In a word (add Parisian accent when you read): Superb! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Lorraine’s apartment. Before I booked I asked Lorraine a couple of questions, which were quickly answered. Once booked Lorraine was quick to reply to any other questions. If staying at Lorraine’s place and taking the Metro ensure you exit at Jaures station. We got out at Stalingrad and had difficulty finding the street due to local construction and unfamiliarity with the area. Lorraine met us at the apartment and showed us how everything worked.
The apartment is amazingly spacious for the price and was perfect for us as a couple travelling with our adult daughter. An actual two bedroom apartment! I don’t know if this is as much of a rarity as I think but it certainly seems that way. Most places advertised as big enough for 3 or more are usually a one bedroom with couch or futon used as the second bed. Lorraine’s place is a full two bedroom and is amazingly spacious! It is in a more modern building, not the standard Haussmann style you see everywhere. It overlooks the Bassin de la Villette but the huge trees in front of the building obscure the view a little but are beautiful in their own right. There is a beautiful garden view from the bedrooms at the rear of the apartment.
The beds were comfortable and ours was a full queen size and the second bed was a double. The couch in the living room is a pull out bed as well if we are not mistaken. We enjoyed having a coffee and listening to the sounds of the neighbourhood sitting in the living room. Lorraine’s place also has a dishwasher which will appeal to many.
The local area has amazing restaurants and things to do (we didn’t rent a boat in the Bassin, but we will next time). As mentioned the Metro will get you anywhere in Paris in a few minutes and the Jaures station is just a few minutes down the road. We felt safe in the area around the apartment.
The apartment has everything you need for a stay in Paris. Lorraine provides multiple guidebooks to Paris if you need them. She made sure we had enough info to get started with our stay. She made sure we knew about the local shopping for groceries as if you are like us you like to have access to non restaurant food at times. After a couple of days she checked in with us to see how we were doing which we appreciated.
If you are concerned about taking the Metro to get there we recommend using Uber to and from CDG (around €50 depending on size, but the Metro to Gare du Nord is over €30 on the train and you have to know how to transfer to the Metro etc). We used Uber to get back to CDG and we arrived relaxed and ready to tackle the security gauntlet.
Checkout was as simple as tidying up and then leaving the keys on the table since we had to leave before Lorraine could get back to meet us.
We offer our highest recommendation to anyone looking at her place as a potential for a stay in Paris. You won’t regret it.