We rented for eight days and seven nights. If you are staying for just a long weekend, the cons may not be as impactful. Communication with the host, Xavier, was excellent. Rapid responses to our questions and concerns! Follow instructions and look at photos of entry and you’ll find it easy enough. It worked out that we were able to get in before 3:00 pm and that was a bonus! Review photos of the interior and note that there are no Parisian vibes here, only an Asian, African, Eclectic mix. Overall, this rental definitely had a bachelor living ambiance and set-up.
Pros to location: If you want to be right in the thick of it, then this is the place! Metro line 3 is very close and line 4 is not too much farther. Neighborhood is full of places to eat, drink, and shop. Several grocery options nearby. Felt safe, convenient to get to and fro, enjoyed the buzz and the people watching (café tables ALL have seating facing the street for a reason). Location, location, location- thumbs up for us!
Cons to location: Busy streets day and night. Navigating around the scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians may be tedious for some. We didn’t care, but thought folks should be aware. Do not recommend it if you have issues walking unassisted- mostly cobblestone in this area. Choose a quieter neighborhood near public transportation to avoid the daily stress.
Pros of apartment: Clean. Kitchen has basic items needed for a vacation stay. Loved that rapid heat kettle! Quiet place as it is an interior setting away from streets- you hear nothing*. Large bathroom and great water pressure. Separate toilet room helps to make it work for two people. The queen bed with a firm mattress was comfortable.
*Found out at 8:00 am sharp the day after arrival that the adjacent apartment was undergoing renovations. Per host when questioned “Sorry for that! I heard that they had a leak in their apartment...” Initially right by the head of the bed- drilling, sawing, hammering, etc. On subsequent days the noise clearly came from other areas of that apartment too. Hopefully this nightmare is over for the next renter, but I get the impression this is more than a leak. Ask before booking!
Cons of apartment: Access up one and a half semi-spiral type staircase was narrow and difficult with luggage. Besides the bed, there were zero flat surfaces without keepsakes, knick-knacks, or other personal items from the owner present. We felt like intruders instead of welcome renters who traveled thousands of miles with our own necessities and items to unpack. No table to eat a meal/take away. There were two folding chairs available and we cleared the top of the bookshelf at the foot of the bed to create a table option. The fold out couch bed/hide-a-bed was rough. Needs a replacement mattress- back pain from the support bar was definite vacation negative. Don’t try more than two people as space is tight. Pillows for the bed were flat and sad. Linens had fabric pilling that revealed their age. No garbage can in the toilet room- what about feminine hygiene products? Surely French women aren’t trotting through their apartments with their used items in hand! Had to improvise with bags we found in the kitchen.
Location made this a good stay for us, but the apartment set-up could definitely use some tweaking.