Personally, I try to stay with highly rated hosts and Anne's five star rating is well deserved. Upon arrival, I was met by Anne's affable friend JC, who took the time to show me around the neighborhood and introduce me to several shop owners. Anne's neighbor was also outgoing and helpful with café and club suggestions that were volunteered and mapped out for me. To help me hit the ground running, Anne had left a bottle of wine and 10 metro tickets. Furthermore, Anne and her friends were always readily accessible by phone and email in the event of a question. Those types of gestures and attention to your stay reflect the friendly and welcoming environment that Anne has created for her guests.

As to the apartment itself, it has high ceilings, is spacious and very comfortable. (How many Paris apartments have a piano as well as a dining room table that can easily seat four?) The apartment is on a short, narrow street, which was very quiet. Noise was a non-issue. The apartment is very well maintained as Anne has a cleaning person come in each week. There is an elevator if you need it. A grocery store is across the street. There are numerous restaurants with indoor/outdoor seating a block away and the metro stop is about fifty yards from the front door.

Given the attention paid to make your stay optimal, the size and comfort of the apartment as well as the location, I have to think that an equivalent hotel experience would cost a small fortune. If you want a superior travel experience, you should seriously consider staying in Anne's apartment.