8/10 Good
Amy B.
16 Apr 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
Beautiful spot, a few communication issues
Charming apartment in the heart of the lively Marais district. Although it's in the middle of a popular district, the apartment was quiet and peaceful. The lower level has a comfortable living room, a small kitchen, and large dining table. Just outside, there's a cozy and private eating area within the apartment courtyard. The upper level has two small bedrooms with limited storage, and a rather cramped bathroom. Beds were comfortable. Getting upstairs is a bit dicey with the metal stairs. They look cool but are terrifying to use. I do not recommend this spot for families with children younger than 10, due to the stairs.
The apartment lacked a few basic amenities that would have contributed to a more enjoyable stay. There was a "welcome bag" with a small roll of toilet paper, dish detergent, etc that got us started until we could go out and buy more. We missed having a bath mat, and were surprised by the meagre allotment of threadbare towels for an 8 night stay (4 tiny bath towels, 1 hand towel, and 1 kitchen towel for 3 people). We did get more towels, after a couple of requests.
Prior to our stay, our interactions with the management company had us concerned that we had gotten tangled up in a scam. Messages in the VRBO inbox went unanswered, but we did get emails (discouraged by VRBO for communication, I think). We received 2-3 lengthy, boilerplate emails demanding lots of travel details and proof of our own insurance. The message claimed that the additional insurance was required by French law, which we learned is not true for vacation rentals. The emails threatened that we might not be able to gain entry if we didn't comply. Since we had already paid in full at this point, it felt like a bait and switch. Although I replied to the first message, I continued to get similar emails asking for slightly different information, which further supported the impression of a scam. Eventually, we realized that the management company is mostly renting to longer-term occupants, and their communications are aimed at that type of renter. However, their emails and the many rules outlined in the apartment binder don't really address requirements for short-term vacation rentals. Once we actually checked into the apartment, all of the interactions we had with the management team were personable, pleasant, and helpful.
Overall, we found the apartment to be a perfect place to stay, but communication from the management company could be improved.
Amy B.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2023
