Vacation Rentals by Owner

Excellent Apartment in a Crummy Building

Guest: bsgf (Amsterdam)
Date of Stay: 04/06/12 Review Submitted: 04/12/12

We really enjoyed our stay in Gabor's apartment. Gabor was extremely helpful with our (many) questions before booking. The property manager, Alan, was also very helpful with information and was very flexible with our odd schedule. The location worked very well for us. We enjoyed staying in Montmarte. The street is quiet and the people at the lovely bakery on the corner helped us in English. The kitchen was well appointed, and we enjoyed shopping at the nearby markets and cooking like Parisians. The apartment itself is very nice, but the building is in crummy shape. The plumbing was fine (hot water for showers, decent water pressure, etc) but none of the faucets turned completely off so we had a cacophony of drips from the bathroom all night. We did not mind walking up and down the stairs (as others have noted), but one stair in particular between the second and third floors is very worn, short, and slick, and I fell down a flight. (For the record, I'm a pretty fit 20-something who is not prone to slipping on stairs!) We really enjoyed Paris and Gabor's apartment, but these bruises are not exactly the souvenir I was hoping to take home! Aside from these few little things, this is a lovely place to stay. Thanks, Gabor!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Month Well-Spent

Guest: Gord (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/17/12 Review Submitted: 04/26/12

My wife and I spent a month from mid-February to mid-March at this Montmartre Getaway, and were well pleased with it. The description says there are two bedrooms, and strictly speaking that's true, but I would probably describe it as a one generously sized bedroom and a sleeping area for occasional guests. It looks like the photos in the description, was clean and well maintained, the heating worked well (a good thing, because February was unusually cold in Paris), and when there was a small leak in the hot water heater, the rental manager got right on it, and it was fixed within 36 hours. And it was quiet! We arrived on a Friday or Saturday night, having come up from Nice (where our apartment in Vieux Nice was bathed in noise most of the time) and had the best sleep we had had in six weeks. Quiet and a comfy bed . . . that's hard to beat. We found the four flights of stairs a bit tiring at the end of the day, but we knew what we were getting into when we rented the place, and the price (which we thought was a real bargain) reflected the fact that guests will be getting their exercise climbing. Complaints? We have two small items. It seems like nobody rents apartments with a good sharp paring knife and straight-cutting bread knife, and this place was no exception. And it seems that almost everybody is decorating with high bar stool-type chairs, and again this place was no exception. However, things were mostly very positive. Both the owner and his agent were very helpful, it was in a great location (just below the Sacre Coeur), there were three different Metro lines within five minutes of the apartment, groceries and wine were easy to find. We had a lot of suppers at Le Saint Denis along rue des Abbesses: the food was cheap, plentiful, and good (I ate a half dozen Croque Monsieurs), and it had a nice neighborhood feel. As for attractions and activities nearby, the obvious ones nearby are the Sacre Coeur and place du Tertre, but really, this is Paris!! I would certainly recommend this apartment to friends or family.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car.

Cozy Vacation Home Base

Guest: Jane (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 08/17/11 Review Submitted: 09/10/11

My husband and I have just returned home from a month long European adventure, 22 days of which we spent living in Gabor's lovely apartment. We had looked at all the photos and read the reviews on his listing so we weren't surprised by the flights of stairs or the look of the apartment. Though the only views from the apartment are of the courtyard, the apartment really is just steps away from the staircase pictured that leads up to the Sacre Coeur which has breathtaking views of Paris both day and night. We were so happy to have the washing machine, dish washer and well equipped kitchen. We used the two provided moka pots everyday to make espresso, so it was just like home. There were plenty of dishes, cups, pots, pans and knives which made it easy to cook a lot of our own meals. The wifi was very reliable and so helpful to have. There were plenty of clean towels and linens available. We wanted to say that the linens were of high quality and so comfortable to sleep in after long days out exploring Paris. It was quite surprising how easy it was to navigate the Paris Metro. My husband was doing the Paris-Brest-Paris bike race so we not only had our backpacks full of clothing but two large bike boxes as well and we got lucky that we didn't hit the Metro during rush hour so it wasn't hard to manage. If you are staying for a long while in Paris, you might want to consider buying a Navigo Découverte Metro Pass at the Metro station at the airport. The card itself is a one time fee of 5€ and you keep it forever. You can load weekly passes (week begins Monday and ends Sunday) for 33,40€ for all five zones. On weeks when you won't be traveling to the airport or suburbs it is only 18,85€ a week for zones 1 & 2 Paris. This will save you money as the fare from CDG to Paris alone is 9,10€. The apartment is very close to the Chateau Rouge and Anvers Metro stations. We highly recommend staying at Gabor's apartment if you plan to utilize the Metro to the fullest. Not only will you be staying right next to the Sacre Coeur, Butte Montmartre and Moulin Rogue and have a Carrefour supermarche around the corner, you'll also be close to many good boulangeries like Le Grenier à Pain Abbesses, the best latte in Paris at Kooka Boora and many great produce and wine shops on Rue de Martyrs and delicious restaurant Cheri Bibi right downstairs! We were really happy staying here and Gabor and Paris contact Amina were very helpful every step of the way! Merci Gabor!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Reno Nevadans

Guest: Barbara (Reno)
Date of Stay: 06/01/11 Review Submitted: 09/02/11

We had a great time during our month-long June stay in Paris. The location of the apartment is very good near Montmartre with convenient access to several Metro stations. The five floor hike up to the apartment assures losing weight regardless the level of gluttony in which one may indulge. The bed is comfortable, the kitchen adequate and the washing machine appreciated. A dryer would be a boon to Americans accustomed to it. There are a couple of good restaurants on the same block and a small supermarket near by. Yes, I would recommend this apartment to anyone on a budget wanting a nice stay in Paris.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.

Paris abode

Guest: Clipperplace (Langley, BC Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/25/11 Review Submitted: 09/06/11

We stayed here in late May of 2011, and enjoyed it very much. The only negative thing is the 4 flights of windy stairs which are difficult with luggage. Would not recomend for older travelers or those taking too much luggage! We are in our ealy 60's and managed ok A bit tiring after long days out. That said, it was spacious and bright with a good size bathroom by Paris standards, and a large bedroom. Simple furnishings, comfortable bed, good light, and free outgoing phone calls home, as well as internet, a great bonus! The area is in between traditonal Montmartre and the more immigrant-based St. Denis, giving it quite a mix culturally. Close to grocery stores, and cafes, corner bakery, subway just a few blocks each way. We even rolled our suitcases to Paris Nord train station on departure. Were greeted on arrival and given instructions, had phone number for questions etc. It is reasonably quiet, has a nice view of the inner courtyard The Montmartre area in our view, having stayed in the area before, is the best area in Paris to be. Two Canadians who love Paris

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Montmartre Getaway

Guest: Pat (Eau Claire, WI, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/05/11 Review Submitted: 05/19/11

My husband, daughter and I stayed in the apartment for a week. We loved the location and the apartment, but it took awhile to get used to climbing up to the fourth floor. The kitchen area was small but well equipped, and we liked being able to shop in the small markets near the apartment and eat in for some of our meals. We appreciated having a dishwasher, a washing machine, TV, radio and phone. Since we were there in May, we did not miss having an air conditioner. It was nice to open our windows and get fresh air. The bed in the bedroom was very comfortable, but the pull out couch in the living room/2nd bedroom was not comfortable. There were several metro stations nearby, so it was easy to get anywhere in the area that we wanted to go. There is a nice, little restaurant just 3 or 4 doors from the apartment. The owner was helpful in giving us information about the apartment although my husband says he forgot to give us the ID number needed to be able to watch videos. Our daughter especially enjoyed staying where we did and we would all recommend staying where we did. It was a nice getaway for al three of us.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

sleepy from seattle

Guest: Jimmy (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 04/05/11 Review Submitted: 10/09/11

How lucky was I to spend the month of April in Paris??? And to top it off I also had the good fortune of renting Gabor's adorable apartment there. Clean, comfortable and spacious for a rental. Old World character (69 steps up a winding wooden spiral staircase!) and modern conveniences (full kitchen facilities, big bathroom, big bedroom and a washer. Close to grocery stores, outdoor markets, bakeries and transportation. Montmarte with its winding streets and hills was my favorite part of the city. I hope I get to stay in this apartment again soon.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A month in Montmartre

Guest: Jackie & Jim (Atlanta, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 03/01/11 Review Submitted: 09/02/11

My husband and I spent the month of March 2011 in this lovely, quiet apartment. We watched Paris transform from winter darbness to springtime glory! The apartment is small, but cozy and comfortable and adequately equipped. The full sized bed is comfortable and having a desk area in the large bedroom is nice too. It is sunny, airy and has a view to a quiet courtyard. The location is terrific!! It is steps away from Sacre Coeur, multiple Metro stops, street markets and grocery stores, restaurants, and just about anything you would need for an extended or short stay. Having a washing machine, large refrigerator, and internet access is a bonus. Gabor is extremely easy to work and very accommodating regarding requests and issues. His local contact was also easy to work with. We enjoyed our month long adventure and would recommend this apartment to anyone who is capable of walking up stairs to the 4th floor. Merci beaucoup, Gabor!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Just the perfect place to stay in Paris

Guest: Benoit S. (Cairo)
Date of Stay: 01/07/11 Review Submitted: 01/16/11

I stayed here 9 days in January 2011. This is the most perfect location! The apartment is on a quiet street, right next to the stairs to climb to the Sacré Cœur. The surroudings are full of nice places to go out: restaurants, bars, concert halls... You can also find very easily many shops, grocery, bakery… The apartment itself is very comfortable, it has lovely natural light, it is well maintained and well equipped. The bed is comfortable and cosy, the kitchen is modern and everything is clean. Besides the owner is very nice and helpful !

Owner response:Hi Ben! Thanks for the nice review! :) Gabor

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Place for a Holiday

Guest: Stonegen (Stockholm)
Date of Stay: 11/15/10 Review Submitted: 01/08/11

It is a precious little gem at the most beautiful part of the city! Spacious, modern, the most comfortable apartement I have ever rented! Many gorgeous restaurants just a few steps far from it, I loved the ambience, the Sacre Coeur is 2 minutes far away! Andrew from Stockholm

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The Best Vacation

Guest: pagi (Budapest, Hungary)
Date of Stay: 11/11/10 Review Submitted: 01/25/11

I stayed here with my 2 boys 12 and 14, and we had the most wonderful time. The location is perfect, just a short walk to the tour-bus' stop, and close to several subway stations, so it was a good choice to start sightseeing. The apartment is light and quiet, and the two rooms were enough for the three of us. There is a great bakery just across and a large supermarket very close, and I even cooked a few dinners when the kids were too tired to go out at the evening. The apartment is in mint condition, and well equipped for longer stays as well. The owner was most helpful!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Awesome, amazing, gorgeous, a gem!

Guest: Lyra (Ontario)
Date of Stay: 10/02/10 Review Submitted: 11/30/10

We were totally stunned by how gorgeous the apartment was. We knew it would be nice, but it was more than nice: it was perfect. The unit is immaculate, recently renovated, with a skylight in the kitchen/living space that makes everything seem bigger and brighter. The bedroom could be taken from InStyle Magazine... just beautiful. And the bed was amazingly comfortable to boot! The apartment complex is just lovely with a beautiful square and green space on the ground level. And, seriously, Sacre Coeur is just a 5 minute walk away... and the Moulin Rouge only 10 minutes! As are two big grocery stores that sell everything you could possibly need. We had a great time in this unit and the landlord was great to work with, too. We can't wait to go back!

Owner response:Hi Lyra! Thank you so much, for your review! Hope to see you again! Gabor Simon

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A cosy hideaway next to Sacre Coeur

Guest: aroundtheworld (Toronto, Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/01/10 Review Submitted: 12/01/10

My husband and I happily spent last September at this apartment. It was a comfortable and affordable base for exploring Paris. It had everything we needed. The kitchen/living area are compact but the space is very well laid out. The bedroom was roomy and the bed was very comfortable. There is a good desk in the bedroom, too. The kitchen is well-stocked, with a super multi-function oven and full-size fridge. Being able to cook for ourselves was wonderful because the raw ingredients were so good and so easy to get. Everything worked well.The internet access was fast and reliable. The washing machine was very convenient. I was thrilled to find a bathtub - a real rarity in Paris! We had control over the heat. The windows open onto a courtyard so we didn't hear very much road noise. You do have to go up a lot of steps to get to the apartment, which I looked at as a built-in fitness program. Grocery stores, bakeries, butchers, fruit and vegetable stalls, and gourmet cheese were close by. Multiple subway entrances were conveniently close. I felt safe walking around, even at night. A young, blond, female friend of mine did have to deal with some aggressively amorous men around the Barbes-Rochechouart station but the other nearby subway stations seemed better.

Owner response:Hi! Thank you so much for the review! I hope to see you again in the future! Gabor Simon

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A wonderful apartment in Montmarte!

Guest: Pat (New Hampshire USA)
Date of Stay: 08/05/10 Review Submitted: 01/23/11

We love renting apartments when we travel so we can "live like natives" in real neighborhoods. This apartment satisfied our desires. My husband and I stayed here for 3 nights in June 2010 before our visit to Normandy.The apartment is in a great location right at the foot of Sacre Coeur. It's light and airy with a large bedroom and very comfortable bed. The kitchen is first-rate with excellent facilities. The fact that the flat offered a washing machine and internet access make it even more desirable. Our 27 yr old son joined us for 2 nights and slept on the convertible sofa bed; he also thought the flat and location were great for seeing Paris. Even though you have to climb a lot of stairs, it is near grocery stores, bakeries, coffee shops, metro stations, restaurants and more and well worth a stay.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Wonderful stay!

Guest: lisette (madrid, Spain)
Date of Stay: 04/02/10 Review Submitted: 02/10/11

My family of 4 had a wonderful one-week stay in this beautiful apartment. The location is excellent, just a few steps from Montmartre. The apartment was clean, in good condition and quiet. I would recommend it without reservation to anyone looking for a cozy place in Paris either on vacation or on business.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Excellent apartment in a superb area.

Guest: Charlotte (Cambridge, UK)
Date of Stay: 01/25/10 Review Submitted: 12/14/10

My boyfriend and I stayed in this apartment for 5 months whilst we were studying in Paris. We would thoroughly recommend the apartment as it is in a brilliant area and was well equipped for our stay. The apartment is right in the centre of Montmartre and therefore is close to bars, restaurants, the metro and all the sights.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Every time you go to Paris....

Guest: Brigid (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 09/15/09 Review Submitted: 11/27/10

This apartment is absolutely lovely. It's in a perfect spot, right near Montmarte, but on a quieter street that has welcoming restaurants, bakeries and shops. Around the corner is a grocery, and a block further is the metro stop, though it's also a nice walk from the apartment to the center of the city. The flat itself is so comfortable - - a giant bedroom, modern kitchen, your own laundry, full-sized bath. The living room can also convert into a second bedroom quite conveniently. Any issues or coordination are promptly resolved, maintenance is efficiently done by a local company, and the owner is very generous and helpful. Every time I go back to Paris, I will stay here.

Owner response:Hi Brigid! I hope you are well! Thanks for your review! See you hopefully in the future! Gabor Simon

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