Our stay here was unbelievable and surpassed our expectations - I can't say enough good things!
Checkin - our hosts were out of town when we visited (over Christmas) but we were greeted at the door by their tremendously sweet concierge. She led us up the steps to the apartment (more on that later) and gave us a tour pointing out the amenities.
Apartment- When you first enter the apartment you are drawn to two large windows that open up directly onto the Seine and Notre Dame with the Eiffel Tower off in the distance. Off in the other direction you also have a clear view of the Pantheon. This has to be the best view in Paris! There was a spacious living room with a dining table for four, a kitchen with another smaller table, an office with a pull out sofa bed, a bathroom (shower and sink), and a half bath (toilet and sink) downstairs. Up a small spiral staircase was a loft with another window with a fantastic view and a large bed. That loft was separated by a curtain from another small room with a twin bed and a small half bath with an additional toilet and sink. In the kitchen we found everything we needed to make meals (there's a small grocery a block away for fresh ingredients) including pots and pans, dishes, seasonings, olive oil, etc. There was also an American coffee pot and an espresso machine (hosts provided coffee), a washer/dryer and a dishwasher (all soaps/detergents in the cupboard already). The hosts were so kind and even left us a bottle of champagne in the refrigerator and a carton of fruit juice for the kids.
Location - The location is just fantastic. Centrally located and within walking distance of almost everything, but Ile St. Louis itself is quiet and relaxing. 5 minute walk from Notre Dame (just across the bridge), 5/10 minute walk to the Marais, 20 minute walk to the Louvre, etc. Ile St. Louis has everything you need too - several cafes, a boulangerie (even open Christmas day), fromagerie, small grocery store, etc. When we opened the windows, we could hear street musicians playing lovely Parisian music from the nearby bridge.
Hosts - Veronique and Michel were so kind and thought of everything. They provided each of their cell phone numbers and we were able to contact them via text even while they were out of town. They also provided numbers for a couple other people who were local in case we could not reach them, but our experience was that they were always available via text or phone call. Their little touches throughout the apartment really made it feel like home - books, travel brochures and information, small decorative touches, shampoo/body wash in the shower, bathrobes, extra pillows, etc. For us, the nicest thing was the Christmas tree and holiday decorations. We were in Paris over Christmas (only time I could get away from work for more than a few days) and were worried our small children would be feeling sad away from home on the holiday, but thanks to our lovely and thoughtful hosts this was not an issue. What a wonderful holiday memory opening presents near the Christmas tree in Paris on Christmas morning.
Our trip to Paris was amazing, but staying in Veronique and Michel's lovely apartment made our vacation completely perfect. I can't imagine staying anywhere else in Paris and will recommend this apartment to all my friends and family.
One last thing - don't be intimidated by the stairs! There are quite a few to get up to the apartment (87, I think?) but they are shorter steps and the view/large apartment is totally worth it. Our family, including small children and non-athletic adults, did just fine. Besides there are large comfortable chairs to fall into as soon as you get into the door!