I rented this apartment over the 2012/13 Christmas and New Years Holiday. I based my selection on the textual description of the apartment and on the numerous favorable reviews, especially those which stated that the apartment was perfectly comfortable for a family of five. I wish I had looked more closely at the photos; I would have chosen a larger place with a different setup for my needs. This apartment was not adequate for my group of four.

The apartment has the right amount of space for one person or an intimate couple. North Americans will find the bathroom situation, with the toilet directly off the living room, with minimal acoustic shielding, too intimate to share, even for a couple.

Part of the draw to me of renting an apartment vs a hotel is to feel more domestic and homey. While small, this apartment is decidedly not cozy and is not decorated with any local flair. There is no ottoman or coffee table to "put your feet up" and rest after a long day of walking. I wanted to spend as little time in this apartment as possible. Look at the pictures and know what you are getting into; they are accurate.

I take exception with the headline of the listing. This is not a luxury building, property, or apartment, and while there are plenty of windows, there are no "views." The interior hallways are dark and need a deep clean, and there is no elevator. Again, I should have read the description more carefully.

Additionally, there are no gorgeous views; rather, there are views onto neighboring buildings. "Gorgeous Views" in Paris means something very different to me, not looking into someone's house.

On the positive side, Boris is a gracious and attentive host, quick to respond to all emails and questions. The place is clean and well-maintained.

We loved the area. This is the second apartment I've rented in the Marais, and this place the better situated of the two. Access to the Metro is easy, and you are a short walk from everything from high-end boutiques to straight and gay bars to amazing brasseries, cafes and galleries.

I would urge fellow AirBnB'rs to carefully look at the photos and read the descriptions. The photos are an accurate representation of this apartment. This was my first time renting through AirBnB, and I learned my lesson the hard way.