We've chosen Pierre's apartment because of the amazing central position and because of the charming and sophisticated style seen from the pictures.
Furthermore, since we travel with our 4 years old daughter, this quiet accommodation close to the main attraction of the City, seemed the best deal.
Unfortunately, many things happened that failed to meet the expectations we had.
Before making the reservation our concern was to be sure there will be the possibility to do a self late check-in, since we would've landed later than 11PM.
We were told that it wasn't possible to do a self check-in, but someone would've come to welcome us paying a plus of 20euro. We agreed.
2 days before our arrival the owner tells us that a butler will come to welcome us. We agree again.
1 day before our arrival, the butler sends us a message in french (fortunately i remember something from high school) asking us which is the day of our arrival (?) and, eventually, telling us that she couldn't come...(??) and that we could do a self check-in (???) not paying 20 euro. :D Oh, thanks. So kind of you!
Well, this could be only a matter of miscommunication between them or...i don't know, but the best is yet to come!
We finally arrive, self-checked-in, but only one of the two beds is prepared and only 4 small towels in total for 3 people, for 5 days?!
Are we supposed to sleep all 3 in one double bed, maybe? The KIND butler through sms says...this is the airbnb concept! The bed linen are in the wardrobe, you can prepare your daughter bed if you wish! ( We're talking of a sofa bed, and i need to learn how to open it and to prepare it at 1 AM ? oh, no!). This is amazing, truly, she reached the apogee of being welcoming, she seized the concept of HOSTING PEOPLE.
But this isn't enough...
On the 4th day of our stay something terrible happens: the electricity goes off (To enter or to exit there is an electric gate inside the corridor leading from the entrance) and we are literally locked inside the building for one hour.
I have to say that in this case the owner Pierre was very helpful and empathic and after one hour an electrician finally arrived. I can't say the same about the agency staff.
Please for the next clients provide some keys to open the gate manually when the electricity doesn't work. It was not a funny experience to be locked in the dark with a 4 years old girl for 1 hour. :(
Come on guys, the house is placed in an amazing neighborhood and for sure it has potential but...there are a lot of problems (noises, steep and dark stairs, not perfectly cleaned in some spots, not enough equipped, not naturally enlightened, etc.) but...
I really think that all the imperfections, can always be adjusted with a smile, a nice word.
I warmly suggest you to make an effort to make people feel welcomed and a little bit pampered.
Good Luck for the future!
Elena Giuseppe & Sveva