Marais Gem Indeed!

Guest: Kim (NYC)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 07/17/11

I stayed in Eileen's gorgeous Paris apartment in July 2011 to celebrate my birthday and it was the topper to a perfect a stay. The apartment is exactly as described and pictured - gorgeous hard wood floors, beautifully decorated, clean clean clean, with a modern kitchen and bath, every amenity you could need (beautiful dishes/stem wear, utensils, pots & pans, espresso maker), a perfect Paris view from the large light flooded windows, I really just can't say enough good things about it. I took the bedroom which features generous closets, great light from the courtyard facing windows. It was quiet and the lovely linens made for a great nights rest. My best friend took the queen size pull-out sofa in the livingroom and she also slept wonderfully, even noting that the street is quite busy during the day but really quiets down at night so she was able to sleep with the windows open with no problems. When they are closed you can hear virtually nothing. We also greatly appreciated Eileen's "My Favorite Things in Paris" guide which offered great advice on everything from all the best neighborhood shops and restaurants (we visited many with great results) to a charming walking tour company (we took the Great Writers of Paris tour and it was awesome). The neighborhood is everything you would want, not super touristy, charming, vibrant without being too young, clean, safe and with the metro being on the corner super convenient. I'm a NYC gal with discriminating taste and I would stay here again in a heartbeat and have already recommended it to several friends. The only downside really is that there is no elevator, which you can't really get around in a city like Paris. We honestly found that other than schlepping our suitcases up and down at the beginning and end, the stairs posed no problem at all. After a day of sightseeing or wandering around we would stop at the wine shop a few doors down and pick up a bottle of rose', stop at the bakery next door for a bagette and the fromagerie for a slice of cheese, and by the time the first sip was had while lounging on the sofa, the breeze blowing in, the sounds of street life below and the pretty view to look it, we all but forgot about them. Marais Gem indeed!

Owner response:Thanks, Kim..... So happy that you enjoyed! Your review made me homesick for the Gem!

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

Truly a gem

Guest: Two academics (Boston area)
Date of Stay: 06/18/11 Review Submitted: 06/24/11

A very comfortable, well-equipped, well-appointed, and charming place in a great location -- the pictures don't do it justice. It has a very nice kitchen and bath, a comfortable living area, and a well-functioning wireless internet connection. It is perfect for a couple, and quite uncomplicated to rent and use. The owner's suggestions and many books led even those of us who are old hands at Paris to new places and adventures. We rent quite often in the city, and this is one place I expect we will return to often. Highly recommended.

Owner response:So happy you enjoyed! I hope to have you back! E.

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

Americans in Paris

Guest: Jana & David (St. Paul, MN)
Date of Stay: 06/02/10 Review Submitted: 09/16/10

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our eight night stay at the Marais Gem. Our twenty something daughter met us in Paris and we all agreed that the apartment was very pleasant and surprisingly spacious for the three of us given the square footage. It was thoughtfully designed. The location was terrific: near shops, the metro, restaurants, the river, really everything we wanted to see. The living room furniture was comfortable and the big windows were perfect for watching the changing scene down below. The free internet access was appreciated. We cooked a number of meals at the apartment and the kitchen worked well. The bedroom was quiet and restful. This was our first trip to Paris and we speak no french so we were a bit apprehensive. Eileen, the owner, was exceptional to work with. All contracts were sent quickly and arrived well before we left on our trip. Any questions we had were answered promptly. Our security deposit was quickly refunded. And her recommendations and insights about Paris and the Marais neighborhood were great. The apartment was an excellent base for our explorations and we all had a wonderful time. We can't wait to get back to Paris and would readily return to the Marais Gem.

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

Fabulous Place to Stay!

Guest: Carol (Calgary, AB)
Date of Stay: 06/11/10 Review Submitted: 08/12/10

I rented the apartment for a week's stay in June. I was initially worried about renting, not really having done it before, but it worked out really well. The location was fantastic with a number of quaint shops, restaurants and bars all within close walking distance. The metro was a few steps away (very handy) and the we used the bike rentals out front on numerous occasions. The Marais is a vibrant and fun place to be. Our favorites included the Sunday market at the Bastille, dining at the local restaurants, shopping on Rue des Francs Bourgeois, and of course sampling the wine. The kitchen was exceptionally well outfitted and it was a real luxury to come back after a day of sightseeing to a glass of wine, some appies and comfy couch for a bit of a break before heading out for the evening. Beds were very comfortable and a good size. Thank you so much Eileen for the helpful hints and recommendations - we followed many of them! I would recommend this apartment for anyone planning a stay in Paris and when we return, we plan to stay again.

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

Marais Gem

Guest: Kathy & Mark (Genoa Bay, BC, Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/21/10 Review Submitted: 07/13/10

Charming apartment, tastefully decorated, high quality kitchen gear, web site photos accurately reflect reality. Owner sends package of helpful tips: Airport transfer, area restaurants and attractions. Property was clean on our arrival and everything worked. Payments and refund of security deposit was hassle free. The bedroom windows open on to a back courtyard, an oasis of quiet, and we slept well. The apartment is in the center of le Marais which is a wonderful Paris neighbourhood, with many varied characters and not over-run with tourists. It is close to many major attractions and a 100 feet from the St. Paul Metro. Great shopping and restaurants are everywhere - you could spend your entire vacation in le Marais and feel that you had caught the flavour of Paris.

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

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/27/10 Review Submitted: 01/27/10

This was a nicer than expected condo with a great kitchen, plenty of space and light and a perfect location. I will plan on staying here again. Easily the best of the 4 condos I arranged for our party on our trip

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