I rented Elvire's flat for a trip I organised to Paris with my parents in May 2014. The trip was going to be special - my parents' 40th anniversary, their first trip to France in more than 2 decades, and my own birthday (which I don't get to celebrate with them often since I'm an expat). I was looking for a place to stay that would live up to the occasion. I can wholeheartedly say that both Elvire and her flat exceeded my expectations in every regard.

Elvire's professional yet warm welcome upon arrival put us at ease immediately. The flat is not only conform to its description, it is even better than it looks on the pictures. For anyone remotely familiar with the often microscopic size of Parisian apartments, this one is incredibly spacious and luminous. It is extremely well furnished, has been refurbished and is decorated with taste and class. Above all, it is cozy and comfortable and made us feel at home.

If you like to cook, you will not be disappointed by the fitted kitchen, which is fully furnished. There are grocery stores (eg Franprix and Monoprix), boulangeries and great wine shops within walking distance, which makes it easy and convenient to cook your own meals! There are also a number of nice restaurants in the vicinity.

I slept on the couch. Obviously, no couch is as comfortable as a bed, but it is more than decent - I slept very well. The bedroom is larger than most hotel rooms I've seen in Paris - bed is very comfortable and Elvire had given us ample storage space, so we didn't feel like we had our luggage in the way during the stay.

If you are not that familiar with the city, don't be put off by the fact that the flat is not as close to some of Paris' key attractions as, say, Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The Batignolles quarter is great, not least because it is now overflowing with tourists, so it will really give you the "living in Paris" feeling. It is close to the hustle and bustle of Place de Clichy and to lively Montmartre. And it's very easy to get around in that area, there are metro stations close by.

Elvire was an impeccable landlord during our stay. I didn't have to get in touch with her often (everything went smoothly) but on the few occasions where I did contact her with questions, she answered almost immediately. Also got to meet her neighbour, who was extremely nice and welcoming.

I have been to Paris more than 20 times; I have even lived there for a brief period in the past. Good accommodation at a reasonable price is always a challenge in that city - I can honestly say Elvire's flat is a gem that blows all I have seen out of the water. I would rent it again in a heartbeat. Thank you Elvire - you greatly contributed to making our trip an unforgettable one.