My husband, friend, and I spent an excellent Christmas week in this apartment. Xavier and Paolo were wonderful hosts and we would not hesitate to stay again. Location is perfect--right in the heart of Le Marais. You really feel like you're part of Paris when you go through the big outside double doors and step into the quintessential Parisian courtyard. The apartment is up several fights of stairs as others have noted, but that just adds to the charm. (Plus it's a good work out after all that eating!). And the double-paned windows block out all street noise. The apartment was the right size for the three of us and we took advantage of nearly everything (including coffee-making facilities, hair dryer, microwave, washing machine, cable television etc.). The many boulangeries, restaurants, shops, and markets, made our stay easy and convenient--and we wish we'd had time to visit them all. It was easy to walk or metro everywhere, so first-time visitors will have no trouble seeing all the sites on their list. As New Yorkers, we did not find the apartment small, and it's comparatively palacial to most hotel rooms in Paris. Places in the neighborhood we particularly liked: Breizh cafe, Three Philsophes (or any of the three bars owned by them), Marriage Freres, La Chambre aux Confitures, all the stationery stores, La Cave à Bulles (amazing beer store), Chez Janou, gardens at National Archives, and practically every clothing store. We hope to visit again soon!