Vacation Rentals by Owner

Another Wonderful Stay in the Marias

Guest: Paris2012 (Milwaukee WI)
Date of Stay: 05/12/12 Review Submitted: 05/24/12

Four of us visited Paris to celebrate three birthdays, one graduation and long friendships. The apartment on Rue de Tournelles was a perfect place. Our experience was exactly as described in the review from Brian and Dale, down to the Sunday market on Blvd Richard Lenoir and the nearby shops. Eirwen was wonderfully accommodating in the planning (thanks for the extra hairdryer). Axel took very good care of us during our stay. Yes, the wireless internet really works. When there is activity on the street, you have the choice of enjoying it with the windows open or complete serenity with the windows closed Go to Blvd Beaumarchais for the Boulangerie. Thank you. We WILL be back.

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

A great place for a family vacation in Paris!

Guest: Joan (Wilmington, DE)
Date of Stay: 02/19/12 Review Submitted: 03/06/12

We spent a week in Paris in February. We found the apartment to work out great for 4 people, including a young child. Axel and Amy, the apartment agents , were extremely helpful familiarizing us to the apartment and the area. The location is fantastic and within easy walking of many excellent restaurants . The Bastille Market place, on Sunday and again on Thursday, is only about a 10 minute walk. There are many patisseries in the immediate area. Do not miss going to Chez Janou, just up the street. Very friendly and good food.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car.

Excellent Base for a Family Visit to Paris

Guest: Eve (Manalapan, NJ, USA)
Date of Stay: 01/03/11 Review Submitted: 01/15/11

We thoroughly enjoyed our 5 night stay in this apartment. The photos are accurate and represent the apartment well. All the facilities were in good working order, and Axel gave us a very complete orientation making us feel at home immediately. We enjoyed the neighborhood. There is a good boulangerie on the corner and Chez Janou across the street had a great vibe and excellent food. We would definitely use this apartment again when we return to Paris.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Convenient and Comfortable describe this lovely apartment in the 4th Arrondissement!

Guest: Debbo (USA|1)
Date of Stay: 06/29/10 Review Submitted: 01/26/11

Thrilled is the way to describe our feelings about this cute apartment. The apartment is very small by American standards, but huge by Paris standards. It fit the 5 of us adults perfectly, however, the 6th friend who backed out at the last minute would have made it miserable. There are 4 chairs at the small dining room table and 3 stools at the bar so when you have meals, someone would be sitting on the couch with their plate on their laps. The very well supplied kitchen is not the problem, space is. I cooked a nice pasta dinner for 2 of us one evening. Shopping for just that very simple meal to cook was difficult. They don't have a lot of prepared foods unless you visit one of the larger markets which would mean a taxi (expensive and time consuming) or a metro ride to get the food. We did buy supplies for breakfast and ate in every morning. Lunch and dinner were eaten out for convenience. Our favorite, Chez Janou, was about 50 steps down the street so it made it very handy plus the food was delicious and not too expensive. The pictures on the website are very accurate with the exception of the living room. Another couch (a fold out) has been added. Plus: Location near great bakeries, grocery stores and metro stop. Spacious for 5 adults. Well organized kitchen for cooking. Great security and service. Great Internet. Near Chez Janou restaurant. Minus: Dryer doesn't work very well. Pull out couch is very hard to pull out. Have them demonstrat

Owner response:Thank you for the kind comments. There are 6 dining chairs in the apartment, so I am a little baffled as to why this client said there were only 4 chairs, maybe someone put them in the bedrooms! The washer/dryer is a combination and it works best for drying with small loads.

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

perfect for family with 2 nine year olds

Guest: jenmax (perth western australia)
Date of Stay: 04/12/10 Review Submitted: 05/11/10

I agree with previous reviews-spacious , airy,elegant,immaculate and comfortable as presented on internet.Le Marais was a wonderful and safe location with shops and restaurants so close.Chez Janou was especially tolerant of my poor french and food and atmosphere were fantastic .Two metro lines with-in a few minutes stroll .Tamara was very helpful and efficient .The wi-fi and washing machine were fabulous! Overall we adored our 5 nights in Paris which no doubt was contributed to by this fabulous`apartment. I would not hesitate in returning ourselves or recommending to family and friends .

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Wonderful Stay in the Marias

Guest: Brian and Dale (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/03/10 Review Submitted: 04/11/10

I highly recommend this apartment. When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised by the size of the apartment and how well decorated it was. The bedrooms are very generous and the living space was quite comfortable for four adults. It also helped that each bedroom has its own bathroom. Also very nice for two couples travelling together. The three big windows looking out onto the street were fantastic for light and a view onto the neighbourhood. While we wandered all over the city, we spent a lot of time in the Marais. We found great restaurants close by including Chez Janou across the street and Gli Angeli. It was wonderful being so close to the street market on Blvd Richard Lenoir. We spent an entire Sunday morning at the market and at in that night. The galleries and shopping in the neighbourhood were also wonderful. Many of the shops are owned by the artisans. The staff were very helpful at all stages. I was very impressed when we reported a problem with the internet and someone showed up the next day to fix it.

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

Great Location, lovely accommodations

Guest: Mamie in NY (New York)
Date of Stay: 03/11/10 Review Submitted: 06/11/10

This apartment was comfortable, clean, plesant and had everything we needed for a six night stay in Paris. We were two couples who travel together frequently. With 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms there was plenty of privacy and the living room/dining room afforded ample common space. Before our holiday the owners were very responsive to questions, which made the entire enterprise stress-free. Kitchen and laundry facilities were more than adequate. Great tourist information was provided in a booklet in the apartment. The location is fantastic: easy walk to the Metro and more restaurants nearby than we had time for! We would not hestiate to use this apartment again and have already recommended it to friends & family!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Connie Corbett (St. Helena, Napa Valley, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/26/08 Review Submitted: 11/26/08

A fabulous apartment in a quiet, inviting location in the Marais district...we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Eirwen and Lucyna, Thanks for such a pleasant and comfortable experience and excellent hospitality! We truly felt at home.

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Guest: Andy Sarkady
Date of Stay: 07/22/08 Review Submitted: 07/21/08

I just wanted to pass along a note to say what a wonderful time we had in Paris. Your apartment was perfect! We look forward to coming back to Paris and hope to stay with your apartment again.

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Guest: Adrienne Spector (Keene, New Hampshire)
Date of Stay: 06/22/07 Review Submitted: 06/22/07

From the moment that we arrived at 62 rue des Tournelles, I knew I had made the right choice. There were four of us, me, my husband, mother and aunt, (mother and aunt are in their early eighties). I breathed a sigh of relief as the big heavy outer door clicked open onto a quite courtyard with timeless light. The inner door to the actual building opened onto a "perfect" stairway and tiny elevator. We could have been in any era at that point. Finally, the door to the apartment opened to reveal a lovely, bright and elegant apartment that we truly enjoyed and relaxed in each and every day. The location is unbelievable----it was our first time in Paris, so perhaps there are other equally well located spots, but truly, we felt so chic and safe. Our contact, Tamara, was so kind and polite and helpful. The Place des Voges, the restaurants, the Chemin Vert Metro literally right around the corner, the neighborhood feel, the peaceful sleeps----we can't wait to return to Paris. Adrienne Spector

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Guest: Toby and Perry Phillips (Toronto, Ontario )
Date of Stay: 01/01/07 Review Submitted: 01/01/07

The apartment was much more than we had hoped for. It was obvious that a lot of thought and effort had been expended to anticipate our every need. It was beautiful as well as comfortable, and, perfectly situated. We were close to many of the smaller museums, great local restaurants, and when possible, walked where we could. Of course, we were able to use the Metro extensively as Bastille is just a short walk away. Our experience was enriched by having a superbly-equipped kitchen in which to prepare the gorgeous provisions gathered from the fabulous market on Richard Lenoir: a food-lovers' paradise. Once again, thanks for your hospitality.

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Guest: Peggy Bhimani (Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 09/15/06 Review Submitted: 09/15/06

Dear Jonathan and Gretchen, Thanks for all the help and info you gave us. The apartment is in the perfect location to use as a home base. It is so easy to get anywhere, with the Metro just a short distance away. It was so nice to come "home" to after a long day of sightseeing! Our family of four found the apartment to be just the right size for us, and so well furnished and equipped. The wireless internet connection was great!We had just a wonderful time on our first visit to Paris, and hope it won't be the last! Peggy and Anwar Bhimani

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Guest: Daniel M. (-)
Date of Stay: 08/10/06 Review Submitted: 08/10/06

We rented the apartment and studio below and both were perfect. What a treat to be located in the middle of such a cool area and have your own home away from home to come back to after a busy day. Jonathan is a terrific resource and his binder of helpful tips and favorites makes your stay that much more enjoyable.

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Guest: Sam and Deborah Hastings-Black
Date of Stay: 05/30/06 Review Submitted: 05/29/06

Dear Jonathan and Gretchen, Thanks again for all your hospitality in March when we stayed in your 2- bedroom apartment in the Rue des Tournelles. From the moment we arrived, when Brigitte, your representative, concierge and solve-anything expert, met us at the outside door, to the day we left, when she arranged a taxi while the student strikes slowed down everyone else, we felt well taken care of. Some small samples from our vacation in your apartment: Looking out the expansive 2d floor windows, wide open on a spring day, and seeing friends walking down the street on their way to meet us.... Discovering similar tastes in music in your CD collection... Reading a newfound book about Paris in your library, putting it down and walking a few blocks to see the site mentioned in the book, in this case the half-timbered houses from 1350 near the river... Being able, on an impulse, to go have dinner in any one of your neighborhood's terrific restaurants... Being able to walk to almost any destination from the Marais location -- Pere Lachaise, the Luxembourg Gardens, the Musee Jacquemart-Andre... We have already recommended you to neighbors here and look forward to being able to do so again. Best regards, Sam and Deborah Hastings-Black

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Guest: Judy and Eric Byck
Date of Stay: 05/25/06 Review Submitted: 05/24/06

Hi Jonathan and Gretchen -- We had a wonderful time in paris. we loved the apartment totally and completely. having the whole thing to ourselves (no kids) was such a luxury! We thought the beds were extraordinarily comfortable. We used many of the guidebooks, especially the little card deck of 50 walks in paris. we ate at several of your restaurant suggestions, including le pre verre, le relais d'entrecote (excellent and fun -- and the best slice of chocolate cake I have ever had in my life -- that was a nice surprise!) and, on the last night, chez janou -- which was a great way to end the week. I can't think of a better part of paris to have stayed in. we loved the n'hood, proximity to place des vosges square, the shops of rue des francs bourgeois, and the picasso museum was quite incredible! We walked the entire city. We were so sad to leave.

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Guest: Melissa and Bruce Platzman (Northborough,MA )
Date of Stay: 04/25/06 Review Submitted: 04/25/06

We were thrilled with our accomodations in your apartment! It had all the charm you would expect from a Parisian apartment with all the modern conveniences to make our lives easy. The location was fantastic. We were able to get around with ease to any of our destinations for that day. We enjoyed walking around the neighborhood and always felt safe no matter what time of day or night. It really helped make our trip perfect to have a place, such as yours, to relax in at the end of a busy day of soaking up everything Paris has to offer. Thank you for adding to our Paris experience. We can't wait to come back again ! The Platzman Family

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Guest: Tom Hoyt (Riverside, California)
Date of Stay: 03/01/06 Review Submitted: 03/01/06

My wife and daughter stayed at your lovely apartment during our daughter's audition series for The Paris Conservatory of Music. It was a most comfortable retreat for them, especially convenient to the Metro and taxis for travel to the school. We would certainly be pleased to stay there again.

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Guest: Carol and Bob Hortin (Saratoga, CA USA)
Date of Stay: 11/04/05 Review Submitted: 11/04/05

The minute we climbed the stairs and opened the door to number 62, we were pleased, not wanting to stay in a hotel. Brigitte greeted us and show- ed us around the apartment. The decor and size of the apartment was just perfect for the 4 of us. All that the owners had told us, previously to our arrival was true.....location to the metro, fantastic restaurants, museums, outdoor markets, shopping, sights and just being in Paris! We loved coming back to 62, after a late lunch - opening the windows to the sights and sounds of the Marais - sipping on some fantastic french wine, and relaxing before going out again for another wonderful meal. The kitchen/baths were perfect....and we all were sad when the taxi pulled up, after a week's stay, to take us to the train station. We loved the apart- ment, and would recommend it to friends as well as go back ourselves. You are lucky to own such a place - Merci

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Guest: Bigelow and Sally Green (Nyack, NY)
Date of Stay: 09/24/05 Review Submitted: 09/24/05

Just imagine becoming instant Parisians. That's how we felt when our taxi stopped at 62 Rue de Tournelles and Brigitte appeared to greet us, help with our luggage and introduce us to your lovely Marais apartment with all its amenities including a most helpful "yellow book", a thorough and well-organized guide to the apartment, its appliances and the local area. We did as we pleased, when we pleased, exploring Paris at our own pace but found ourselves returning to the apartment each day in time to enjoy the lively neighborhood with the Place de Voges, the Bastille, local museums, and numerous restaurants, bistros and interesting shops, all within easy walking distance. What more could we ask than a beautiful apartment, a historic Parisian location and the freedom to explore and discover Paris at our own pace. It was as perfect a visit as it could be. Thanks so much, you haven't seen the last of us! Bigelow and Sally Green Nyack, NY

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Guest: Doug Hay (-)
Date of Stay: 08/04/05 Review Submitted: 08/04/05

We stayed for a week in this great apartment, located in one of the best areas of Paris and including all the appointments and luxury you need for a relaxing holiday. The small touches such as the local guide, welcoming gift of wine and the meet and greet service are a great bonus.

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Guest: Dr. Gloria Bertacchi-Freeman (Granite Bay, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/30/05 Review Submitted: 06/30/05

Jonathan Rome and Gretchen Van Horne, your landlords on this apartment in the Marais, are a class act. From the moment you arrive and are greeted by Bridget to the moment you check out you will enjoy every moment of this fine apartment. They have included a directory on how to use each and every appliance in the apartment, helpful books of the area, restaurants to visit and sites to see. They even left a complete DVD collection and CDs to listen to in the apartment. There were lots of cleaning supplies, plenty of toilet paper(the other place we rented didn't even give us this), wine and chocolate when you arrived, some coffee in the cupboard, and many more thoughtful things. We were happy as clams in this clean, comfortable, airconditioned(very important in Paris in the summer), and with an elevator to the 1st floor. You will love this area of the Marais...it is safe, beautiful and you will of course want to return...Kudos to two landlords who know what Americans want and need in Paris and for providing that luxury to travelers here....Plus they returned the deposit before I even arrived home(didnt even have to ask...unlike some other landlords). My Advice is simple to Americans, rent from other Americans while in Paris...rent from Jonathan and Gretchen...you wont be disappointed..They even called when we were over there to make sure everything was ok.....Thanks again for a memory we will never forget....

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Guest: Leslie D. Ropelewski (California)
Date of Stay: 04/22/05 Review Submitted: 04/22/05

This apartment couldn't be better appointed or located. The recent renovation has left it with all modern conveniences, yet preserved the charm. The bathrooms are hotel quality. The wireless DSL is a spoiler. The Marais is my favorite neighborhod in Paris; the street is charming, yet extremely close to a Metro stop, there are great restaurants in the area, and Jonathan is a sympathetic and emotionally involved host -- should you need it, he will give advice throughout your stay. Now we don't want to stay anywhere else!

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Guest: Rita and Martin Landry (Beaconsfield, Qu?bec, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/09/05 Review Submitted: 03/09/05

We always have a wonderful time in Paris, but it was made even more enjoyable by staying in the two-bedroom appartment at 62, rue des Tournelles. We were there with our two teenagers and did not feel like we lived one on top of each other. This appartment is well furnished, beautifully decorated, and efficient which appeals to us North Americans, but it has a nice little French touch. The beds were very comfortable and bathrooms and kitchen were well appointed. The combination washer-dryer is a nice added feature. The information book is a great idea and got us going on exploring the neighbourhood. Also, you couldn't ask for a better location. The Marais is a hopping place and worth discovering. We have already recommended the appartment to our friends and acquaintances. It beats a hotel room anytime!

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Guest: David and Muriel Duggins
Date of Stay: 01/06/05 Review Submitted: 01/05/05

We are back in the US and want to let you know that the apartment was the Best... We were so pleased with the place. You did an awesome job with it.It was spacious which is hard to find in Paris, and clean and very nicely decorated. The bathrooms were awesome and everything was spacious. We are going to recommend your place to all. The location was perfect and close to everything: shopping, Fauchon, Bofinger, the Halles, Louvre and Rue de Rivoli. I am so glad that I found your Little Parisian Jewel on the internet.

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Guest: Carol and Tony (California, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/04/04 Review Submitted: 10/04/04

We just returned from a week at 62 Rue des Tournelles and would most definitely recommend the apartment and hope to rent it again ourselves on our next visit to Paris. The description of the apartment on VRBO very accurately reflects the reality of both the apartment’s facilities and the neighborhood. We took full advantage of the owners’ recommendations for restaurants, shops, street markets, etc (they provided a very well organized and thorough notebook at the apartment with information about the apartment, appliances, and neighborhood) and we enjoyed each recommendation we tried. The Marais is a great neighborhood, with our favorite Place des Vosges as its centerpiece. We rarely went further afield than a few blocks for dinner (we went to Chez Janou, Petit Marché, Bofinger, and Baracane, which we discovered ourselves). It was great after walking around Paris all day to come back to such a comfortable, lovely, well-equipped, and well-located home base.

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Guest: Janice Battle (-)
Date of Stay: 08/26/04 Review Submitted: 08/26/04

August 26, 2004 My family and I have just spent a week in Le Marais at 62 rue des Tournelles. What a lovely surprise to find this beautiful apartment so close to Place des Vosges and its wonders. Everything in the apartment was very well done and very comfortable. We stayed with our three children, two in one room, one on the pull-out and us in the master bedroom. We fit well. The apt. was air conditioned which really helped in the evening. Jonathan and Grethchen have wonderful suggestions about the area which helped us a great deal. We cannot wait to return!!

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Guest: D Freed (Kensington, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/14/04 Review Submitted: 07/14/04

Great location, tastefully decorated, very comfortable, especially the beds! Bathrooms are great, plenty of hot water, good kitchen and new appliances. Quiet apartment in a busy neighborhood that has easy access to the metro, restaurants, shopping, etc. Nice to have a DVD player and cable TV. Jonathan, Gretchen, Bridgett and Michelle were very helpful. We would stay here again in a minute and highly recommend to others.

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Guest: Kathryn Connor (Adamstown, Md.)
Date of Stay: 05/30/04 Review Submitted: 05/30/04

Location is marvelous, in Le Marais, with excellent restaurants, bakeries and shops. The apartment is lovely. Recently renovated it is beauifuly decorated. We looked forward to returning each night. Have already recommended the apartment to family and friends!

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Guest: Michael Cohen (-)
Date of Stay: 05/21/04 Review Submitted: 05/21/04

The Marais in Paris is one of our favorite plces in the whole world; and this apartment is in a perfect spot in the Marais - close to everything yet out of the hub-bub. My wife, 4 year old daughter and I spent the month of April (04) at this glorious apartment. Gretchen and Jonathan did an absolutely impeccable job with the rennovations, their design very thoughtful and the materials all first class. The bedrooms are both exceptionally quiet and the beds and bed linens were wonderful. The bathrooms were brand new and deluxe, with a nice tub in one of them (very important to my wife and daughter!). The kitchen was extremely modern, well thought out and you could actually cook in it - which is not always the case with Paris rentals. The Living/Dining area takes up the front of the apartment and the 3 large windows not only look out on Rue des Tournelles but also clear down Rue de Minimes which creates a sense of openenss and light. The WiFi set up was very thoughtful and allowed us to hhave an immediate web/email connction in the apartment which we found indispensible (and economiical!) One of our favorite things about the apartment, aside form the fact that it is truly only 3 minutes to Place des Vosges, is that it is only a 1 minute (or less) stroll to four of our favorite restaurants in the area - Chez Jannou, Le Petite Marche, Gli Angeli and Cave St. Gilles. If you rent this apartment, do try them all. All in all, we give the apartment 4 stars and would highly recommend it . PS. The owners also promptly returned our security deposit upon our return to the States.

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