THE LOCATION // Sora’s apartment building is located in a warm, quiet neighborhood in the 15th Arr. There are several restaurants, cafes, markets, and shopping centers located within walking distance, as well as a 30 second walk to a bus stop and an approximately 10 minute walk to a metro station.
The apartment is located in a luxury style apartment building that includes a gym, a pool, a library, and many other amenities. Security is physically present on the property during normal business hours and after hours the entrance gates are only accessible by key fob. However, don’t let that intimidate you - we spent considerable time walking around the neighborhood and never once felt unsafe. Everyone we met was polite and respectful.
THE STAY // The apartment was very clean and had been recently updated. While it’s not a small apartment, it really is most comfortable with no more than two guests. My wife and I had plenty of room to rest and spend time together and it never felt small or cramped at all. The true gem of this apartment are the wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows that face the Parisian skyline and provide the most incredible views of the Eiffel Tower and many other historic landmarks. We likely spent more time on the spacious balcony enjoying the views than we did inside the apartment.
THE EXPERIENCE // Sora was a very hospitable host! Upon our arrival, he promptly met us at the gate of the apartment to hand deliver the keys and key fob. He gave us a brief tour of the apartment complex and then walked us to the apartment. Awaiting us in the apartment was a hospitality tray with some small items, several guides for the greater Paris area, and a bottle of wine set atop a table on the balcony with two wine glasses prepared. Sora was communicative leading up to and during our trip (though there was nothing we needed to reach him for until we were ready to check out - I’m confident he would have immediately responded). We’ve stayed in several AirBnB’s/VRBO’s/etc. and Sora has been the best host we’ve had, by far.
TIPS //
• If you’ve never been to Paris or France and are worried about a language barrier - nearly everyone speaks English to some degree. That said, please try learning a few basic sentences. At a minimum, learn how to say hello and good evening, and other formalities (such as please and thank you). It’s very important to greet everyone you speak with (Bonjour or Bonsoir, depending on time of day) before beginning a discussion or asking for something.
• Public transportation is by far the easiest and cheapest way to experience Paris. The metro system is very comparable to most metro systems in the US (DC, NY, etc.). Once you figure it out, it’s like unlocking a portal to anywhere in the city. Tickets are just $2, regardless of how far you need to go. Everyone on the metro was very polite and courteous.
• Walk 10-15 minutes to find Le Pasteur, a casual cafe located right near the closest metro stop, and get the “Classique” for breakfast. It will not disappoint!
OVERALL // The location, the stay, and the experience all exceeded expectations. If you’re having a hard time trying to pick the right AirBnB in Paris, I hope this helps narrow it down!