> SlowTrav > France > Vacation Rentals > Reviews > Paris

Review 1736: Owner, Rue du Marche St Honore / 01st

www.beau-paris.com/_apt/marche/en_index.htm

Recommended
Review by kkleinrn from US

studio apartment in center of Paris, Paris

Studio Apartment in the heart of Paris, photo by from web page

When

September 2005, one week

Location

This small but well placed studio is one block North of the Tuilerie Gardens adjacent to the Louvre Museum on Rue du Marche St. Honore. It's a 2-3 minute walk to the closest metro stop Tuilerie, and less than 5 minutes to Metro Pyramides. It is located on an inside courtyard of an apartment building on the 2nd floor (European - means two flights of stairs).

Nearby Amenities

This apartment is located right in the heart of Paris. It's a short walk to many popular sights - Louvre Museum, Opera Garnier, Palais Royale, Tuilerie Gardens, Place du la Concorde, Madeleine, Les Grand Magasin - Gallerie Lafayette and La Printemps, Ile de la Cite, Pont des Arts, Pont Neuf, and many other heart of Paris touristy spots.

There is a Monoprix (with groceries) right around the corner on Av de l'Opera, boulangeries (bakeries) nearby for those famous french pastries. And a tremendous variety of cafes and restaurants in the Marche (Market) adjacent to the Rue Marche St. Honore.

The House/Apartment

The apartment is a small studio, adequate for two adults, or two adults with two children. It's clean and updated recently. The kitchen is small with a two plate hot burner, toaster, coffee maker, microwave, small fridge, and sink. The dishes supplied would serve 4, but no more.

It's located on an inner courtyard so there is virtually no view to speak of, but the two large windows make the apartment bright and pleasant. It's very private and quiet. Though the apartment is updated, the stairs are very characteristic and look like they could be a hundred years old. But they are perfectly safe and in good shape. No elevator is present.

The bath has a tub and shower, sink and toilet and one small window. The owner supplies towels and soap and a minimal amount of toilet paper (we bought more on our trip to the grocery store). The sleeping arrangements are one queen size loft bed with a very comfortable mattress. You do have to climb a small ladder to get to this bed. A second futon couch folds down into a double size bed. And is located under the loft bed. The owner supplies brightly colored sheets, duvet style quilts, lots of pillows.

The apartment also has a small color TV, CD player, DVD player, Cable TV (with three English stations), a few supplies DVD's in English and French. You do have high speed internet access available through the owner's older laptop computer and cable modem. But I could only access french sites, probably due to some controls he has set for internet access. So I couldn't access any English email sites. I was able to access someones unsecured wireles internet with my own laptop and wireless card, and was able to go to any web sites I desired.

There is no air conditioning, but with the two large windows the temperature in September was just fine for us. There is a telephone for receiving calls. To place outgoing calls one need a phonecard.

Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living Areas

There is a table for four and four chairs. A futon sofa that makes out into a double bed if needed. One small coffee table for magazines, books etc. Everything is pretty basic, but clean and tidy. One closet with about 10 hangers. Shelves in a separate closet for misc items.

Problems or Bonuses

Raphael W, the owner, will meet you at the apartment and explain how everything works. He speaks very good English. All is included in his rental price, no extra surprises. I would stay at this apartment again. You cannot beat the location for the price.

Agency and Representatives (and price)

The web site makes the apartment look larger than it is, but the noted square meters is accurate. Price is Euros 550 a week. Less than a week is Euros 100 nightly. Monthly rates available upon request. All together a very pleasant experience.

Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?

Yes, I would recommend this apartment to my friends. It's great if you're traveling on a budget. It's hard to find accomodations with a kitchen in this price range, especially in this neighborhood. Only hesitation is the more comfortable bed for adults is up a small ladder. Older people may not be able to climb the ladder comfortably.