Romantic Paris apartment, large 1 bedroom on the chic Ile Saint Louis

The property is poorly maintained and lacks attention to detail. The bedroom windows were covered with plastic due to renovation of the courtyard. The bed sheet appeared to be right out of a package, stiff and unwashed. We were told to get bath towels from the closet, and found a stack of damp linens. Among them were towels that still had tags on them.

We had to do laundry, but had to take a load out that was drying when we arrived. We were told to fold them and put them away. The machine had been extremely overloaded. Among the wash was a sheet that we dried to put over the existing one.

The towel warmer was broken, and the shower curtain musty because it was so long it covered much of the bottom of the tub.

There were no dish towels or paper towels, so we had to use bath hand towels. The pots were heavily scraped and we wondered if they were safe to use.

There was minimal space to put clothes, and no space in the bath to set down a toiletries kit.

The apartment had extensive cracks running through the walls and ceiling, and areas of peeling paint.

The building appears to have other short term renters, who partied until 2 am.

This review is a bit of a mixed bag because Rosemary’s flat is a bit of a mixed bag. Best advice: lower your expectations and you’ll be happy here.

We stayed 3 weeks in this flat. It suffers from the pain of a thousand cuts; if you can work past them, you’ll find this property spacious, perfectly located, and with a super comfortable queen (not king) bed.

The problems began early. At arrival, Gina met us, gave us a key, showed us the WiFi password, and left. No tour which left us not realizing we had questions like how to work the oven. As we settled in, we found the apartment visually tidy but not clean. Our bare feet were black by the end of the day, a used towel hung on the bathroom door, and the pull-out bed sheets (still on the pull-out) were visibly dirty. Almost no clothes storage left for guests because closets were taken up by the owner’s things (extra sheets/towels, empty appliance boxes, children’s toys).

The main bathroom door didn’t open from the inside, once closed (although the owner had it fixed at our request) and we used a wire hanger to jury-rig the shower head to keep it upright and usable. Construction at the bedroom window--as other reviews mention--won’t end anytime soon, meaning you won’t sleep in and daytime noise is substantial.

The kitchen is poorly appointed. The trash can was smaller than a gallon jug and a larger one could not be acquired because it “would smell and look quite ugly in such a small space.” The pots/pans are warped and with few matching lids, several dishes were chipped and cups had broken handles, the few utensils were free-floating in a drawer (albeit organized by type), and no wine glasses (in France?!).

Positives: the location is impossible to beat. Notre Dame & famous sights are very close by as are major Metro stops. The flat is spacious, floors are silent, furniture is comfortable, and it has a washer-dryer combo (absolute luxury in Europe). It came with two fans, a large supply of towels *and* washcloths, and good lighting and WiFi.

Long story short (too late): this flat could be A+ if some simple (common sense) steps were taken to address guests’ comfort. Unfortunately, it feels instead like someone rented out their bare-bones flat to make money while they’re away. Despite this, if you can put up with the inconveniences mentioned, you would be hard pressed to find a better apartment with this location at this price.

We are a family of four. We spent three nights at Rosemary's apartment. The apartment was comfortable for the four of us. It was nice, clean, and tidy with all the amenities. Wi-Fi worked great. Gina was there to meet us. The only drawback is having to carry our suitcases up 5 flights of stairs. We were exhausted once we reached the top. We are healthy and fit. I would not recommend this apartment to anyone who is not healthy, has difficulty walking or has large

luggages.

The location was great with food shops a block away, great neighborhoods nearby, and easy access to metro and bus. We were disappointed by difficulty getting keys to the apartment, noise due to ongoing building repairs, and lack of attention to detail regarding maintenance and traveler conveniences.

It should be noted that obtaining keys to the apartment may only be possible evenings and weekends. I had an email confirmation from the owner of my request for an early afternoon meeting at the apartment, and she provided a phone number of the local contact even though I had already mentioned that I would not have a phone upon arrival. No one was at the building at the appointment time. I emailed the owner who said to call the phone number of the local contact. I had someone call the number provided and there was no answer -- twice. A return call was finally received and we were told that she could not be there until 5 as she was at work at her day job. Also, note that the building door has two street numbers and you should obtain specific instructions regarding which staircase to use.

The exterior stucco of the courtyard walls is being replaced resulting in noise and lack of privacy. Workers are showing up at 7:30 M-F to use power tools and there is scaffolding erected and work being done outside the bedroom windows. This was not a quiet apartment during the day even though the apartment is on a quiet street.

The apartment would benefit from a luggage rack for the bedroom, and a portable drying rack. Regarding maintenance, there were lightbulbs out in the bathroom and dining room, and the housekeeper left laundry in the washer/dryer which did not dry due to overloading of the appliance, and the ceiling in the living room is in need of repair.

My wife and two daughters (4.5 and 1.5 years of age) stayed here for a month and we had a wonderful time. Check-in went smooth and the apartment was well equipped in the kitchen, bath, and bedroom. (A foldable crib and foldable stroller were even included!)

The location is simply amazing if you're looking for central. We walked all over. Luxembourg Gardens, Tuileries, Louvre, Pompidou, Marais, Bastille, Zoo, Latin Quarter, Saint Germain, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees. Close to many train and bus routes too.

It is indeed on the 5th floor (6th if you include the ground floor). But the steps are good to work off all the ice cream you're going to eat. There are at least a dozen ice cream shops within a stone's throw.

The master bed was quite comfy. The fold out sofa, not as much, but it was nice to have.

The island is a quiet little bubble in the middle of Paris.

We loved our stay. Highly recommend. Thank you!!!