Paris Apartment #179PAR
9 ème - Opera / Rue de Douai

July 2012

This is a charming apartment in an interesting location.
I would have rated it 4 or even 5 were it not for the old and cranky elevator. The first time it broke down it was repaired in 24 hours. The second time, 3 days before we left, it was remained broken, forcing us to walk up 5 flights of stairs.
The shower is dodgy, (You really have to bathe sitting in the tub if you don't want to inundate the bathroom.) but that was a minor problem.
Because of the elevator, I would not recommend this apartment.

Elevator: Dear Herman, I'm truly sorry for the inconvenience caused by the many times the elevator broke. The engine was finally changed early November 2012 and the elevator no longer breaks. I realise this is a very important parameter since, indeed, I haven't had a single booking through citiesreference since your comment in July.
MESSAGE TO POTENTIAL TENANTS  Should the elevator break during your stay, I commit to reimburse you 25% of the net amount (to Owner) pro rata the days without elevator !!!

Shower and bathtub: they are UK-made (2010) replica of an ancient bathtub & shower, and thus in perfect conditions. Yes, you are supposed to sit in the bathtub, as in old times. Clearly it's not a power shower but a light shower to rinse after having taken a relaxing bath ;)

June 2012

Excellent apartment in Paris

September 2011

The apartment was ideal for our stay in Paris. It was very comfortable, light and airy, had a pleasing ambiance, was well located for transport and had everything we needed and more (we didn’t use the washing machine or the TV). The wi-fi was always available and worked well with our net book.

The patisserie next door was a bonus and within a few minutes walk were shops and good inexpensive restaurants.

We felt secure at all times in the apartment and in the surrounding area so returning in the dark was not a problem, even though the nearby café was lively until well past midnight. Noise from outside was quite prominent and as we are used to sleeping in complete silence, we were glad we had taken our earplugs with us.

Our only criticisms are minor: there was no high level mounting for the shower so we had to hold it and there was no shower curtain. The bathroom basin was very high (to accommodate the washing machine below) therefore awkward to use and the built-in plug didn’t work very well. Frosted glass or a blind in the bathroom window would have given some privacy while using the facilities. And in the kitchen area a dish drainer would have helped! It would seem that previous occupants had not reported breakages as there was only one useable cup but we had our camping mug so used that.

Being five floors up the lift was a definite plus, as was the balcony, and all in all we would recommend this apartment for couples of all ages.

August 2011

The apartment was everything that we expected and more. It really made our stay perfect.

The location is great...easy walk to Montmartre, shops and restaurants. The metro is one block away and most highlights in the city can be reached within 15 minutes. The bakery at the foot of the building was a plus as was the Velib station across the street.  We felt safe walking at any time of the day.

The apartment itself, was a perfect blend of old and new. The original details such as the wood beams and the fireplace have been maintained during a recent renovation that added a good kitchen, bathroom and AC. The terrace was spectacular; we enjoyed breakfast outside most days. All in all, it was very comfortable, charming and  tastefully outfitted.

The owner was very easy and professional to deal with. I would not hesitate to recommend this apartment to any of my friends and family.

July 2011

We had a terrific stay at this apartment. 

The apartment was quiet with the windows closed (despite the lively street below), scenic (the balcony is a major plus), well stocked (iron, washing machine, TV, internet, towel-drying rack), and complete with the amenities we were looking for (bathtub, lift, coded front entry doors).  It's a block away from the Blanche metro stop (a relatively simple stop) and the Moulin Rouge, and an easy walk to Montmartre (and its excellent restaurants, cafes, bakeries, shops, and clubs).  The apartment has been recently revovated and it shows - new bath/kitchen fixtures and appliances, A/C in each rooom, double-armored door, nice futon bed with down comforter, and new safe electical switches and outlets. 

Very minor complaints: the bathtub/shower, amazingly large, could use a shower curtain or other means of keeping water off the walls, floors, ceiling, and cabinet; the wireless seemed to want to connect with only one device at a time - we brought two computers and two iPhones - and the connection was very spotty if more than one was connected (but was strong and solid otherwise); the washing machine's cycle was very long (90 minutes?) for even a very small load... all of which simply meant planning ahead and adjusting.

This place was a great value and a great place to base our first Paris visit.  The owners were accommodating and spoke excellent English.

Owner Replies: Thank you so much for your kind feedback! With regard to the comment on the lengthy 90-minute washing machine cycle, please note that there are also two short cycles. The shortest one actually lasts 32 minutes and is sufficient for normal laundry (i.e. with no particular stains). You can access it by moving the arrow on "32". For more details, please review the notice of use.

June 2011

This is a charming, well-decorated and well-equipped apartment with everything one needs for a comfortable short stay in Paris. The location is close to many metro stations as well as regular buses, and an easy walk to Montmartre. Our stay was a pleasure, we loved the big balcony and the cute bathtub. 

The hosts were very professional, trustworthy and friendly, making everything exceedingly clear and easy for us. I highly recommend this apartment.

April 2011

Excellent apartment and location! We didn't wanted to move from the flat! very cousy and everything new and in very good conditions.
The owners are woderfull also! I highly recomend this place!