Ok, not the most intersting topic, but:

We stayed in an apartment on the Rue de la Huchette. The building had a non-descript door to the busy street and it was accessible by a key code and electronic latch. Inside was a bank of mail boxes and then a heavy metal gate, opened with another key code. (Presumably the delivery people or mailpersons could access the mailboxes, but not the apartments).

To exit, there was a button on the inside of each portal to release the respective latch.

My question: What happens when the electicity goes out? Does that release the latches automatically (perhaps the current keeps the latches in place)?

Because going out the front gate and door was the escape route in the event of a fire, this concerned me, particularly when I repeatedly found that lit cigarettes had been disposed of on the wooden stairs.....

Wow, how weird, we're in THAT apartment right now!!! Cool old building, huh?

Honestly, I hadn't thought of that at all, but I would assume there is some sort of safety mechanism in case of fire.

John

John: Funny coincidence! I'd like to compare notes when you are back.

There is also a gate to a basement or something. I'd be curious what it's like down there.

John: You probably do this anyway, but make sure you check the glasswear, etc. We found lipstick and chips/cracks on a couple.

I could be wrong, but I thought it had a battery backup, just like my home alarm system does. Which fails after several hours and then it just stops working. IN other words, it wouldn't be locked.

It's our last night here, we've been here for 5 nights. One chipped glass but no lipstick. Actually, the apartment was pretty much spotless. It's tiny (we have 2 kids) but fine. Loft is weird, but comfy. We kinda like the "dungeon" feel of the hallways, definitely different! The immediate area is obviously so touristy, but the location is wonderful for walking distance to a few sights and metro/RER access.

Did you enjoy your stay here?

I liked the location and the utility of it for 2 adults/2 kids. The rental process is a little too cumbersome, IMO.

Our biggest concern was about cleanliness. When we were there, it was unclear what was clean (towels were already hanging up, not sure the bedclothes had been changed, etc.) The grout (and some glasses) were dirty. The kitchen table had a layer of dust or dirt on it.

I also couldn't help but think that the place could be improved dramatically and cheaply with a coat of paint, and some new bedclothes and small appliances (which were pretty stained). And they needed to clean up the airshaft. That should be a selling point, but was an eyesore.

Quirks: We had cold weather and the radiator wasn't quite adequate. Two of us nearly broke toes on the bed when coming out of the bathroom!

Someone who is smarter than I will probably say there was no risk, but I was concerned about a fire from lit cigarettes on the ancient stairs.

Overall, I am kind of glad we experienced it, but probably wouldn't rent it again.

There is no set system for those doors when the electricity goes off. Some become unlocked and some stay locked. Residents generally own at least one key that opens the front door(s).

I can understand your comments, and agree about the paint. We're in London nowin a modern apartment, and are appreciating it, I must say, but I would stay at Huchette again. I like the charm that goes with age and wear as long as it's clean, which it was for us.

Oh, and the appliances weren't stained, maybe they changed them since your stay?

John, thanks for the update. I don't want to sound too negative. We really liked the location and the experience. It was incredible walking out your proverbial front door and being in the thick of things.

No, not negative, honest. Thanks for your opinion.