several, “ladies of the night” up and down the street on which the apartment is located. Each night walking we witnessed this subtle display of “merchandise” in the door stoops lining the street, including directly across the street from the apartment. Again, nothing felt unsafe and I know this is Paris, but especially for those with children, such as myself, it’s something to consider. It’s nothing Gilian himself can help and I actually wouldn’t let this dissuade me, but I think other travelers should be aware.
Overall, not a bad stay at Gilian’s place, but nothing special either. The price may justify the stay here for some, but personally I can not recommend.