This is a story of a travel disaster, filled with disappointment, frustration, and a lack of professionalism that you would expect from a budget hotel, let alone one charging over £1,000! I booked a Concorde Executive Suite three weeks in advance, excited for my Parisian adventure. However, my dreams were shattered when the hotel contacted me at 10:30 PM the night before my arrival, informing me of a “mix-up” and that I would be staying in the Eiffel Room instead – a downgrade from my original booking.
I demanded a full refund, as this was not what I had booked, but they blamed it on a double-booking and refused. Luckily, I contacted Booking.com and they intervened, ultimately forcing the hotel to honor my original reservation.
The nightmares continued when I arrived in Paris the following day. The hotel, which was actually an apartment complex, was almost impossible to find, and the access code I had been given was incorrect. I waited outside for two hours with no response from the hotel staff, who didn’t bother to answer their phones.
The apartment was a far cry from the beautiful pictures online. It was dark, dirty, and truly horrible. Despite arriving hours after my check-in time, I was told I couldn’t access the apartment immediately. I was left to wait with my luggage while the cleaner gave me a phone to speak with the manager. He laughed when I explained the situation, claiming someone else had already checked into my booked room.
When I finally got access to the room, it was clear the manager was not joking. The “suite” was a tiny, dark room, completely different from the photos. The walls had marks, the door was damaged, and the entire place felt unkempt.
I immediately demanded a refund, but the owner, who was rude and arrogant, simply said, “Go stay at the Four Seasons” and refused to give me my money back. He then threw me out onto the street. I was left with £1,100 down the drain and had to find a new hotel. It was an absolute disgrace, and I can’t recommend this hotel to anyone. Avoid it at all costs!
A Mixed Bag: My Stay at the Ibis Sacre Coeur
My experience at the Ibis Sacre Coeur was a mixed bag, filled with both positive and negative aspects. While the hotel was located in a lively area with easy access to transportation and attractions, our rooms were disappointing.
The positives: The staff was friendly and helpful upon arrival. They were polite and even offered suggestions for good places to eat. The location was great, with easy access to the Metro (when it wasn’t on strike) and many shops and restaurants in the surrounding area. The Louvre was a 30-minute walk away and the Moulin Rouge was also easily accessible, although the walk to the Moulin Rouge went through a somewhat seedy area. The hotel had two small lifts, although the one near the breakfast area had a creaky door that could have been from a Hammer House of Horror movie.
The negatives: Our rooms did not resemble the pictures online. They were small, which we expected, but they felt grubby and poorly maintained. The bathroom sliding door was off the track, and the hairdryer kept cutting out. The air conditioning units were filthy, and the shower cubicles were cramped. The breakfast was basic, and the staff serving it was often rude and unresponsive. The reception staff, aside from the welcoming gentleman upon our arrival, were either on their mobile phones or watching Tik Tok videos. They were also unhelpful when we attempted to book a taxi to the airport.
In conclusion, the Ibis Sacre Coeur is a dated and run-down hotel that needs significant improvements. It’s a shame, because the location and the initial friendly welcome are redeeming qualities. However, the overall experience was underwhelming.
