Prepare to be horrified! This so-called “hotel” is nothing but a run-down apartment building with terrible customer service. My trip began with a disastrous mix-up just hours before my arrival. The hotel informed me at 10:30 PM that my booked Concorde Executive Suite was unavailable and I’d be downgraded to the Eiffel room. Outraged, I demanded a full refund, but the hotel blamed a double booking. It took a two-hour negotiation with booking.com to get my original room back.
A Nightmarish Welcome to Paris
Upon arriving in Paris, finding the hotel was a challenge. The provided code was incorrect, leaving me stranded outside for two hours. The hotel staff didn’t answer the phone. When I finally gained access, the apartment was nothing like the photos – it was dark, dirty, and utterly horrifying. I was told to leave my luggage and return later, but when I did, the manager laughed off my complaint about the room being double booked.
A Rude Owner and a Disastrous Suite
Upon returning, the hotel owner was rude and dismissive. He showed us to the “suite,” which was nothing more than a small, dark room. It was unclean and damaged, with marks on the walls and a broken door. When I requested a refund, he mocked me, suggesting I stay at the Four Seasons instead. He refused to refund my £1100 and threw me out on the street. This is an absolute disgrace! Do not stay here! Homeless people begging outside add to the grim atmosphere.
A Surprisingly Pleasant Stay: The Ibis Sacre Coeur
Let’s turn to a more positive experience. The Ibis Sacre Coeur offered a warm and friendly welcome from the receptionist. The hotel’s location is convenient, with nearby shops, restaurants, and the Louvre within a 30-minute walk. Although the metro was closed due to strikes, there’s a nearby station for when it’s operational. The hotel’s two small lifts were a bit cramped but nothing too serious. The breakfast, although continental, was good.
A Few Negatives at the Ibis Sacre Coeur
Despite the positives, the Ibis Sacre Coeur had its share of issues. Our rooms were smaller than advertised and, while clean, had a slightly grimy feel. The bathroom door was broken and the hairdryer was faulty. The air conditioning units were dirty, and there was peeling paper on the bathroom walls. The shower cubicles were also tiny. The breakfast staff could be a bit surly and the service was slow.
A Great Experience at the Hotel Paris Bercy
Let’s end on a positive note! The Hotel Paris Bercy was a delightful stay. It’s located in a lovely area with great shops and restaurants nearby. The metro station is just a short walk away, making it easy to explore the city. The hotel staff were helpful and attentive, and our rooms were clean and spacious. We particularly enjoyed the balcony with views of the Eiffel Tower. The breakfast was delicious and included hot cooked food, eggs, sausages, pancakes, cereals, and fresh fruit. The hotel was also helpful in booking a taxi and printing out boarding passes. Overall, it was a great experience and I highly recommend this hotel!