Despite the absence of the host, her delegate (from another apartment in the building) checked us in without problems, despite lack of English.

The apartment was as described, but perhaps the perfect location should be emphasised - near almost everything by walking; five minutes to metro; buses outside; taxi stand with metered taxis five minutes away; about four million bistros, cafes, restaurants, markets and food shops within a two block radius.

Close by you will find lots of specialty shops for homewares, clothing, shoes and bags as well as souvenir type things of a better quality then found in souvenir shops near the tourist centres. Along the street are also the usual upmarket 'brand' shops by the dozen.

Across the street you will find a taxidermist, leaving really nothing to be desired :)

Heaters (radiators) in the apartment were able to be turned off and windows kept open at night making for good sleeping conditions. Despite the traffic and police/ambulance sirens during the day, everything went very quiet during the night. Great!