Our first Paris airbnb rental was not acceptable because of an out-of-commission elevator (no fault of our landlord). We had to find new accommodations quickly while we were already in Paris. After a feverish search over several hours while dealing with jet lag, Claudia responded quickly to our inquiry. Even though she was out of the country on business, she made arrangements for her mother to meet us the next morning at the apartment. So, from the beginning of the contact with Claudia to the handing over of the keys (from Marie, her mother), it was less than 24 hours, and, once we were happily ensconced in Claudia's apartment, I knew that we were going to have a great vacation in Paris.

In terms of the apartment that is perfectly furnished for a couple, you could not expect better accommodations at such a great price in a beautiful and safe neighborhood that is just a five minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe.

The photographs for this listing do not begin to tell the story. The apartment is on the fourth floor. As you enter, the living room/dining room is to your left. Two long French windows from floor to ceiling fill the room with light and provide views of the side street with shops, restaurants, a food market, and a public bicycle station (Velib). The toilet is to your immediate right after entering, and next to it is the full kitchen with new appliances – refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and washing machine. The kitchen is fully equipped for cooking meals at home, and the morning light and generous dimensions make this a great space – much more than the galley kitchens in many Parisian apartments. Down the hallway you come to a beautiful bathroom and then the bedroom that also has two floor-to-ceiling French windows with an incredibly comfortable queen bed and ample storage space for clothes.

Since no one is living here as his/her primary residence, you do not have the hassle of family clutter. This is a pristine, clean apartment that is ready for your occupancy.

In terms of location, the eighth arrondissement is an elegant neighborhood, and the Saint-Philippe du-Roule Metro station (just a five minute walk from the apartment), means that all of Paris is there for your exploration.

As experienced travelers with a lot of accumulated miles across Europe, I have to say that this is one of the best accommodations that we have enjoyed over the past 35 years. And, of course, we want to return very soon to Claudia's apartment when Paris calls us back.