This was my first Airbnb experience and I'm happy to say it was easy and successful. I'm so glad I did this instead of staying at a hotel or a hostel! Lara's apartment was super cute and cozy. It had everything I needed (including a hairdryer, plenty of hot water, super comfy bed and reliable wifi). I never met Lara, but her instructions and help via email and Airbnb messages were simple and easy to understand. Checking in and out couldn't have been easier (especially since she let me check in early, Thank you Lara!).

The location was perfect. Super close to the metro, but not directly outside the door. You can walk to all the major museums and tourist attractions, and then when your feet get tired, just hop on the metro and you're home. There were plenty of fancy and cheaper places to eat around the apartment. The area was well lit and bustling without being noisy. Safety was my biggest concern and I'm happy to say I felt safe night and day.

On a different topic: I arrived a week after the November 13th attacks on Paris and was very very nervous about my trip. From the minute I got off the plane, I felt totally safe. There's an increased security presence for sure, but it's unobtrusive. The city in no way felt like it had shut down or that people were staying inside out of fear. For anyone who is nervous about going or reconsidering their visit to Paris, you should absolutely go!