You couldn’t ask for a more marvelous location in Paris, especially during the holiday season. Charming shops, everything you need in 1-3 blocks, and just a short walk to Sacre Coeur, the Opera and more. Really Rue des Martyrs is a very special place and within just a few days we felt quite at home. Don’t miss the pastry shop downstairs, the cheese shop on the corner run by a sweet elderly couple, the meat shop just across the street, and Cafe M a few blocks away!
Charles the host is very communicative and helpful, with quick replies to any question that don’t make you feel the least bit of a bother for asking. Check in was flawless and Charles kindly arranged rides for us to the airport at a reasonable price, which proved critical during a city-wide transportation strike during our stay.
Kitchen is pretty well stocked with a surprisingly good selection of equipment, though the knives could be sharper. Large, cold fridge, a microwave and a coffeemaker (thoughtfully filled with water on our arrival) were really all we needed. There’s a washer/dryer in the unit that will wash AND dry a very small load. Larger loads will need to be hung to dry - the radiators worked just fine for that and was a great experience to my kids who are quite spoiled by American-sized appliances.
Kids (ages 9 and 13) LOVED their pull-out couches, though the master double was a bit short for my 6’3” husband (read those bed dimensions carefully!) and the bed frame is getting a little rickety. The one improvement we would suggest is more lighting, especially important for older guests or during the winter.
Thank you, Charles, for a wonderful experience in your city. Location combined with flawless hospitality make this apartment a great find!