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Hello Jose,
Before I lose sight of it I'd like to send a thank you, from Phil and I. Your part in securing Ian's most extraordinary apartment for us made Paris an unforgettable experience. Coming home to such an aesthetic space after all day out exploring miles of Paris, always, it seemed, just around the corner from 114, was unimaginably rewarding. And, it was an unexpected pleasure to continue the personal exchange we've had since the outset with you then in meeting Ian and Anita and (their son), who greeted us so warmly when we arrived. Thank you, thank you, Jose. We couldn't recommend your services more highly.
Please extend our Best Wishes to Ian in his new venture and further renovation dreams on the Ile de Cite. I'm reading Colin Jones' book Paris: Biography of a City and with its constant reference to Ile de Cite as the earliest dwelling place am inspired to think it will be home to Ian and his family. Bless the dreamers.
Wishing you the best of everything,
Sue & Phil ~ Australia
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Hello Jose,
Sorry it took so long to provide feedback for our stay at the rue Vieille du Temple apartment back in June 2009. In a way I am glad we did wait, because we can honestly say that the impression of our trip now is just as fantastic as it was when we got home.
We had never used VRBO before and have to admit there was some trepidation. As soon as we pulled up our fears were quickly put to rest. Your agent walked up at the exact time our taxi arrived. He was friendly and welcoming. He took us into the apartment, showed us around, patiently answered our questions, and was on his way. The apartment was everything stated. It is the quintessential Parisian apartment. We immediately felt like we were home; albeit it temporary. The bedroom was very conducive to a good night sleep. It is supported by a great bed and the quiet that is provided by the inner courtyard right outside the window. The kitchen was perfectly equipped and invited cooking or just a great place to store your treats gathered throughout your stay. The living room is comfortable and the perfect area to put up your feet after a long day of sightseeing.
Location, location, location. This one had it all. It was within walking distance of the Seine, Notre Dame, the Metro, a great little market, shopping, and dining, just to name a very few. If you are interested in night life, just walk out the courtyard door. For us, the biggest draw at night was the gelato shop one block down which we discovered our first day there. It was the best gelato we have ever had, so every night between 10 – 12 we would go down, pick one up, and either stroll around while we ate or enjoy the comfort and quiet of the apartment. Even at that time of night we felt very comfortable being out and about.
On a Saturday we took a day trip up to Brussels on the high speed train. The train station was a healthy walk but a neat way to see more of the city. That whole day was a great adventure.
I wish I could share the sights, smells, and sounds that made up our week in Paris. For others who might read this, I hope you will find out for yourselves. Corny as it might sound, our Paris experience was pretty close to heaven on earth and the rue Vieille du Temple apartment was the perfect place to begin and end our day.
Jose, we look forward to spending time at another one of your properties in the future. Thank you for providing a key ingredient in making our first trip to Europe together an unforgettable event.
Marquis McNeil & Linda Brooks, Portland, OR.
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"We stayed in your lovely apartment (Marais rue des Rosier & rue Vieille du Temple) for 10 days and had a wonderful time. The apartment was sunny, airy and spacious, and the separate bedroom with the option of converting the king sized bed to two singles was appreciated. There was plenty of room to store our cases and the kitchen had every modern appliance for a comfortable stay. The furniture was fresh and modern and we enjoyed reading some of the English novels and being able to watch the couple of English language tv stations. The quietness and serenity of the apartment looking out over the courtyard contrasted with the world outside the big blue doors - the bustling streets full of cafes, restaurants, trendy clothing and vintage shops, wonderful patisseries and boulangeries, and my favourite shop at 50 Rue du Temple - for bead lovers. The Seine is a short walk away and there was so much to see in the Marais, including the wonderful Musee Carnavalet - that we walked just about everywhere. Brasserie Bofinger is close by and well worth a visit just for the decor.
We absolutely recommend this lovely apartment in a great location. We were also surprised to find out that our calls to Australia were FREE, it was wonderful to be able to keep in touch with our relatives at home at no cost.
Mr. & Mrs. Orr, Glebe, (Sydney), Australia"
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We just returned from a week in Paris where 43-45 Rue Vieille du Temple was our home away from home. This adorable apartment was even better in person than in the pictures. It was perfect for three of us and could have easily handled a fourth. Mehdi, our local contact met us exactly as planned and oriented us to the apartment and the neighborhood. The location was great. Marais is a very vibrant and diverse area and is well situated for Metro access. The market at nearby Bastille on Sunday and Thursday shouldn't be missed. The best falafel in Paris was practically out our front door, ditto for incredible gelato. We're sold on Paris Apartment Rentals.
The McCoys Charlotte, NC
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Jose, Ed,
I had the opportunity to stay one month in your apartment and I had a wonderful time. As soon as I entered the flat, I felt at home. It’s very comfortable, quiet, beautifully decorated and has everything you could need, including books, videos and music. The location is perfect, everything I needed was found in the nearby shops.
I truly enjoyed this full month and the family who visited me loved the apartment. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great place to stay in Paris. Thank you so much to both of you.
Denise – Alpes Maritimes - France
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Dear Jose,
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Paris and a large measure of this is down to the elegant and chic apartment you have renovated at 6 Rue de Bourbon. Amazingly quiet for the dead centre of Paris and so easy to get to everything. We walked our feet off and our kids really enjoyed their first stay in Paris too. The city looks great in any kind of light doesn't it. We were intrigued about how much of the flat was 'new' in terms of the layout of the interior. It was so subtly furnished and finished that it suited the whole style of the building. Thanks for renting it, it made for a memorable visit. Everything went like clockwork and your housekeepers do a tremendous job, the place was immaculate and welcoming. Best wishes to you,
Simon and Rosie Crawford ~ Australia
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Hi Jose,
This was one of those rare times when you take a chance and what you get is much better than expected and therefore adds so much more to the wonderful memories of a vacation.
We rented this fourth floor apartment [with a lift] in the Marais for two weeks in August hoping to make our stay more comfortable and cheaper than a hotel. It was just wonderful! The apartment was very clean and modern and comfortable and very bright with high ceilings and large windows. It was easy to feel at home with all the basic kitchen and cleaning appliances and the instruction books on how to use every appliance were very clear.
The place is large and there is good separation of all the rooms so you can have "quiet time" from one another. The windows overlook a quiet courtyard but you can also see a little bit of the Pompidou Center. For the two weeks we were there I could look down on a pigeon nesting in a tree. On the last full day of out trip the pigeon left the nest briefly and I saw one egg and one newly hatched chick!
The location of this apartment was perfect for us. Everything we needed was in walking distance but it was all those little adventures and surprises that occurred within those walks that made us feel so good about our temporary home. I think that is one of the special characteristics of the Marais. The individual shops and boutiques are unique, not carbon copies of one another. You can explore your surroundings, stop in any numerous cafes for some refreshment and have no other goal except to feel what it's like to live in Paris and then return to "your" home in the Marais. This is what we wanted and it's exactly what we got. Now we want more of the same!
Great place!!! Thank you very much.
Joyce and Bernie Raskin, California
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Jose Ibarra:
Your apartment is fantastic! After just a few hours here, we are already having a wonderful trip.
Thank you,
Brett Emerson ~ California
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From the time I first contacted Jose through the end of my month long stay in Paris, the service could not have been better. I was met at the apartment by Morgan, who let me in and then took the time to show me around the neighborhood. He even checked in with me after a week to make sure things were going well. No detail in the apartment has been overlooked. It is well appointed and beautifully furnished. From the moment I arrived at the apartment I felt at home. The location is the best in the Marais, where restaurants, bakeries and small boutiques abound. Everything I needed was no more than a block from the front door. And, getting around the city was so easy with two metro stops only a few blocks away. I am looking forward to staying at the apartment again very soon. Thank you Jose.
Brian Probst ~ California
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Hi!
My husband and I stayed at this apartment for 8 days in November and than I was fortunate enough to spend another week in January...with my college age daughter.
The apartment is comfortable, modern, has a great kitchen...flat screen tv with lots of channels.
The bedroom has an American size queen bed and ample drawer space. The bathroom is just right...no waiting for hot water, ever! The apartment is very quiet and peaceful. It's hard to believe that there is an apartment above.
The location of this apartment is superior! Within steps of the blue doors there are several cafes, restaurants, boulangeries, boutiques............only a 5-minute walk to the BHV. It is located close to 2 metro stops. It was enjoyable to be able to stop home, change and then go out in the neighborhood....for errands, dinner, etc. Be sure to have dinner at Equinox!
(January 2006 I stayed at another apt in the Marais which was quite nice.........but Jose' s apartment's location is superior. Now I will not even consider any other apartment) I recommended this apartment to a client for her trip to Paris in May.. but it was already booked.
Linda Paist ~ California
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Hi Jose,
My husband and I enjoyed staying in your apartment. It's so comfortable and charming. Love your decor and your books. CDs, DVDs. Great resource. Great location. Just great!
Thank you for sharing your pied-a-terre.
We hope to return for Christmas 2010 or sooner.
Thanh Mougeot ~ California
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Spring in Paris was highlighted by our stay at this beautiful apartment. The convenience of restaurants, transportation, the Picasso museum and other activities made our trip delightful and memorable. The apartment provided excellent amenities such as the large bathtub and fresh smelling sheets. I felt so at home and the tasteful decor added to our experience.
Though modern entertainment systems were abound inside, there was no need for them because the whole of Paris awaits you in just a few footsteps. The red kitchen rocks but there was no need to use it for feast of restaurants from trendy to family style were just a few minutes away. This apartment added a whole new dimension and a much personal experience in the City of Light.
With unforgettable memories in your pied a tier.
Cesar Conde ~ Chicago Artist
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Hello Jose
Your apartment was ideal for our needs. It was extremely quiet, very comfortable, and we had a real feel of being at home, while being in the middle of the delightful Marais in wonderful Paris. The walking distance proximity of restuarants and food stores made life easy. If we make it to Paris again we would love to stay once more.
Many thanks
Russ Newton and Barbara White ~ Australia
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Hi Jose,
We just returned home from Paris. The apartment was absolutely fantastic. It was very comfortable and had all the amenities. Everything went very smoothly, from the moment we arrived. We were greeted by Morgan and he ran through all the apartment information. (which was very helpful) The location was the greatest and we loved having all the shops right on our street. Of course we frequented the local markets and ate in the local restaurants which were all wonderful. Everything we needed was right at our doorstep. (The pastries and gelato were fantastic) We had a small brunch after our daughter's wedding and it was very to entertain in the apartment. We had a great time...and thanks so much.
Ava Rifenburg ~ New Jersey
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Dear Jose,
Just a quick note to say how delighted we were with apartment in Le Marais and how impressed we were with the service from Esther. We will certainly be in contact with you next time in Paris and will recommend to our friends.
Many thanks
B. Trippas ~ Australia
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Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know we had a wonderful time, the apartment (link here to view it) could not have been better, and the Madame who was the mother of the owner and our gate-keeper was wonderful. I ended up shopping on the Blvd Raspail market with her on the Sunday when we got in. A great touch and greeting. I will look you up anytime we are going to stay in Paris, hope you keep enlisting other happy owners and connecting them with happy renters.
Tres bien!!!!
Cunningham Brothers ~ Minneapolis, MN
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Bonjour Jose!
We wanted to let you know that we had a fabulous time in Paris (October 2009). The "St. Germain-des-Pres Balcony" apartment was perfect for our week's stay. We looked forward to coming home each night after our exciting days exploring Paris.
Doug (the historian) appreciated all the details of a traditional Paris building (balcony with wonderful views, big entrance doors, old-style elevators) while Carol appreciated all the luxuries (ultra-comfortable bed, hot towel rack, temperature-gauged showers with great water pressure, tastefully decorated in simple elegant style).
We were also happy to see you personally at the apartment the morning we arrived. Booking everything with you was so simple and easy. We will definitely be back!!
Many, many thanks!!!
Doug & Carol --Toronto, Canada
PS: We have also recommended your company to many friends who usually stay in hotels.
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Hi Jose,
I just wanted to say your Batignolles apartment was terrific and we had a great time in Paris. Even though we were late arriving your people took the time to explain everything to us including how to operate our French cell phone. The apartment was spacious and comfortable and the neighborhood was wonderful. Next time we go to Paris, we'll definitely call you first.
Thanks again,
J. Greenwood ~ Toronto, Canada
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Bonjour Jose!
We have just returned from a wonderful week in Paris and wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay in your apartment (Marais Luxury One Bedroom Apartment ~ on rue Vieille du Temple).
The moment we walked in the door it felt welcoming and homey, with a touch of elegance. The location was superb, with wonderful restaurants, cafes, boulangeries and boutiques a few steps away. It was very convenient to the Metro and only a few blocks from the Seine, Place des Voges and Ile St. Louis. We are already dreaming of our next stay in our "home" in Paris!
Sincerely,
C. Lemus & A. Soto ~ Bradenton, FL
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Jose--
Just a note to let you know that I enjoyed the apartment (Marais ~ Arts et Métiers ~ rue Beaubourg, 75003 PARIS). It is a great
location and nice and airy and I would consider staying there again on a return visit to Paris. As someone who rents out my condo in San Francisco, I know it is impossible to think of everything (though I thought the Paris owner has a very nice touch aesthetically and also in terms of what is provided.)
Professor ~ California
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Hello Jose,
We are writing to say that we really enjoyed staying in the studio apartment (Studio Marais ~ rue des Francs-Bourgeois) during our recent visit to Paris. It was clean and comfortable and so well located. The Marais is our favorite area. Also, Jean-Luc Pain was such a kind and helpful representative! We will certainly stay there again when we can return to Paris and will recommend your service. Thank you,
The Roberts ~ Decatur, Georgia
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Batignolles 2BR Apartment
My husband and our 3 teen-aged children have just returned from a 7 day stay at Jose's Batignolles apartment and we found it absolutely perfect for our needs. We enjoyed the village feel of the area, all you need is literally at your doorstep. The Metro is 2 minutes walk- on the same road! We were a 10-minute bus ride from some of Paris' main shopping streets. We enjoyed having a wander round the indoor food market across the road. By our third day the kids were fetching the baguettes and tarts from the various quality boulangeries, we were spoilt for choice!
The apartment was bright and comfortable, simply and stylishly decorated with all we needed for our stay.
Jose was pleasant and professional throughout the booking stages, making the process quite stress free.
We were met promptly by Fritzie, who was always patient and helpful.
A most enjoyable experience.
Mrs. A. ~ Birmingham, England
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"The apartment, conveniently situated off of Rue Montorgueil was an oasis of wonderful calm after a busy day of sightseeing. This spacious and well appointed apartment accommodated our family with children perfectly. We were able to shop everyday for our meals and prepare them in the comfort of the apartment. The food shops on Rue Montorgueil had everything that a family would need to enjoy their stay in Paris. The subways from two different lines were a very short walk away as well. We enjoyed our stay and would recommend this apartment for travelers looking for a unique Parisian experience."
Lesley Varga & Associates, Partner ~ Toronto, ON Canada
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The apartment was great. I tell everyone that it was better than we expected, large, comfortable and a great bathroom. The location was excellent and as others have said convenient to most attractions in Paris and lots of good restaurants and shops. Jeff and I are planning our next trip.
Malcolm Davis ~ Florida
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My husband and I just returned from spending 8 days at Jose's apartment in Paris and it was fantastic! The apartment is beatifully decorated, extremely comfortable, and has all the amenities you could want. I also think it is ideally located in a fantastic area within walking distance of most sights, etc... There are grocery stores, bakeries, etc... within a few blocks. I cannot recommend this apartment more highly. I plan on trying to return there at the first opportunity.
Anna Pintsov ~ New York
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This apartment is ideally placed in the heart of the Marais with fabulous cafes, boutiques and galleries at its doorstep. The apartment is ideally suited for a couple, however, we managed a family of four comfortably. It is a splendid ground floor apartment whose tall windows open into a central courtyard, making this a haven. It is tastefully furnished, clean, and the little kitchen is smart and convenient. You will find your every need accommodated, inside the apartment and out. We loved staying here and we look forward to our return!
Bruce and Jocelyn Wolfe ~ Australia
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Hi Jose,
I can't remember if I e-mailed you after our recent trip. We had a most wonderful time in Paris, in great part because of staying at your apartment which we loved.
The apartment itself, the building, the location, all great. Don't know when we'll go back to Paris, but if we do, would love to stay in your apartment again.
Thank you and take care.
Carlos Felix-Fretes ~ California
PS: We loved the bistro Robert and Louise in Rue Vielle du Temple, amongst others. The falafel place "Lu D Falafel" on Rosier is awesome as well.
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My Wife and I rented Jose's apartment last fall and I can only say that, "I will never stay in a hotel again!" The location was perfect, the kitchen, though small, was a pleasure to have the option to cook in and had everything you would need, washer drier was great, the apartment was very quiet and styled wonderfully. I am a commercial photographer and my wife is a makeup artist/painter, so style is important to us and the apartment was perfect to come home to each night. Need I say more except you should expect a wonderful experience. Our next trip to Paris will be easy, simply by renting Jose's apartment again. Have fun!
Rick Wahlstrom ~ California
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We had a wonderful time in Paris. The apartment was just right, it's location perfect and John most helpful.
If we go again and we hope to, we will definitely look into one of your apartments to rent if not the familiar Marais one itself.
What a wonderful way to feel like a Parisian which we fully did for a few days.
Best
Ranjini and Amol ~ Chicago
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Jose,
We spent one week at your fantastic apartment in May.
The apartment is beautiful, comfortable, and has all the amenities that American's are used to!
The location was great with wonderful restaurants and bakeries-hard to decide where to go sometimes.
We loved that we were able to have a family dinner for 8 in the apartment, which only made if feel more like home!
Our two kids enjoyed themselves and watched a few of the movies provided. After going to Versailles they had to watch Marie-Antoinette!! My older daughter (11 years), took to watching CNN every day because it was the only channel in English. She is continuing to watch the news since we have been home!
If I ever know of anyone going to Paris, I will recommend your apartment as a must for a place to stay!
Thank you so much for sharing.
The Queen Family
John, Vanessa, Mackenzie and Sydney ~ Michigan
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The apartment in Rue Rambuteau was a great great pleasure to stay in. Large, light and airy, the beautifully renovated space captured the spirit of Paris and was a pleasure to be in. The bathroom and kitchen are newly renovated and very well equipped. Everything worked well. The apartment was also in a terrific position, plenty of good restaurants,shops and wonderful boutiques close by. There is lots to do within walking distance of the apartment but the Metro is also a couple of blocks away for when you want to explore further. One very small comment was that late at night the other tennants in the building could be a little noisy going up and down the stairs. This was easily fixed for us by leaving the fan on to blockout the noise. We hope to return soon.
Suzy Wilson ~
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