We enjoyed our stay at Stephanie's apartment. The pros: 1. great location (really, really close to Notre Dame and the Seine, about 8 minutes from St.Michel-NotreDame Metro, close to Rue St. Germain where there are a lot of restaurants) 2. fantastic light in the apartment with a small but lovely balcony 3. laundry machine that works (you may have to buy your own detergent if previous guest did not leave any behind) 4. proximity (6 minutes walk) to La Maison d’Isabelle which sells amazing breads and breakfast pastry (best croissant I have ever had) and that you can buy and then walk across to enjoy at Square René Viviani (with view of Notre Dame). 5. Most of the important sights are within a 25 minutes walk from the flat.
As to the cons, which isn't really cons but I am writing it down so that others are aware: 1. the sofa bed is suitable only for very young children. The bed has a divot and the mattress is thin. My kids (tween and teen) could not get comfortable in them and we are backpackers used to some rugged outdoors sleeping. So be aware if you mean to be a party of four, two may experience discomfort. For two people staying in the apartment, the sofa is wonderful as a sofa. 2. the elevator is approximately 2.5' x 4'. You can maybe fit one adult and one roller duffle luggage in it and that is all. Otherwise, it fits two slim adults, though preferably only one. We got really fit climbing up five floors of steps (not a bad thing considering all the yummy food we were eating on the trip), but something to be aware of for people not so inclined. 3. You have to squat or sit in the bathtub to shower. 4. Lastly, Stephanie's place is mostly quiet and the windows are good at keeping out noise. However, we experienced one night where a neighbor (we think across the street) had a party that was so loud and so prolonged (till 3 am?) that it kept all of us up. It was just one night out of our five, but be aware that it can happen. I suppose this can happen anywhere though.
In conclusion, we think Stephanie's place is especially great for a traveling couple or a family with younger kids.