Enid Perel Rawlings, July 2009
Sun Valley, Idaho
"Our recent trip to Paris could not have been better! The combination of an
amazing city with an amazing apartment to come home to made it perfect. We
had all the luxuries we needed at the apartment. It is a little oasis; cozy
and comfortable with every detail beautifully designed. Cour Damoye is one
of the most charming cobblestone streets we saw...peaceful and secluded yet
the city was just beyond the gates. Great stores and restaurants were within
a few minutes walk. We especially enjoyed the open-air market just around
the corner with fresh produce (some of the best I've ever tasted). I
traveled with my 13 year old daughter and we felt comfortable and safe the
entire time. I was perfectly comfortable having her explore the neighborhood
on her own. I could not recommend the apartment more. I hope to be back very
soon. Thank you, Melinda!!"
Dave Wolstenholme
Vancouver, B.C.
"We can't stop raving to friends and family about the fabulous time my girlfriend and
I had at your place in Paris.The location was great and we really appreciated all the
little details that you and your husband have considered in making it feel really
comfortable – truly a home away from home. Even if it was our own place I think we
would be challenged to think of anything else you would need in that apartment. We
are hoping to go back again next year and part of me really hopes you don't spend
too much time promoting the place... Congratulations on creating a place that is so
special."
Lauren and Zak Hardage
Corpus Christi, TX
"We're here, and SO happy! Oh, we are having an AMAZING time – my heart is already
absolutely aching to plan our next visit! The studio, of course, is gorgeous – even better
than in the pictures! And Cour Damoye is heartbreakingly beautiful! We feel so lucky to be
here. When we first got off the metro at Bastille and popped up into that huge round
intersection we couldn't imagine that there would be such a quiet little hidden treasure
of a street tucked just steps away! Thank you again for sharing your perfect little diamond
of a house with us. We are convinced it is the best place to stay in Paris--we cannot wait
to return!"
Mark and Renee Oostra
Seattle, WA
"We loved being here – so much better than a hotel! We love the ceiling beams! The
apartment is clean, inviting, well equipped and it stays bright inside even when it is grey
outside. The location is amazing: night life, shops, restaurants. We easily jogged to Notre-
Dame via the seine--again, what a great location! The atmosphere inside and out is great.
Coming back to the apartment each evening was a pleasure. We hope to return soon!
Renting this place is a very good deal; worth every cent! If you ever want to sell it, we
want to buy it!"
Kristin and Erik Adkins
Oakland, CA
"Couldn't have asked for more! Great location, ample space and lovely owners. Super comfy
bed, washing machine, dishwasher, wireless Internet, TV, and free local calls to the
states. We would stay there again in a second. Thanks Melinda and Arnie for providing
such lovely accommodations!"
Robert McGinn
Stanford University
“A charming, remodeled studio apartment on a quiet, gated, characterful courtyard near
the Place de la Bastille. Tranquil building, lively neighborhood, perfect for one or two
people, full kitchen, fast Internet connection, within easy walking distance of the Marais,
the Ile St. Louis and Ile de la Cite, and the 5th arrondissement. Convenient access to the
Metro. Highly recommended.”
Jack Hodges
San Francisco, CA
"Thank you so much for allowing me to rent your terrific apartment In Paris, April 2009.
The apartment itself is modern, clean and tastefully decorated. It also has the benefit of a
great location, close to the Metro, restaurants, shops, grocery stores and tourist sites. The
rent is very reasonable in comparison with hotel rooms, plus has the advantage of a full
kitchen to avoid unnecessary restaurant expenses if one chooses. The on-site manager and
recommended airport-to-apartment-to-airport driver were the finishing touches to a
terrific vacation. I hope to be able to visit again in the future! I have already
recommended you to several friends, and will continue to do so for anyone who is thinking
of visiting Paris."
Gaylene Newquist
San Francisco
"Though the photos try to capture the beauty of the exquisite Parisian apartment, I
never imagined the feeling of stepping foot into "our" apartment every day of our
vacation. We laugh that it is certainly the only time on vacation that going "home" to
our apartment was as exciting as getting out each day to see the city. Every evening
when we came home, I would lie on our heavenly bed and meditate on those ancient
ceiling beams. The peace, pleasure, and pure luxury of being in that gloriously
perfected minimalistic space is with me still. Somehow the design of the space
preserved its antiquity while being as ridiculously comfortable as spoiling myself in
Paris should be. Thank you so much. I have told all of my design friends about this
treasure and about you."
Ascher Baer
Brooklyn, N.Y.
"We had a great time in Paris and really appreciate the beauty of your
apartment. It's hard to imagine anyone being able to do a better job with the design -
brilliant efficiency combined with a design aesthetic that is beautiful in its simplicity
and attention to detail. Thank you again for a great stay."
Tiffany Archer
New York City
"Thank you ever so much for making such a wonderful apartment available for rent.
My brother and I had a terrific time during our one week stay and definitely intend to
return next year. The property exceeded my expectations. I knew it was beautiful
from the images on your website, but it is even more impressive once you actually arrive.
Everything was perfect! The decor is lovely and immaculate, the bathroom is large
and the beds are very, very comfortable. There is so much room to move around
and feel comfortable. It truly feels like a home away from home.
Not only was the apartment great, but the location is ideal!! The central location
allowed us to walk if we desired, but also take the metro which was right
outside the Cour Damoye gate. Also, there are so many great restaurants and shops
right in the area. All in all, we had a wonderful time. Thanks again for making our
first trip to Paris a fabulous and memorable one."
Margaret Hastie and Gunta Gupta
Vancouver B.C., Canada
"Perfect Paris Rental indeed! The title is no exaggeration. This quiet hideaway amid the
bustle of the Bastille was a welcome comfort after a delicious 4-course meal; and a
veritable sanctuary in the morning as the sun rose over Cour Damoye through the tall
windows, bathing the entire space in a heavenly glow. The studio has everything you need
and is light and spacious with more than enough room. The kitchen is a cook's dream using
fresh ingredients from the nearby twice weekly outdoor market! And the architecturally
designed counter is perfect for sipping a cafe and munching a morning pastry from the
boulangerie on the corner!"
Mark H.
Boulder, Colorado
"My wife and I were looking for a quality apartment that would let us feel like we
were part of an interesting neighborhood. The Cour Damoye studio was perfect for
our one-week stay. The studio has been thoughtfully designed and lovingly furnished,
which makes it very comfortable in terms of living space. Everything in the place is
top-notch quality. The light from the enormous windows, the comfortable couches,
the easy-to-use WiFi, the kitchen that I used to cook dinner for 6 -- everything was
superb. The Cour Damoye street itself is as charming as it looks in the pictures. The
local market (twice weekly, about 50 yards from your front door) is apparently one of
the best in Paris, with fruit and tomatoes and cheese as good as I've found anywhere.
The location was very good for exploring the Marais, the Bastille, and central Paris in
general. We plan to stay at the Cour Damoye studio on our next visit to Paris."
Ethel Kaplan
Chicago, Illinois
"I can't say enough good things about the apartment. You manage it with impeccable
efficiency and every detail has been attended to. I wish I could get you to manage my
apartment here in Chicago!"
Debra Fisher
Scarsdale, NY
"What a unique and wonderful apartment in an amazing area! Close to all, quiet when you
need romance, vibrant when you want to be near Paris nightlife."
Lori Yuhas
Troy, Michigan
"The neighborhood is very lively and has everything one wants. The Cour Damoye is just
the perfect little "hideaway" to escape it all and find tranquility. I read your red booklet
and followed your restaurant recommendations. It was so generous of you to put that info.
together for your guests! I also love that the Bastille Metro is two minutes away. How
unbelieveably convenient!"
Rhoda Teplow
Mendocino, California
"I just spent a fabulous week alone in Paris in the Perfect apartment! It was so clean,
bright and airy. What I needed was a vacation away from my students and the clutter
in my own home. I got just what I wanted. Everything is absolutely new and efficient.
There was lots of storage so I could put all my things away. The library was stocked
with wonderful reading (not just great guidebooks). Right on the corner was an
excellent patisserie, tabac, cafe, grocery, creperie, farmers' market and ATM. I liked
living in the Marais so much that I didn't leave it for 4 days! I highly recommend the
apartment."
Katrina and Chris Goldsmith
Cardiff, CA
“A wonderful place to stay! Your apartment on the lovely Cour Damoye was an elegant,
airy and especially comfortable retreat during our week in Paris. The location is great, we
couldn’t have been happier! We loved the place from top to bottom: it is brand-new and
completely modern with a great kitchen and a good, new bathroom, but there is still a lot
of Old World character with the original wood beams exposed and the lovely view of the
charming alley. The alley is quiet and even gated at night, but just around the corner are
really great shops, excellent places to eat and dozens of fun bars and other nightlife in an
area that doesn’t feel touristy. It will be our first choice of apartment when we are lucky
enough to make a return trip and we would highly recommend it and this part of town to
anyone.”
David Ross
Wilmington, Delaware
"I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Place de la Bastille...within the Cour Damoye at "Les
Philosophes J." When you see the pictures you think it is an isolated part of Paris but
beyond the gates lies the grand Bastille. The centrality of the Bastille is amazing.
The Metro station is outside the gates. The neighborhood is delightful. There is a
FNAC where you can shop for CDs and DVD's, beautiful Cafes, and a plethora of
International restaurants at every corner. The gorgeous St. Paul is a mere five
minutes walk. The Metro lines are the most central - in minutes you can go anywhere
- even the RER was a simple connection away. My biggest surprise was that I did not
need to take the metro - I could walk to the Louvre, Notre Dame…the historic sites.
The apartment is bright, and clean and light all over. The logistics are brilliant. A
bookshelf of Paris Guides was indispensable. The WI-FI was brilliant. I could call the
US / Canada free every night on the phone…the windows are gorgeous. The outlets
have adapters so that you can plug in your American appliances (chargers, ipods etc.)
The apartment is spacious - and the kitchen is lovely. The bathroom worked
brilliantly…You have arranged everything ergonomically and centrally. It is a
beautiful place and it makes you know how Parisians live. My stay was very happy
and I wish to thank you again for your clear organization and meticulous attention to
detail."
Gerri Field
Walnut Creek CA
"Magical - is the only way to describe the Cour Damoye. My husband and I found the
cobblestone court lined with wisteria enchanting. The apartment is clean, well lit,
beautifully appointed and conveniently located. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will
recommend it to friends. Thanks for being so attentive to details Melinda."
Josephine Leung
Burlingame, CA
"I'll be sure to recommend your studio to anyone I know going to Paris!"
Mandy and Fred Hummel
Nevada City, CA
"Oh, my goodness...what a wonderful week we've had chez vous! The apartment is a light
and airy delight! And Paris was all at our doorstep! Melinda and Arnie, you've truly
created the perfect pied-à-terre in Paris! Thank you for letting us share it with you. We
can't wait to return."
Francois St-Aubin
Montreal, Canada
"Thanks again for everything! You DO have the Perfect Paris Rental! I'm supposed to work
in Paris again in 2010, but the opera world is always changing its schedule, so I'll let you
know the minute I find out exactly when I will be back. I am leaving a little card, to thank
you personally, on the bookshelf. But thank you again and again!"
Sandi and Hugh Farrell
Victoria, Australia
"Right from the outset, trawling the internet for our 10-day Paris stay, I knew Perfect
Paris Rental was THE apartment for us. Nothing else I viewed measured up! I received
prompt replies to every email I sent – there were lots of questions to be asked from
Australia, the other side of the world! We had spent time in Paris before but now wanted
to live the Parisian "lifestyle" in an apartment of our own.
The taxi Melinda helped arrange before we left Australia met us at the airport and took us
right to the the door. The apartment was more beautiful than the photos suggested, which
we found very hard to believe! We loved the apartment and its location, so central!
Each night I poured over the many guidebooks on the shelves and planned our adventure.
We walked lots and stumbled upon amazing sights: a Roman amphitheatre, off the tourist
track with only a guitar player and us admiring its beauty! The market is so close and we
became known to stall holders because of our terrible accents! Once they knew we were
Australians, conversations developed and my bad french was forgiven.
We had an absolutely wonderful time in this fabulous apartment and have already
recommended it to other Australians – I can't think of a better place to stay!
Oh, Melinda, we are already planning and dreaming and thinking of our next trip to
Paris!"
Lisa Lappe and Todd Meadows
Maui, Hawaii
"We thoroughly enjoyed Paris and our stay in your lovely apartment! We appreciated the
design and the details, plus the wonderful service you provided prior to and even during
our stay. So many places we've explored...too many to list, but hopefully we will be back
to enjoy more and repeat some favorites! Mahalo nui loa!"
Ellen O'Meara and Alex Perepechko
Seattle, WA
"Thank you, Melinda! We loved our stay in this beautiful place. We hope to return!"
Dr. John Moroney
San Francisco, CA
"What a great apartment! Wonderfully quiet and secluded yet close to the hustle and
bustle of urban life--it was close to everything!
Thanks again!"
Brendan O'Leary and Silvana Ferreira
San Francisco, CA
"Cour Damoye – a wonderful oasis in the heart of the Bastille! We were cozy and
comfortable in your lovely space: taking full advantage of the kitchen; playing music/
radio; referencing your many books about Paris (not to mention your guide to the Marais).
All the major sites seen, croissants consumed, and still we ran out of time! How nice,
though, to come home in the evening to the peace and tranquility of Cour Damoye!
We leave Paris, the city of light and love, newly engaged to be married: Cour Damoye will
forever hold a special place in our hearts!"
Shirley (and Madelaine) Williams,
British Columbia, Canada
"We had the very best time at your studio apartment!!
We devoured the travel commentaries you wrote and found them entertaining, useful and
insightful. Thank you so much for that special and very personal touch! And the decor is
lovely...so fresh and modern, at the same time charming and elegant...and so comfortable!
We will definitely recommend your apartment. Our entire week and a half in Paris was
quite perfect. We will be back next spring, or sooner, I hope. Many, many thanks, again,
Melinda."
Colleen (and Jane) MacLeod,
Charlestown, MA, & West Palm Beach, FL
"Melinda – We had a wonderful stay. Your lovely apartment made us feel both cozy and
safe, yet we were in the heart of everything. The beds were so comfortable, I don't even
remember falling asleep (the wine might have played a part, too). I can't think of anything
that I would change. I will be back and look forward to spreading the word about your
oasis. I can't thank you enough and look forward to returning soon."
