Following a somewhat stressful rush-hour trip from CDG into central Paris, it was a genuine pleasure to walk into the peace and quiet of Alexandra’s apartment. Sadly, Alexandra herself was out of town when we arrived, but we were greeted with grace and enthusiasm by Madame Gonçalves, the concierge who, with her husband, live in an apartment on the building’s ground floor. Although we didn't, as it turned out, have many questions during out week-long stay, Madame Gonçalves was always around during the few times that we needed information. We’ve had several communications with Alexandra both during and since our stay: she is extremely personable and responsive, i.e., exactly the kind of host you'd want to have.
The apartment was lovely! We’ve stayed at dozens of Airbnb apartments over the past five or six years, and this was our favorite. We were joined in Paris by our adult daughter, and the apartment with its two bedrooms and two bathrooms, easily accommodated the three of us. It was large, clean, beautiful, charming and the beds were comfortable. Because it looked down onto a (lovely) courtyard rather than onto the street, it was vey quiet at night (and largely during the day as well). The internet worked perfectly. Lovely artwork abounded. The lift was convenient for arrival and departure with luggage, but we didn't need it for everyday coming and going. The location in Le Marais was perfect: it’s a wonderful neighborhood to wander around in, and there was easy access either by walking or via public transportation to anywhere in the city you'd want to go. There’s a small grocery store and (characteristic of Paris in general) a wonderful bakery just across the street, along with a large supermarket just around the corner on lively Rue de Bretagne.
We very much hope that Alexandra’s apartment will again be available when we next go to Paris. If it is, we will be there!