This is not a hotel, it’s a disaster! I booked a luxurious stay at the Concorde Hotel, dreaming of Parisian charm and comfort. But my experience was far from idyllic. Right before my arrival, the hotel contacted me at 10:30 PM, informing me that my Concorde Executive Suite had been double-booked and I was downgraded to a smaller room, the Eiffel.
This was unacceptable! I had reserved my suite three weeks prior, and a last-minute change was simply not an option. I demanded a full refund, but the hotel claimed it was a mistake by a new employee. After a frustrating two-hour wait, the hotel reluctantly agreed to give me the suite I had originally booked.
But the nightmare continued! Upon arriving in Paris, I struggled to find the hotel. It was hidden away in a residential building, not a glamorous establishment as advertised. The access code I was given was wrong, leaving me stranded outside for two hours. The hotel staff didn’t even answer their phones!
Finally, I gained entry, only to be greeted by a scene straight out of a horror movie. The hotel was dark, dirty, and completely different from the photos on the booking website. I was told I couldn’t check in yet but could leave my luggage and return at 3 PM. The cleaner informed me that the manager had already given my suite to someone else! He found the situation amusing, but I found it absolutely infuriating.
The hotel owner, a rude and arrogant man, finally showed me to the “suite” at 3 PM. It was a cramped, dark room, a far cry from the spacious suite I had envisioned. The walls were marked, the door was damaged, and the overall condition was appalling. I demanded my money back, but the owner scoffed, telling me to “go stay at the Four Seasons” and that I would never get a refund. This was a complete disgrace! I was forced to leave the hotel without a refund, having to find a new place to stay and losing £1100 in the process. Avoid this hotel at all costs! The homeless people begging outside were a stark reminder of the desperation and neglect I encountered within the walls of this establishment.
A Mixed Bag: Ibis Sacre Coeur
The Ibis Sacre Coeur offered a mixed bag of experiences. While the friendly receptionist welcomed us with open arms, the hotel’s overall condition was far from ideal.
Let’s start with the positives:
- The location was convenient, just a short walk from the Metro station (when it was in operation!), a bustling street with shops and restaurants, and about 30 minutes from the Louvre.
- The staff at reception were helpful and polite upon arrival, arranging our family rooms together.
- The room with a balcony offered a lovely view of the Eiffel Tower, especially at night.
- The breakfast was a delightful spread with a variety of hot and cold options, catering to different tastes.
- The hotel provided excellent WiFi reception throughout.
Now for the downsides:
- The rooms were small and didn’t match the online photos. They felt grubby and worn, even though they were supposedly clean.
- The bathroom in one room had a broken sliding door, a malfunctioning hairdryer, and filthy air conditioning units.
- The breakfast service was inconsistent, with surly staff and long waits for replenished food and drinks.
- The reception staff were less helpful on subsequent days, with one glued to their phone and another unable to book a taxi due to the strikes.
- The hotel itself was outdated and in need of serious renovations.
Overall, the Ibis Sacre Coeur fell short of our expectations. While the location and some of the staff were redeeming qualities, the poor room condition, inconsistent service, and overall run-down state left us feeling disappointed. It’s clear the hotel needs some serious TLC to improve its standards and live up to its name.
A Parisian Gem: Hotel Bercy Village
Hotel Bercy Village is a true Parisian gem! Located in a vibrant and well-lit area, it offered a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
- The location was fantastic, with shops, restaurants, and the Saint Cour Emillion metro station just a short walk away.
- The staff was friendly and helpful, arranging our family rooms together and even booking our return taxi.
- The room with a balcony provided a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, especially at night.
- The breakfast was fresh, delicious, and included a wide selection of hot and cold options.
- The hotel provided excellent WiFi throughout.
The Hotel Bercy Village impressed us with its service, amenities, and location. We highly recommend it for a wonderful Parisian experience!
