BACKGROUND:

I am a professional who traveled solo to Paris for leisure. I stayed at the studio for eight nights in an unseasonably warm end-of-September.

THE HOSTS:

I can't say enough good things about Rita and Bernard, who artfully balance (i) being available to and checking in on a guest with (ii) respecting a guest's privacy and independence. Not a hitch in our communication or logistical coordination. Starting with the planning stages, Rita responded promptly and thoroughly to all my inquiries. Once I arrived, even though it was late-ish, I could get keys easily because Rita and Bernard live in the same building. They kindly showed me around the studio and got me settled. They had even stocked the kitchen with milk, OJ, jam, bread, etc. because they wanted to make sure I'd have something to eat in case stores were closed! And they e-mailed me a couple times to make sure I didn't need anything and told me I could bring by any laundry if needed. It's these special touches - and the general warmth and friendliness of Rita and Bernard - that made me feel at home.

THE STUDIO: Bottom line: I would definitely stay here again and recommend it without reservation!

Great location. I know Paris well and visit often-ish, and I love staying in the Bastille area because it (i) offers a lot of activity (aplenty: cafes/restaurants frequented by locals and grocery stores open late and on Sundays) without necessarily being Tourist Central; (ii) has great metro access (line 1 runs through all the primary tourist destinations, e.g., Champs-Elysees, Tuileries gardens, Louvre, Opera, Marais district; line 5 runs to not one, but two of Paris's major train stations; line 9 runs straight to the "grands magasins", or major department stores, to facilitate shopping); and (iii) is close to the king of all Paris outdoor markets, the bi-weekly Bastille market.

Great studio. Everything is new and clean, which gives it almost a hotel feel (in a good way). I didn't have to use it, but there's heating. The sofa converts into a super comfy bed, and there's an additional bed. Clean linens and duvet and clean towels are provided. Great little flat-screen TV. Complete, matching dishware, flatware, pots, utensils, etc. Notably great (especially for Paris) shower: satisfying water pressure, good water drainage, and decent size. Quiet - faces a courtyard, not a street (you can hear a church bell chime the hours, but pleasantly, not too loudly). Good shades on windows to block out morning light. Felt safe and secure. One caveat: It's a fourth-floor walk-up, so you should be physically able to climb stairs.

Thank you, Rita and Bernard!