Great location; spacious studio
Review Submitted: January 8, 2010
Date of Stay: December 2009
Two of us stayed at the Louvre studio apartment in late December 2009. We had an excellent experience. The apartment was larger than others I've rented in Paris for the price, and spotlessly clean. It wasn't especially pretty, designed more for a modernist/minimalist sensibility. The view was of nothing but the inner wall of the courtyard. The kitchen was functional but not gourmet -- no oven, dull knives, minimal tools. All that said, though, we loved it. The tiny street held a boulangerie, wine shop, laundrette and Japanese, Chinese, Italian, pizza and French restaurants just steps away. Two minutes' more walking brought us to an even better boulangerie, a grocer and the Louvre. We stocked up at various nearby markets and made ratatouille one night, and microwaved things you just don't get in the U.S. another, with table wine from the welcoming shop across the street. The bed and one armchair were both comfy, the heating system powerful, the hot water plentiful, the bath towels thick and soft, and the price, despite the hideous exchange rate, was excellent for everything we got.
A few recommendations:
-PayPal is probably cheaper than bank wire for payments, as the bank charged us $35 on the U.S. end and another E20 on the Paris end. It took several days for the flat owner to get the full info on our transfer and confirm the reservation.
-Unlike hotels, apartment rentals rarely provide toiletries. Bring your own shampoo, soap, etc.
-If your sensibility tends more toward the cozy or romantic than the minimalist, splash out for some flowers at one of the many nearby florists to warm up the space.
-Consider carefully your arrival/departure times. Again unlike hotels, most apartments can't hold your luggage for you if your flight gets in at 6am and the previous occupants don't leave until noon. You can pay for an extra night if you need a late departure, or you might be able to negotiate something with the owner if he needs you out at 11am and you've got a 5pm flight or something.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Girls Getaway,
Tourists without a Car,
Sightseeing,
People with Disabilities,
Romantic Getaway
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