Let me tell you, this was not the Parisian dream I had in mind! From the moment I booked this “hotel,” I was met with a string of disappointments that turned my trip into a nightmare.
The Start of a Disaster
Right before my arrival, the hotel contacted me late at night, informing me that my booked Concorde Executive Suite was unavailable. Instead, they offered me the Eiffel Room, a downgrade from my original booking. This wasn’t acceptable, so I demanded a full refund. They claimed it was a double booking and apologized. But after contacting Booking.com, they finally agreed to honor my original reservation. This wasn’t a good start, to say the least!
A Series of Mishaps
Upon arriving in Paris, finding this “hotel,” which turned out to be a collection of apartments, was a struggle. The code I received was incorrect, leaving me stranded outside for hours. The phone number provided went unanswered. Finally, when I gained access, the place was nothing like the photos. It was dark, dirty, and overall unpleasant.
The manager, who I spoke to through the cleaner, found my situation amusing. He claimed someone else had already checked into my booked room. This lack of professionalism was infuriating.
Disappointment Continues
When I returned at 3 pm, the owner was at the “reception,” oozing arrogance and rudeness. He showed me the “suite,” which was nothing more than a small, dark room, a far cry from the pictures. The walls were marked, and the door was damaged.
When I refused to stay and requested a refund, he scoffed and suggested I try the Four Seasons. He adamantly refused to give me my money back, even after I spent £1100 and was forced to find another hotel. It was a truly awful experience.
I strongly urge you to avoid this place at all costs. It’s not worth the stress or the money. There are plenty of other options in Paris that won’t leave you feeling cheated and frustrated.
A Mixed Bag: Ibis Sacre Coeur Review
My experience at the Ibis Sacre Coeur was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with both pleasant surprises and major disappointments.
The Good: Location and Hospitality
Let’s start with the positives. The hotel’s location was quite convenient, with access to nearby shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Louvre. The staff was friendly and helpful, particularly the receptionist who greeted us on our arrival. He provided recommendations for nearby dining options and overall made us feel welcomed.
The Not-So-Good: Rooms and Service
Now for the less favorable aspects. Our rooms didn’t match the pictures online, and although they seemed clean, they had a somewhat grimy feel. The bathroom in one room had a broken sliding door and a faulty hairdryer. The air conditioning units were filthy, and the shower stalls were cramped.
Breakfast was passable, but the service left much to be desired. The lady serving breakfast on our first two mornings was less than friendly and not very responsive to our requests. Similarly, the staff at the reception desk wasn’t very helpful when we tried to book a taxi to the airport.
Overall Impression: A Dated and Run-Down Hotel
In conclusion, the Ibis Sacre Coeur is a dated and run-down hotel that needs significant improvements. While the location is a plus, the rooms, service, and overall experience were disappointing. We might have just been unlucky with the rooms we had, but the whole experience was far from enjoyable. If you’re looking for a comfortable and memorable stay in Paris, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
