The great: Straussborg-St Denis Metro is right outside, providing easy access to anywhere in Central Paris and both airports. We used the Metro a lot. There is a Velib bike station a couple of blocks south on Sebastopol. There is a market across the street and a patisserie around the corner to the East. You can definitely live like a local. You are also only a 15 -20 minute walk south to the Seine, Notre Dame and the Spanish Quarter, or southwest to the Louvre. The communication with Lena and Michael was excellent and we were able to get in early when we arrived. That was much appreciated. The good: the flat had what we needed for basic amenities, washer and clothes drying rack, dish ware including teapot and a small French press, and a small terrace where you can sit in the morning with your coffee and croissants or at night to listen to the street life and reflect on your day. The wi-fi never failed us and worked well. The flat was clean and reasonably furnished. The not-so-great: The mattress in the bedroom was atrocious and needs replaced. We knew that going in, from other reviews, so we knew the sofa bed was a viable option and we used it. The neighborhood is a little sketchy, lots of hucksters standing around on the corners, and a homeless family begging right outside the door nearly every day. We did not have any issues though. It is a three-story walk up in a narrow staircase, be advised.