Vacation Rentals by Owner

Perfect quiet apartment for a couple who want to explore Paris

Guest: Still traveling after all these years (San Luis Obispo CA)
Date of Stay: 04/23/12 Review Submitted: 05/03/12

We found this lovely apartment to be even better than its description. The property was so well located: close to several Metro stops, a block away from a great bakery and cheese shop. The apartment was very quiet and there was a view of a nicely landscaped courtyard. We enjoyed cooking every night and the kitchen was very well equipped with all pots, pans and utensils that one would have in their own home. Chris arranged for us to have a bouquet of flowers from a neighborhood florist which was a nice touch. He was a phone call away if we had any questions. This a a great choice for a couple who would like to explore Paris while staying in a safe and fun district. We have no reservations in recommending this property.

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

Great stay in the Marais

Guest: Sue,Mark,E and Z. (Perth WA)
Date of Stay: 04/17/12 Review Submitted: 05/03/12

Thanks for a fantastic stay in this great apartment. The apartment so comfortable and well stocked with everything we needed including great tourist information. We found the area to be so central and easy to access with a good variety of shops and restaurants. I will be recommending this to any friends travelling to Paris and will definately re book if we return.

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

The apartment was perfect.

Guest: Sue T.
Date of Stay: 04/17/12 Review Submitted: 05/03/12

Thanks Chris. We had a fantastic time. The apartment was perfect, and I will definitely be recommending it to friends and re booking it if and when we return. We loved the area too. Thanks for all your help and advice.

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Charming, comfortable and exactly as pictured

Guest: Rose
Date of Stay: 03/17/12 Review Submitted: 04/23/12

We enjoyed the apt and found it to be charming, comfortable and exactly as pictured. Felt very safe and secure and really enjoyed the tranquil setting with view to the courtyard. Also appreciated all the ingenious storage, it was nice to be able to stow all our suitcases and personal belongings out of the way. The location was so convenient, close to metro and the neighborhood was a delight. Loved the Marche practically next door. I wouldn't hesitate to stay again and recommend it to others.

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A dream vacation in a perfect location.

Guest: Carol
Date of Stay: 01/11/12 Review Submitted: 02/05/12

Your apartment more than met my expectations. It was roomy and modern, and I felt safe and comfortable at all times. I didn't realize it was in such a central location, with so many food shops just up the block, so many fantastic restaurants within a few minutes walk, as well as wonderful little shops and even museums. It was a short walk to Ile de la Cite / Ile St. Louis. I also found the Metro to be very convenient, and took it to many sights. It was a dream vacation in a perfect location.

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Our Paris Home!

Guest: Craig (BERKELEY, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/11/11 Review Submitted: 01/10/12

When my wife suggested our renting a Paris apartment for a couple of weeks, I was a little leery about the prospect of negotiating long distance online for an unseen apartment. Fortunately, there was no reason to worry. The Marais cottage is a warm, quiet, and beautifully appointed apartment steps away from everything you would ever need or want in Paris. We stayed for two weeks and truly felt at home. The fresh baguettes at Chez Manon/La Fougasse, delicious cheese at the corner fromagerie, Moroccan takeout from Marche des Enfant Rouge, and the many fine restaurants all around make the apartment location a desirable one. From the initial inquiry about the apartment to scheduling a taxi to take us to the airport, Chris was prompt, helpful, and addressed any concerns we had. I highly recommend the Marais Cottage and plan on staying there again the next time we're in Paris.

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

Great Place and Location

Guest: George W.
Date of Stay: 12/01/11 Review Submitted: 12/19/11

As advertised. Chris is very helpful and promptly resolved a minor problem. The apartment is within walking distance of nearly everything, even in the very dramatic and changeable December weather. My daughter lives near the Pantheon, and it took less time to walk to her apartment than to ride the Metro. And what a walk. Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature was a pleasant surprise. Among many, two restaurants: Le Reminet, 3, rue des Grands-Degres, and Anahuacalli, 30, rue des Bernardins.

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

Living the parisian life !

Guest: Martine&Claude (Vancouver, Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/13/11 Review Submitted: 09/24/11

We will keep good memories of Chris's place. Everything we needed was there. We slept like babies in a very comfy bed without any noise around. The apartment, located in a nice neighborhood, made us feel like locals. Everything was in a walking distance, but the apartment was far enough from the summer crowd which could be intense. Easy to recommend this place.

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

Guest: Ginna
Date of Stay: 06/19/11 Review Submitted: 07/02/11

I had never before rented a vacation home sight unseen and was a bit wary of doing so. My thinking about your apartment went--buyer beware! The description and all the positive reviews sound too good to be true. I am so glad I ignored that thought and went ahead and rented it for ten days this June. The apartment was exactly as described: quiet, attractively and comfortably furnished, meticulously clean and thoughtfully equipped. We were particularly impressed by the array of kitchen utensils (an oyster knife!) and the extensive collection of travel guides and books about France and Paris. We ended up doing much less sightseeing and museum going in Paris than we had intended because the Marais neighborhood nearby was so interesting and charming. And right around the corner was not only the open market but also a butcher, fish monger, cheese store, charcuterie and of course the bakery. We hope to return to Paris in the future and would certainly want to rent your apartment again. Thanks so much.

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A Quintessential Experience

Guest: Charlotte (Canada) (St. Albert, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/12/11 Review Submitted: 06/30/11

After 2 1/2 weeks traveling in Europe, it was a wonderful gift to be able to stay in this beautiful, quiet little apartment. We stayed in some outstanding B&Bs during our travels, but we were experiencing a little restaurant fatigued by the time we arrived in Paris, so this was the perfect spot. It was wonderful to be able to get up in the morning at our leisure and enjoy a repast of fresh baguettes or croissants from La Fougasse, fabulous cheese from the shop at the corner (try the Tomme), and fresh fruit from one of the many stalls on Rue Bretagne, all courtesy of a morning jaunt by my early rising husband! After long days of adventure in this special city it was great to arrive "home" and rest our weary feet while having an easy meal purchased from the Italian deli or a tagine from Le Marche de Les Enfants Rouge. Thanks to Chris, we were also able to sample some excellent French cuisine at several of the local restaurants he recommended. We can't speak highly enough about the detailed information about the apartment, neighborhood, transportation and local sites provided by the owner. My husband's comment about the apartment was that it was better equipped than our house! Nothing had been overlooked which lead to a truly enjoyable stay. Le Marais was the perfect place to introduce our 20 year old daughter to a taste of what living in Paris might be like. Great streets to explore and intriguing shops to visit, yet within easy walking distance of many of the well known sights of Paris. The location of this property couldn't be better. We would not hesitate to recommend this apartment to anyone wishing to really "experience" the city. Chris demonstrated a professional attention to detail (including fresh flowers for our stay), and seemed genuine in his desire to be helpful which we found very reassuring.

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

Cozy, comfy, and clean home in Paris

Guest: PalmSpringsFan (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 04/01/11 Review Submitted: 04/18/11

I've rented several apartments in Paris over the years using VRBO and other sites, and this apartment was far and away the best. It was spotless, well-equipped, and the owner was easily reachable whenever we had questions or needed help (getting the wifi set up on our iphones, for example). Comfy bed, great bathroom, and total silence at night. I can't stress this enough. What a treat to not have to hear sirens/pedestrians/etc. when you're ready to head off to sleep after a long day in the city. The washer was fabulous to help cut down on the luggage, and the towels and sheets were nice and soft. You can't ask for a better location on the right bank of Paris. Between the buses and the metro stations, you're close to all the main attractions. And if you want to just while away the day in the Marais, well, you can't do much better than this area for your home base.

Owner response:Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review. And thank you in particular for mentioning the quiet -- it's one thing the photos can't show! It's also one of the things I personally appreciate the most about our place when I stay there myself. I'm glad you had a great time, and I hope we'll have you back again sometime. Kind regards, Chris

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

Feeling of Home As Soon As You Walk In The Door, Better Than Photos!

Guest: Texas ER Doc (Dallas, Texas)
Date of Stay: 01/25/11 Review Submitted: 02/12/12

I just completed a 15 day stay. It's no wonder that the Marais "Country Cottage" is booked so far in advance. It's an exceptionally comfortable, super quiet, aesthetically sophisticated home away from home. You can feel the intelligence and effort that went into the design and outfitting of this place. You'll find everything you need to feel like home from a complete kitchen, spices, umbrellas, linens, laundry detergent, power adapters, etc. The neighborhood is uniquely charming, safe and very Parisien with shopping, restaurants, art galleries and transportation (metro and buses) nearby. It's clean and everything works. The free calls to the US and France were much appreciated. The internet WIFI is fast and reliable. My only suggestions are more satellite TV channels for Americans and better regulation of the hot water in the shower. BTW, the bathroom is very cool in its design. The owner Chris is attentive and will bend over backwards to make your stay exceptional. Highly Recommended!

Owner response:Thanks, Jeff! Since we last spoke, I've been looking into more English language channels, and they are hard to come by in France! According to the TV company, the apartment already has most of what they offer. (For others who might read this, they are: CNN, BBC World, Bloomberg, France24 in English (news), and Al-Jazeera in English.) On the shower control, that's something new. I'll bet the culprit is lime deposits -- calcium in the water is a big problem here. Thanks for letting me know; I'll look into it. All the best, Chris

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

Guest: Anne
Date of Stay: 01/24/11 Review Submitted: 02/12/11

Dear Chris - Thank you for offering your apartment for rent. I found it to be in the most perfect location in Paris and I would not hesitate to get in touch with you when I next come back to Paris for a few days. What an interesting and beautiful area. I am missing it. You have the apartment set up perfectly and it feels instantly homey. Importantly, the bedding was extremely comfortable and the heating worked well despite the chilly temperatures. I also appreciate your speedy response to any emails. Thanks again Chris. With best wishes, Anne

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Guest: S. Thomas
Date of Stay: 12/27/10 Review Submitted: 01/26/11

My husband and I loved our stay at Rue Charlot. The location couldn't have been better. We have both lived in Paris previously, and your apartment made us feel like we were residents again, rather than simply tourists. We visited over New Years, and although it was freezing outside, the apartment was cozy and comfortable. The bathroom is larger than most Parisian ones, and the kitchen allowed me to prepare a gourmet meal (it was even stocked with condiments such as salt and olive oil). The bed is comfortable, the room beautifully decorated, and the street charmant. We felt right at home in Paris, and we will never think of staying in a hotel there again.

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Guest: Andrea
Date of Stay: 11/01/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

We spent one week of our honeymoon in Paris, and we chose to stay in the apartment on Rue Charlot. The apartment was located in a great part of the Marais that truly had a neighbourhood feel to it. It was within easy walking distance of multiple metro stops and tourist attractions. The apartment itself was clean and cozy and had tons of information on the apartment, local neighbourhood and Paris as a whole. We enjoyed cooking dinners in the well-equipped kitchen. We'd be happy to recommend this apartment to friends, family or anyone looking for a lovely home base in the heart of Paris.

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Guest: Verle and Bob P.
Date of Stay: 10/09/10 Review Submitted: 10/21/10

Our stay was very pleasant. Your apartment is very attractive and well planned out. We loved the Marais neighborhood. We really appreciated the well-supplied kitchen -- you have pretty much everything that is needed to prepare a full meal, although we didn't do much cooking with all the great restaurants in Paris. We also enjoyed the very well-appointed bathroom, the internet connection was very appreciated, the bed comfortable, and it was so quiet. And we made good use of the very good supply of travel books and literature. They were great resources. We'd certainly recommend your apartment to others.

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Guest: Dianne and David
Date of Stay: 10/01/10 Review Submitted: 10/18/10

We loved the apartment and found it very convenient to everything, extremely quiet and well appointed. The book with all the helpful instructions was excellent with absolutely everything covered. We ate within walking distance every night and found the restaurants to be of extremely high standard. It was a wonderful experience and we would love to return one day. We would certainly be happy for you to use us as a reference.

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Guest: Carol
Date of Stay: 08/27/10 Review Submitted: 09/29/10

We loved the appartment. Having our "own" place to stay in a wonderful district where we tried so hard to pretend we were Parisians was a real gift! Everything we could have hoped for was there, and I thank you personally for happily organizing our taxi to the airport and for the welcoming flowers..... a lovely gesture. I would certainly have no problem supplying a reference for you at any time. It would be my pleasure. I have to say I was more than a bit nervous that we would arrive in Paris and find that the appartment was not for real! There has been some publicity here with people claiming this happened to them in various european places and I must say, the appartment sounded too good to be true. Paying all the money up front before we had set foot on French soil did nothing to allay these fears, so it was with a huge sigh of relief that we met Joanna! Anyway, everything was fantastic and I honestly hope to revisit in the next few years. Certainly, I am telling everyone likely to visit Paris that they would be mad to miss it! Once again, thank you Chris for everything. Sincerely, Carol

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Guest: Cheryl
Date of Stay: 07/30/10 Review Submitted: 08/30/10

We really enjoyed staying in your wonderful apartment! I will recommend it to all my friends. It's a great location and is stocked with all the necessities you have in your own home. The kitchen was complete and convenient to cook in. The CD collection was great. The wireless connection was wonderful!

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Guest: Patti and Jack
Date of Stay: 07/17/10 Review Submitted: 08/30/10

Thank you so much, Chris. I really can't tell you how much we have appreciated this experience and how grateful we are to have the opportunity to stay in your wonderful Marais apartment. The way you have outfitted the apartment is very thoughtful - not to mention helpful. This couldn't have been a better experience for our first VRBO rental.

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Marais apartment

Guest: Dave and Mary Lou (Lititz, PA USA)
Date of Stay: 07/07/10 Review Submitted: 08/01/10

Before choosing a place for our stay in Paris, we looked very, very carefully , and we were not disappointed! This is a cozy, comfortable and totally charming home away from home. Although it looks "casual", we could see that every detail was well planned, combining the older architectural elements with the modern updates. It was so easy to stay here, and returning from a busy day on the outside (of Paris!), passing through the cool and quiet courtyard was so restful. The added bonus was the neighborhood - the many wonderful markets, boulangeries, bistros, galleries and shops make the Marais a city within a city - we barely scratched the surface. We have vowed to return because this area in itself has so much to explore. We left Rue Charlot feeling like we were leaving our own home. This is surely what Chris had in mind when he fashioned this lovely space. Thank you, Chris, for your talents and your insight!

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

Guest: Jude
Date of Stay: 05/11/10 Review Submitted: 08/30/10

Chris, thank you so much for allowing us to stay in your delightful Rue Charlot apartment. It is perfectly situated to all the major attractions we were hoping to see, yet surprisingly quiet tucked away in Le Marais. The housekeeper was exactly where we agreed to meet on our arrival and quickly showed us the apartment and all the details we needed to know. The apartment had everything we needed including the internet and much needed laundry facilities. As well, the free long distance was a much appreciated perk -- to us as well as those we were able to contact back home. Also, many thanks for answering our email questions so quickly and arranging a taxi pickup on our day of departure. As for local amenities, we enjoyed the several wonderful bakeries, numerous cafes, and the handy grocery store all just down the street. There really is no other apartment we would consider staying in when returning to Paris. Thank you again.

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Guest: Gwendolyn
Date of Stay: 04/01/10 Review Submitted: 08/30/10

We wanted to tell you what a wonderful time we had in your apartment in the Marais. We really appreciated the location and amenities of the apartment very much and will recommend it to anyone we know who is staying in Paris. It is a wonderful district and we felt like we were living as locals. It had everything we needed to make our stay comfortable. As a travel agent, I will definitely refer my clients to you. We hope to come back again someday.

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Guest: Luis
Date of Stay: 03/25/10 Review Submitted: 08/30/10

We had an absolutely fabulous time in Paris and in the Rue Charlot apartment. The apartment is so centrally located that we were mostly able to walk just about anywhere. Any direction we walked in, it was beautiful and interesting. The apartment was very nicely appointed, tasteful and practical. And to have a lovely fresh bouquet of flowers is a very nice touch. The apartment is so well equipped. It even has a lettuce spinner! THAT'S NICE! When you care about food, they are essential. Having those fabulous food stores right down the street was also a plus. In short, I would wholeheartedly recommend this wonderful Marais apartment to anyone. A perfect romantic getaway. Thanks again.

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Mary Lia

Guest: Mary (Westtown, NY)
Date of Stay: 03/14/10 Review Submitted: 01/13/11

> Feel free to give my e-mail as a contact for a reference for the > apartment. I would be happy to write a few lines about the > apartment. Is there a specific site or is in an e-mail > sufficient? The location is excellent. The local shops and > restaurants were very "French" . We felt as if we were Parisians > for a week, getting our bread, pasta, flowers, wine or meats in the > morning or sipping coffee with fresh croissants (the chocolate ones > were heavenly!) . Chic boutiques and art work were within walking > distance and made for pleasant strolling. I have to tell you, two > of the restaurants - one was to the right out of the apartment to > the next block on Rue Charlot, were extremely nice. Juliette was > not feeling well so I asked for "carry out". They gave us plates > from the restaurant and just asked me to return them the next > day!. The other, Oscar's sent us home with containers full of > food for two dinners, then later that night after 11:00, Juliette > had a piece of couscous stuck in her throat and kept coughing (for > over an hour). The market was closed so I returned to the > restaurant to buy bread. They insisted I take it at no charge. > Our stay was special and the neighborhood welcoming. We would > highly recommend the apartment. Thank you for your help during > our stay. Take care. Mary

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Mary
Date of Stay: 03/14/10 Review Submitted: 08/30/10

Thanks so much for your help during our stay. We truly enjoyed the apartmenet. The location is excellent. The local shops and restaurants were very "French". We felt as if we were Parisians for a week, getting our bread, pasta, flowers, wine or meats in the morning or sipping coffee with fresh croissants (the chocolate ones were heavenly!). Chic boutiques and art work were within walking distance and made for pleasant strolling. I have to tell you, two of the restaurants were extremely nice. At one, Juliette was not feeling well so I asked for "carry out". They gave us plates from the restaurant and just asked me to return them the next day! Our stay was special and the neighborhood welcoming. We would highly recommend the apartment.

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Guest: Holly
Date of Stay: 01/11/10 Review Submitted: 04/01/10

We had a great stay in the apartment. The location is fantastic -- even though we were jetlagged and freezing, we did a lot of exploring and eating. We had wonderful meals. We found in general that we preferred the smaller, traditional places, like Cafe des Musees and Chez Janou. Friendlier somehow, and really good food. Thanks for suggesting the various boulangeries, fromageurs, etc. of the neighborhood. Julien was great -- friendly suggestions about wines, cheeses, jazz clubs, and restaurants. And we met our French conversation teacher twice at Cafe Charlot, which was comfortable and a perfect location. All the best, Holly

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Guest: Kearns
Date of Stay: 01/05/10 Review Submitted: 01/04/10

We stayed at this apartment during December 2009 when the weather was so very cold that the Eurostar stopped running for five days. At all times the apartment was warm and comfortable. The presentation of the apartment is wonderful, the photographs do not do justice to this apartment. The location is fantastic and Chris' knowledge of the locals and the local area was a great help. We are already telling our friends of this great find. We will certainly return at our next visit. When we were unable to leave Paris for two days with the cancellation of Eurostar services, Chris' support of our situation in assuring that we had accomodation and transport when required put our mind at ease and helped us through a potentially difficult time. He certainly went out of his way to make sure we were safe and comfortable. Mark Kearns Linden, NSW Australia

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Guest: Esperanza
Date of Stay: 12/19/09 Review Submitted: 12/18/09

We wanted you to know that we've spent five fantastic days in your beautiful apartment on Rue Charlot. We have been very comfortable and we had everything necessary to pass holiday in Paris is very comfortable and enjoyable. Your apartment is just as you see in the pictures on the website and the description is fully consistent with that found on the site. It has all the details to make tenants feel very comfortable. It has a superb location that allows access to many sites in the city of Paris. It is well connected with stops bus and underground very close. The neighborhood is very quiet and is equipped with shops and supermarkets to able to purchase and enjoy good products. We want to thank you for all the information you provide. If we ever have to return to Paris -- we are already looking forward -- we will not hesitate to re-contact you to stay again in your beautiful apartment. Thank you very much for everything. A hug from the family: Mario, Esperanza, Gema y Gonzalo

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Guest: Karen and Peter A.
Date of Stay: 12/06/09 Review Submitted: 12/05/09

We feel so fortunate to have discovered your precious little gem. We absolutely loved staying here. You taste is exquisite -- so attractive, so comfortable. The "TLC" you've invested does not go unnoticed. Thank you also for the recommendation for the little wine shop. Our visits there were delightful and informative. Julien was a goldmine of information for the next leg of our adventure. Appreciatively, Karen and Peter

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Guest: Suzanne T.
Date of Stay: 11/25/09 Review Submitted: 11/24/09

My daughter and I stayed in the Rue Charlot apartment for a week in November. The apartment is very cozy, on a very quiet street and in a safe building. We loved that we were in the heart of the Marais and within easy walking distance to multiple Metro stations and museums. There are cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and designer clothing boutiques as well as bakeries, cheese and wine shops, butchers, and a great market all very nearby. We wanted a modern comfortable apartment instead of a hotel for our time in Paris and Rue Charlot was exactly what we were looking for. We definitely would stay again and will tell our friends and family who are headed to Paris that Rue Charlot is definitely a great place to stay! Cheers, Suzanne

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Guest: Diana C.
Date of Stay: 10/19/09 Review Submitted: 10/18/09

We really enjoyed our stay at your apartment and will recommend it to friends and family. It was very quiet, cosy and comfortable and in a fabulous location. The apartment was clean, well equipped and maintained, and everything worked well. We did not use the kitchen but it appoeared to have every facility necessary for cooking. The neighbourhood is fascinating and it was very easy to access transport to other parts of Paris. There were lots of excellent restaurants within walking distance. All the best, Diana and Phil

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Guest: Kathryn H.
Date of Stay: 10/08/09 Review Submitted: 10/07/09

We had a wonderful time in Paris. The only problem with the apartment was that it was so welcoming and cozy that we didn't want to leave. I have already told many friends about the studio and it wouldn't surprise me if one or two eventually became guests of yours. Thank you so much for living up to, and even surpassing, every expectation. Kathryn

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Guest: Ray Tough
Date of Stay: 08/05/09 Review Submitted: 08/04/09

This beautiful apartment lived up to its previous reviews. We spent a wonderful week here, sampling the lovely restaurants and food shops on the doorstep and relaxing after a hot day sightseeing. The apartment had everything we needed to prepare a meal and live like a local, and we found the Marais to be a vibrant, exciting area. The security of the premises was also a bonus, although we felt very safe in the area. Beginning with the friendly greeting from Chris's mother-in-law to Chris's help in organising our early morning taxi on departure, we found the whole experience stress- free. We would highly recommend this apartment! Mr. and Mrs. Tough

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Guest: Fiona W.
Date of Stay: 07/23/09 Review Submitted: 07/22/09

Wolf and I found your apartment and its location to be everything you promised it would be. We had everything we needed in the apartment and the location gave us the sense of being part of the neighbourhood while at the same time having easy access to all areas of the city. We appreciated your personal welcome and really enjoyed the fresh bouquet of flowers! We would have no hesitation in recommending it to other visitors to Paris, and in fact have already done so. Again, many thanks and best wishes, Fiona and Wolf

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Guest: Fiona A.
Date of Stay: 07/12/09 Review Submitted: 07/11/09

I could not believe my eyes when I stumbled upon this fabulous apartment on 'the net'. It looked absolutely gorgeous, and was in just the 'right' area in Paris, and would sleep 4 (2 adults and 2 children). We had been recommended the Marais (3rd Arr.) by two lots of friends here in New Zealand, and we certainly were not disappointed, either in the area or the apartment. Chris met us at the arranged time and place, and after a two minute walk, we were there. What can I say - the apartment was central to everything, with the supermarche, bouchiere, boulangerie, and more just around the corner. It was clean, modern, large by Paris standards, and had everything in it that you could possibly need - and when we arrived a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers. Chris was also really helpful, pointing us in the right direction for all our needs, and it was lovely to meet his wife also. Chris, thank you so much. Hopefully in 2011, we will return to Paris and plan to come right back to your place!

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Guest: Heidi S.
Date of Stay: 06/03/09 Review Submitted: 06/02/09

Your accommodations were just as promised by your web information: clean, comfortable, very nice bathroom and the kitchen area was perfectly set up. Beds were cozy and sleeping in 'till late was so easy to do given the peace and quiet of the inner courtyard location. The wonderful neighborhood surrounding 25 Rue Charlot in the Marais district was bustling with cafes and shops but your apartment provided the perfect place to rest and recharge. I also want to thank you Chris for all of your personal attention. Always prompt with no details overlooked and very helpful for getting my taxi on the day of departure. Many, many thanks! I will definitely be returning and am spreading the word to my friends & family. Best, Heidi Smith

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Guest: Amy O.
Date of Stay: 04/05/09 Review Submitted: 04/04/09

The Marais apartment was terrific and I would recommend it to anyone traveling to Paris who wishes to live like a true Parisian. It had everything one could possibly want for a stay in Paris. It was also immaculate. The location is wonderful - safe neighborhood within walking distance of meto stops and shops for wonderful food, cheese, bread, wine, and more. Also within walking distance are many of the sites that one would wish to see such as Notre Dame and Saint Chapelle and very close to the Rue Rivoli with lots of great shopping. I would highly recommend it! Amy Osborne

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Guest: Sue L.
Date of Stay: 03/25/09 Review Submitted: 03/24/09

The apartment was everything I had hoped for in terms of comfort, convenience, quiet and safety. Traveling alone and being a woman of "a certain age" I found the neighborhood safe even late in the evening. The renovation of the apartment is truly outstanding with attention paid to every detail. I am an interior designer so this means a lot to me. I also love to cook and found the kitchen more than adequate and shopping for fresh fish, meat, cheese and bread very easy. (Maybe too easy!) The interior courtyard is a delight as well as a buffer from the street. All in all, the best !!! Sue

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Guest: Marlene R.
Date of Stay: 02/25/09 Review Submitted: 02/24/09

We enjoyed our stay in the apartment very much. We did our best to treat it as if it were our own, and indeed we felt very "at home" there. Our stay in Paris was surely enhanced by your sweet and charming apartment! Marlene

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Guest: Timothy K.
Date of Stay: 02/10/09 Review Submitted: 02/09/09

Beth and I had a wonderful time in Paris. Although we spent very little time there, your apartment was wonderful. It is very convenient to neighborhood restaurants, coffee shops, the market, Metro, etc. We have shown our photos of the apartment to friends who can't believe the quality of the apartment compared to hotels they have stayed at in Paris. Don't be suprised to get more inquires from Grand Marais. We loved it!!! Thanks for your hospitality, Tim and Beth

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Guest: Pamela S.
Date of Stay: 01/07/09 Review Submitted: 01/06/09

We felt cozy and happy in our courtyard studio. While we enjoyed the snow we had, we can imagine the courtyard garden in lovely full bloom right outside the windows. Loved the old beams and stone walls, and appreciated the modern kitchen and bathroom. We had a nice holiday living like the French do themselves. Nice, safe neighborhood with all kinds of wonderful food a few steps away.. Pam

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Guest: Jules Z.
Date of Stay: 01/06/09 Review Submitted: 01/05/09

Thanks for being our host in Paris. We enjoyed ourselves wonderfully in your apartment in the Marais in the middle of Paris. The accomodation was simply perfect. The neighbourhood and the apartment were very pleasant surprises. Lots of little shops and so on. For us, it is certainly a thing we will do again and, if possible, in your apartment. Thanks for everything, Jules

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A wonderful stay in a beautiful apartment.

Guest: Rosie (Sydney, Australia)
Date of Stay: 01/03/09 Review Submitted: 04/14/11

Dear Chris It is now two years since our stay in your delightful apartment. I was talking about it to a friend and decided to contact you to write a review. From the moment you met us in the cafe on the corner on a freezing winter's night, to arriving at the apartment with the lights on and flowers in the window, to the warm and welcoming abode the entire stay was delightful. Unfortunately due to a breavement in Sydney we were able to stay only six out of twelve nights. Chris you were so understanding and helpful during what was an extrememly distressing time for me, arranging taxis to the airport etc. We hope to return to Paris and stay once again with you in the near future. We would highly reccommend this apartment to everyone- your helpfulness, the location, wonderful restaurants nearby.... what else could you want? Warmest Regards from Sydney Rosalind

Owner response:Bonjour Rosalind! I'm so pleased that you took the time to write a review. I do remember your stay, and I'm glad that I was able to help, although I don't know that I did anything special. I just simply try to take care of my guests according to the Golden Rule. Perhaps it's old fashioned thinking, but I think it's particularly important for people who are traveling. I've benefitted from some memorable hospitality in my life, at times from total strangers when I was in need. It's a privilege to be in a position to give it back to others from time to time. All the best, Chris

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

Guest: Caroline P.
Date of Stay: 12/10/08 Review Submitted: 12/09/08

We wanted to say what a wonderful weekend we had in Paris. We absolutely loved Le Marais, the eating, the drinking and the shopping. And the Picasso museum was wonderful. The apartment was everything we hoped it would be – romantic, homey, and immaculately clean and well presented. It really made our stay a pleasure. So a big thank you for your hospitality and all your very helpful information. Thank you again and please let us know if there is a space we can leave comments to help others choose your apartment. Caroline

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Guest: Marisa L.
Date of Stay: 12/08/08 Review Submitted: 12/07/08

We absolutely loved the apartment! Perfect location, as we were able to shop for fresh produce, cheese and meats for a gourmet meal, easily prepared in the well appointed kitchen. The apartment was super clean and cozy, and a long hot bath at the end of the day was perfect. We will definitely never stay anywhere but Rue Charlot when in Paris! Merci, Marisa and Chip

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Guest: Tracy L.
Date of Stay: 11/25/08 Review Submitted: 11/24/08

Thanks so much Chris! The apartment was absolutely perfect for us, and the location was top notch! We found that the place had everything we could have possibly needed for a comfortable stay. Quiet location in the building, comfy nights sleeps, everything we needed in the kitchen, and all the books and info on Paris and France that we could want! We will absolutely refer your place to friends and family - have no hesitation to do so! We also would be more than happy to be a reference as well. Tracy

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Guest: Elizabeth C.
Date of Stay: 11/14/08 Review Submitted: 11/13/08

I just want to say how much much we enjoyed our stay in Paris and thanks for all of the great food suggestions! We loved the all vegetarian Indian restaurant and the amazing crepes. I really don't think I could stay vegan in Paris! There is too much delicious food. I want to live there so I can go to that fabulous bread shop down the street every morning. We had a great time, and we really enjoyed staying in the apartment. Thanks again for everything, Elizabeth

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Guest: Tom T.
Date of Stay: 10/26/08 Review Submitted: 10/25/08

Martha and I loved the apartment and loved the location. Cafe Charlot was one of our favorite starting points, never mind the wonderful open market. The flowers were a very nice touch and we had everything we needed in the apt. Martha took baths nightly; she really enjoyed the longer tub. The best part about the apartment was the central location. We could walk to many places or easily take the metro. We will definitely recommend your place to friends. Tom

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Guest: Margie P.
Date of Stay: 10/25/08 Review Submitted: 10/24/08

We just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay in your apartment last week. We had a fabulous vacation. While we were tourists, we felt very much at home in the Rue Charlot neighborhood and enjoyed all it had to offer. It was a wonderful way to spend our anniversary. Thanks again, Margie and Rod

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