A room in Paris

If you ask me, this is what any traveller needs most help and assistance with. No doubt.
So, after a long and painful search (on Booking.com and Tripadvisor) for a hotel, taking into account prices, location, room size (which tends to be surprisingly small), etc. we even made some reservations, although we were feeling quite reluctant to give 50 euros per night, per person for pitiful 16 meters squared.

But then my friend Irena came across Housetrip’s website and then we decided to opt for a small studio. That would always be my number one choice for accommodation. In this case, it proved to be the best option, and we ended up in a very small studio in Marais. The location was absolutely superb - a quiet street yet so close to the center of Paris. The amenities were okay. I mean, the studio was a nice little package – small kitchen, and even the luxury of a bathroom with a bathtub. It was really very small, but then again, the whole concept of space completely changes once you enter in a building in Paris. You realize that 20 meters sq. are literally precious.

It’s just that... I don’t know. I felt like giving Audrey (the owner) a call, and scheduling a visit to IKEA. She could easily spruce the place up with less than 100 euros, which would be nothing compared to what she makes out of renting it, and really freshen up the place a bit. No need for a lot of investment, but that old, dirty, disgusting carpet should just GO.
In any case, it was okay for us and certainly a great choice – money wise. And being able to move around easily is certainly a plus. Besides, the surrounding is so homey like, Rue de Bretagne is nearby, and there are many shops and cafes on that street.
So, all in all, a very positive experience.

Unique Quality: The major advantage of the small studio we found was its location. 3rd arrondissement, in the beautiful Marais. Close to the metro station of line 3 and line 1, nice neighbourhood, cafes, supermarkets close by, Rue de Bretagne (numerous bar, bistros and cafes) - very homey atmosphere.
The place itself wasn't bad, but... Ok, first of, in Paris the concept of "space" is... let's just say the concept of space is completely redefined in Paris. And so 20 m squared are... almost like a spacious condo. Going up the stairs in the older building, I was thinking: Okay, be prepared for something tiny. Which it was, but still, there was a micro-kitchen and a bathroom with a bathtub, which appears to be a luxury in Paris apartments.
I would've liked the place to be a bit cleaner, I mean... it wasn't bad, but small touches could do wonders. Anyways, it was still a good bargain.