Many Airbnb guests say they never got to meet Jennifer — we're the lucky ones, apparently! We had the opportunity to spend a little time with our host because of a key mix-up. She was lovely and cordial, and her petite stature helped explain why we — two Americans, both around 6 feet tall — were a little more cramped in the space than expected.

But our height, general American-ness and all other things considered, this was a well-appointed studio that offered everything we needed as a "crash pad" in one of the hippest areas of Paris. It was amazing to walk out the door and be at the steps of the Place de la République, near the incredible boulangerie Du Pain et Des Idées (get the Escargot aux Fruits Rouges), and just a quick walk from so many wonderful spots in Paris.

Keypad entry the day of our arrival made check-in a breeze, and everything else was just as easy.