> SlowTrav > France > Vacation Rentals > Reviews > Paris

Review 2107: Private Paris Vacation Rental, 4, Rue des Juges Consuls

Not Recommended
Review by Travel Angel from US

1bed/1bath apartment, 4th Arr., Paris

When

May 2006, One week

Location

The immediate area was funky at best, and/or not well kept. The street was more of a small, unattractive ally. The cross street had homeless, beggers sitting on pavement. There was almost always trash that hadn't been picked up by the restaurants near by and others. Did not like the immediate area, but a bit further was kind of interesting.

Nearby Amenities

Definitely within walking distance to everything, including two supermarkets right at the cross street (not always a blessing).

The House/Apartment

The building though stated on the web site to be a 19th century building had absolutely no character or charm. It could be described as one of a lower to lower-middle class; with musty odor, tiny not clean elevator (holds two adults), no lobby or anything like that. The website stated the apartment was calm and quiet but it was not so; there was a rowdy crowd on and off in the evening. I think there were about 10 other apartments.

Garden

None.

Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living Areas

Cleanliness: was the most disappointing issue, the dust must have been so old and plenty that every time you walk into the apartment you literally felt it in your mouth! Although the immediate visible areas didn't show it, you could see heavy dust layers on hanging items, well developed spider webs in the living room, when you drew the curtains you just felt the dust. The carpet was nothing like the white color that the website shows, and neither was the sofa; it was more of an old beige, dotted with spots, and in desperate need of deep cleaning and/or replacments. There were enough chairs.

Bedrooms/Bathrooms

Bedroom: less dusty for some reason (perhaps the most used by the other unfortunate traveler...) yet you could still taste it on your mouth. Had thin sponge mattress, clean linen with a large old blood stain (at the bottom of the bed, pillows(inside)were dirty.

Kitchen

The kitchen had peeling paint on cabinets and walls. Although we wouldn't consider it "filthy", it was in a need of thorough cleaning and maintenance. Pots were of the lowest quality possible, and very few of them. Well stocked with plates though. Cabinet door that fall off. We never felt comfortable enough to use it or sit at the dining table, in the most dusty area of the apartment, the living room.

Problems or Bonuses

Utterly dispointing; the most basic element which should be provided at any price level had not been met: cleanliness.

Agency and Representatives (and price)

On the telephone the owner of this small agency (Henri) sounded pretty decent, he was prompt in answering our E-mails, however he didn't fully answer my latest inquiries in full (about a week before my departure, and well after the canelation period). My inquires were as simple as directions from the metro, lists of markets etc. The last one I was told, would be given at arrival, however that lists was not given.

They spoke English.

We paid a hefty price of 170euro a night, 1190 a week, which will still be too high considering the building, alley etc. and yet it failed on the most basic level. It was a rip off, and they should stop posting the current photos on their website as they are misleading.

Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?

Absolutely NOT recommend it to anyone.

Things to do in this area

Restaurants: for breakfast "cafe Bouborge" great breakfast, great space, good service. The restaurant at the top floor of the Pompidou center, stunning interior design, had only drinks, don't know about the food.

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

Return to Reviews List