We loved the location of this spot, and the amazing balcony. We never had any issues with noise or lack of privacy -- it's wonderful to feel like a part of the city! Also, the windows are new and shut out the ambient noise very well. Agnes's friend Stephane met us and showed us around the apartment, and he even brought us a travel adapter for a 3-pronged US cord which we were having a terrible time finding in Paris! That was really above and beyond, and helped us out a lot. The bed is very firm, FYI -- if you like a hard mattress you will be thrilled with it (we don't, but we weren't staying long and it wasn't a big issue).