My two daughters and I just spent a fabulous week in Paris at Mercedes's place. The interior is fully renovated with a modern kitchen and great bathroom with large shower and plenty of storage for your personal effects. The apartment is on the 5th floor, so be prepared to climb, but if you're fit it's not a problem. The view from the living room affords a spectacular view of the Bastille which was especially nice as we were there on Bastille day. The location is also perfect. Very central with many cafes and restaurants of all price ranges at your doorstep. It's a short walk to the Marais and one of my favorite places, Place de Vosges, with fantastic shops and cafes in the area. The Metro is also right there. The neighborhood is just far enough away from the major tourist sites to make you feel like you're getting a real Parisienne experience yet you can walk to many places. I highly recommend the the apartment and Mercedes as an attentive host. The only negative worth mentioning is the street noise due to construction during the day and late night patrons to the nearby restaurants at night, particularly on the weekend. If you're sleeping in the bedroom though that faces the back it is not a problem.