Paris: Le Havre-Vincennes, at the gates of Paris

The kitchen is well equipped, including a small "breakfast table" that we used for storage because there is a nice dining area in the main room. The location is superb -- quiet but a very short walk to both the metro and the heart of the town, with a particularly nice green-grocer and bakery only a block away. Naceur and Aminata both worked with us extensively to make our stay a good one; both were very helpful and generous with their time. We stayed for just under three weeks -- next time, four weeks.

Encountered a hiccup at check-in as the check-in information posted on VRBO only provided the building address but not the apartment unit number or gate codes. All this was resolved though once we contacted the host and it turned out to be more of an issue with the VRBO platform than the host. The place itself was fine. Sparse, not a lot of character, but it was comfortable and the location was amazing. The neighborhood and the people who lived in the building were so sweet. We really liked it and would refer this place to friends in a heart beat. Note: The host is working with VRBO to fix the glitch that caused the check-in issue.

The positive: Great location, near the metro. Neighborhood was quiet, seemed safe. Good instructions for getting into the apartment for the first time. Things that could be improved upon: Was unsure about the cleanliness of the apartment - there was a noticiable unpleasant odor inside. I think a good cleaning would reduce this (mop floors, clean surfaces, etc.). Toilet seat was loose or broken on one side. We were a little unsure about the exact process of what needed to be done when leaving, but I think we figured it out (hand written instructions on the door). An email like the one we got for check in would be helpful. Towels seemed well used and could be replaced. Overall a decent place to stay, but doesn't quite measure up to the 5-star places I've stayed so I'm giving it 4 stars.

The stay was okay. The information about the property stated two bedrooms which was important for a party of 6. The apartment was a one bedroom with a living room with two sofa beds and a rollaway bed. If you're not into group sleeping, this isn't the place for you. Check in process was nearly a disaster. The check in information was missing how to get into the security gate and the building code to get in the building. It was already 7pm or so by the time we arrived. Sent a message to the host. Luckily a very kind neighbor was willing to get involved and found another neighbor of the same building that translated for us and obtained the building code. The host did respond just after we entered. The apartment was fine itself. Just needed better instructions and description not to say two bedroom. Neighborhood was great. A few restaurants just two minutes away and a market

Everything was very good. The landlady was very friendly and

Communication with Clementine was good & fast. We were ok with this property but communicated issues:Check in: the unit is ground floor in a secured complex. Very nice & felt very safe. Check in instructions were complicated because it depends which gate you enter from. Each gate has its own access code. Once you find building 2, you have to enter another code to access a foyer & then yet another code for a lock box stored at the back of a mailbox near the ground. Once you have that, then you have one set of keys for your stay. It was challenging to do all that but once you have it figured all out it’s fine. But with only one key, if you have a family it makes it impossible to “split up” if someone wants to return to the unit. Pros:- Communication by host- Metal shutters good security and provide “blackout”- appliances appeared newer but we didn’t use stove/dishwasher- location (2-3 blocks from Berault Metro in safe neighborhood)Cons:- Provided 1.5 rolls of toilet paper for family of 5 for 6 days. Asked for more but ended up buying our own. 2 days later 2 rolls were dropped off- provided 1 thin bath towel per person (no face cloths or other towels)- tv didn’t work- no laundry detergent (I bought and left it for next person which I shouldn’t have had to)- plates were old and chipped- no ceiling fans, A/C, or portable fans and it gets very muggy/hot. Fans need to be provided. - loud next to the front doorFeels cheap and minimal. Needs FANS. Has potential.

Location - was great. It was beside a metro station and only took about 30 mins to get into the city. It's difficult to find at night. You need to be there during the day.Safety - I felt extremely safe. Gates and codes to gain access.Cleanliness - It was tidy and surface clean, but it needs a deep clean. Bathroom - adequate size, but they need to supply thicker towels and few more hand towels would be really nice. The towels were spit through. They should remove other peoples soap and shampoo etc.Beds - the bedroom had a double bed that was quite comfortable. I didn't like finding clothes belonging to someone. The kids had sofa beds and a roll away bed and they slept in the living room. They complained about the discomfort. Some of the slats under the mattress were broken. Kitchen - The stove top did not work We wanted to cook a meal only to find out we had to the use the microwave instead.Heating - We couldn't figure out how to work the heater. We wanted a little more heat at nightWashing Machine - Directions would be very useful. It took over 2 hrs to wash and dry one load. Overall, for the money it was a great deal. However, they could so easily make it a little better/cleaner and maybe charge a little more.

Clean, spacious, nicely equipped, friendly neighbours. Easily spacious enough for a teen, siblings, quiet yet lively in the evning with families walking about. Easy and quick walk to metro, and once on the metro, so fast to get around anywhere! In a heartbeat would rent again! Merci!