I loved my stay at Benjamin's place. I never met Benjamin (check-in and check-out was done via an easy dropbox process) but he was very responsive and always willing to answer any questions I might have before and during my stay.

The apartment is very cute and quirky -- exactly what I was looking for. Some items might not be clear in the description (but I asked Benjamin about them before booking so I knew exactly what to expect), so here are some details to know before booking:

The apartment is fifth-floor walkup, with no elevator, so if you have any issues with that -- or with getting your luggage up and down, you might want to reconsider.

Just like in some old French films you may have seen, the toilet is in a small room just next to the apartment, but it is yours and yours alone. The shower is just off the kitchen in the apartment, and your sink is the kitchen sink.

The bed is indeed in its own room, but the door frame is open (no door). It overlooks the street, so if you have the French doors open there can be some noise (but it was never anything bothersome for me).

The terrace is very small but fantastic. It's just off the bedroom and I spent every day out there.

There are two digital pass codes to enter into Benjamin's building. And the neighborhood felt very safe and had everything I needed (supermarket, bakery, cafe-bars, fruit seller) and is within walking distance of Le Marais, Bastille, and if you don't mind walking even further, the Seine (probably a 30-minute walk). The metro is within a 5-min. walk.

I felt very welcomed by Benjamin and he provided clean towels, soap, shampoo, and Nespresso capsules, in addition to some recommendations for the neighborhood.

Benjamin's place was exactly what I was looking for. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.