Firstly, Thomas was a great host - responsive in every way throughout the trip. The flat is very centrally located in the Marais, lots to be seen by foot and there is a Vélib bike station directly around the corner. The top floor feels very modern, with a beautiful library and access to a large (shared) patio area.
Some things to keep in mind (please note that my stay was directly after very severe rain struck Paris the second week of July):
-Wireless internet access is extremely limited and only worked in one half of the top floor (no access downstairs)
-The windows/doors on the top floor are beautiful. However, the windows do not open. Therefore, if you want any fresh air you will need to open the doors completely which exposes you to a shared courtyard.
-There is a small office located directly across the courtyard (not sure what line of business) and the employees like to take their personal calls and smoke cigarettes in the courtyard.
The bottom half of the unit is much different than the top half and takes on a much more rustic/old Parisian feel. The architecture is indeed beautiful but a few things to note:
-It is quite dark with little air circulation or natural light.
-As other reviewers have mentioned...there is a particular smell throughout. I'm not sure if it is cat dander (as another reviewer mentioned) or just poor air circulation.
-I unfortunately encountered a severe mold issue in the bottom bedroom. Thomas was quick to resolve the issue, which was apparently due to the recent storms.
The checkin and checkout process was different than any other Airbnb I have experienced. I had a housekeeper come trough and check the unit throughly. At checkout the "checker" pointed out two separate potential "issues" (table stains and a rip in the rug)- neither which were due to me. I had to sign multiple documents at both the checkin and checkout of the unit.
Again, the flat has much to offer including unique architecture, a responsive host and is centrally located.