The house itself was not very clean, despite cleaners who were still working when we arrived (tired from travel) at 7pm. The only two upholstered chairs looked as if they were picked from a rubbish bin. There was not a comfortable place to sit all together (we were a group of 6). The floors are in desperate need for refinishing, making slipper shoes or socks required.

There are many steps, as Emma described - but the layout of the house doesn't make sense to me - you have to enter on the third floor of the house, rather than the 1st. Then within the house there are very steep open stairs with no hand rails. One shower is in master bedroom, another on main floor. One toilet room (without sink) is on main floor, just off the kitchen / living room - making privacy a bit of a trick. The second floor toilet (which thankfully does have a sink) is on the 4th floor.

The location is ACE! Truly, it could hardly be better - great access to Metro and all of Paris. This charming neighborhood is small enough to feel at home within a couple of days.

Emma suggested a wonderful restaurant - perhaps the best meal we had all week(!) at Le 6 PAUL BERT (Rue Paul Bert), right in the neighborhood. My son also became friendly with the very kind lady who runs Le Paradise Creperie (Rue du Faubourg), just around the corner. It is a great location and if you have a big crowd, it is a very good option.

Overall, Emma's English skills are perfect and her email made communication very easy for us. I was sad not to have met her in person.