Warning: This review contains graphic details and strong opinions about a terrible hotel experience. Reader discretion is advised.
I am writing this review with a mix of anger and disbelief. My recent stay at the Concorde Hotel in Paris was nothing short of a nightmare. It started with a misleading booking and continued with a series of unfortunate events, culminating in an encounter with the most rude and unprofessional hotel owner I have ever encountered.
Booking Chaos and Deceptive Practices
The first red flag appeared the night before my arrival. The hotel called me at 10:30 PM to inform me that my Concorde Executive Suite reservation had been “accidentally” double-booked. They offered me a smaller room, the Eiffel Room, as a replacement. I was furious. I had booked this specific suite three weeks earlier and was extremely disappointed. I demanded a full refund, but they refused, claiming a “new person” had mistakenly double-booked the room.
I immediately contacted Booking.com and explained the situation. Thankfully, they stepped in and contacted the hotel manager. After two hours of waiting, they finally called me back and confirmed that I could have the original suite. This was a small victory, but it set a troubling precedent.
Arrival and A Series of Mishaps
My arrival in Paris was met with more frustration. The hotel was difficult to find and the code I was given did not work. I was forced to stand outside for two hours, as the hotel staff refused to answer the phone.
When I finally gained access, the hotel looked nothing like the pictures. It was dark, dirty, and in a state of disrepair. I was told I couldn’t check in yet but could leave my luggage and return at 3 PM. The cleaner gave me a phone to call the manager. He laughed when I explained the situation, saying someone else had already checked into the room. I found his reaction appalling.
The Rude Owner and a Disgusting Conclusion
At 3 PM, I returned to find the hotel owner sitting in the reception. He was arrogant and extremely rude. He showed us the “suite,” which was actually a small, dark room that looked nothing like the pictures. The walls were marked, the door was damaged, and the entire place felt neglected.
I expressed my displeasure and demanded a refund. The owner scoffed, told me to stay at the Four Seasons instead, and said he would never give me my money back. He then proceeded to unceremoniously show us out the door, leaving me stranded in Paris with no accommodation and £1100 down the drain.
This hotel is a disgrace. It is dirty, misleading, and run by incredibly unprofessional people. The owner’s blatant disregard for customer service and blatant disrespect were shocking.
I urge anyone considering staying here to reconsider. You are better off choosing another hotel, even if it means spending a little more money. Your time and money are worth more than the experience this hotel will provide.
A Mixed Experience: The Ibis Sacre Coeur Hotel
This hotel offered a more mixed experience. While the staff were friendly and helpful, the rooms were disappointing and the overall cleanliness was questionable.
The Good:
- The reception staff were polite and welcoming.
- The location was convenient, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and the Louvre.
- The hotel had two small elevators, although one was quite creaky!
The Bad:
- The rooms were significantly smaller than what was advertised in the pictures and felt grimy.
- The bathroom door in one room was broken and the hairdryer was faulty.
- The air conditioning units were dirty and the walls in the bathroom had peeling paint.
- The shower cubicles were tiny.
- Breakfast was basic, and the service was inconsistent. One morning, the staff were unhelpful and slow to replenish the orange juice.
- The reception staff were often unengaged and unhelpful, spending time on personal devices rather than assisting guests.
- Booking a taxi to the airport proved difficult due to strikes, and the staff offered little support.
Overall, the Ibis Sacre Coeur hotel is in need of renovation and improvement. While the location is good, the poor room quality and lackluster service detract from the experience.
A Positive Stay at the Hotel de Bercy
After the disappointing experiences at the Concorde and Ibis Sacre Coeur, I was relieved to find a hotel that met my expectations.
The Hotel de Bercy was an oasis of calm and comfort. The location was excellent, close to shops, restaurants, and the metro station.
The Highlights:
- The staff were incredibly helpful and accommodating, even arranging our family rooms together.
- The hotel was clean and well-maintained, with a lovely balcony offering views of the Eiffel Tower.
- Breakfast was delicious, offering a variety of hot and cold options, catering to all tastes.
- The hotel was happy to assist with booking taxis and printing out boarding passes and attraction tickets.
- The WiFi signal was strong throughout the hotel.
The Hotel de Bercy was a welcome change from the previous two hotels. It provided a comfortable and enjoyable stay, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Paris.
