This review is a cautionary tale for anyone considering a stay at the Concorde Executive Suite in Paris. My experience was nothing short of disastrous, and I feel compelled to share it to prevent others from suffering a similar fate.
From the moment I booked my room, things went downhill. Just hours before my arrival, the hotel informed me that my room had been “double-booked” and I would be downgraded to a smaller room. I demanded a full refund, but the hotel insisted it was a mistake and offered me the original room. While this was a small victory, it did not bode well for the remainder of my trip.
A Disappointing Arrival and Unwelcoming Staff
Upon arriving in Paris, finding the hotel, which was more like an apartment building, proved to be a challenge. The access code provided was incorrect, forcing me to wait outside for two long hours with no response from the hotel staff.
Once I gained entry, the place looked nothing like the charming photos on the booking website. It was dark, dirty, and utterly underwhelming. The staff was far from welcoming. I was told I could not check in immediately and was given a phone to speak to the manager, who laughed at my situation and insisted someone else had already checked into my room.
A Rude Encounter with the Owner and a Shockingly Inadequate “Suite”
When I returned later that day, the owner, who was sitting in the reception area, was extremely arrogant and rude. He showed us our “suite” which was, in reality, a tiny, dark room. The photos had clearly been heavily edited, as the room had dirty walls and a damaged door. When I expressed my dissatisfaction, he mocked my complaint, suggested I stay at the Four Seasons, and refused to offer a refund.
This experience left me feeling utterly disgusted and frustrated. I was forced to find another hotel, costing me over £1100. I strongly advise anyone planning a trip to Paris to avoid the Concorde Executive Suite at all costs.
A Mixed Bag: The Ibis Sacre Coeur
The Ibis Sacre Coeur offered a mixed bag of experiences. While the location was convenient and the reception staff were friendly, the hotel itself was outdated and in need of serious renovations.
A Welcoming Reception but Outdated Accommodations
The hotel’s reception area was a bright spot. We were greeted with warmth and helpful suggestions on local restaurants. The hotel is located in a bustling area with convenient access to shops, restaurants, and the Metro (when it wasn’t on strike). However, the nearby Moulin Rouge was situated in a seedy, dimly lit area.
Disappointing Rooms and Lackluster Service
The rooms we booked were a significant disappointment. They were small and did not match the photos, despite looking clean, they had a dingy feel. The bathroom door in one room was broken, the hairdryer was faulty, and the air conditioning units were filthy.
The service was inconsistent, some reception staff were friendly and helpful, but others were either glued to their phones or unhelpful when we needed assistance. Breakfast, while okay, suffered from slow service and a lack of responsiveness from the staff.
Overall, the Ibis Sacre Coeur is in need of serious upgrades. The dated rooms and inconsistent service make it a far cry from a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
A Positive Experience at the Hotel Bercy Village
The Hotel Bercy Village stands out as a shining example of what a positive hotel experience should be. The location is ideal, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and transportation.
A Welcoming Atmosphere and Excellent Service
The hotel staff was exceptionally welcoming and helpful. Our family rooms were arranged together as requested, and the staff was proactive in arranging our transportation and providing helpful local information. The hotel also offered excellent WiFi reception throughout the building.
Exceptional Breakfast and Thoughtful Touches
The breakfast was top-notch, offering a delicious variety of hot and cold options. The hotel also went above and beyond by printing out boarding passes and attraction tickets for us without any additional charges.
Overall, the Hotel Bercy Village is highly recommended. The friendly staff, convenient location, and comfortable rooms create a memorable and enjoyable experience. It’s a welcome contrast to the disappointing experiences at the Concorde Executive Suite and Ibis Sacre Coeur.
