“This is not a hotel, it’s an apartment!” This was the rude awakening I received from the Concorde Hotel just hours before my arrival. My carefully planned Parisian getaway was already spiraling into chaos.
Three weeks before my trip, I had booked the Concorde Executive Suite. Imagine my shock when I received a call at 10:30 PM the night before, informing me of a “mix-up” and my downgraded room. I was now stuck with the Eiffel Room, a far cry from what I had reserved. I demanded a refund, but the hotel stubbornly refused.
“It’s not our fault,” they claimed. “A new person double-booked your room.”
Desperate, I contacted Booking.com. They intervened and after a frantic two hours, the hotel caved and promised my original room. This was just the beginning of a terrible experience.
Finding the Hotel: An Exercise in Frustration
The next day, I landed in Paris, ready to embrace the magic of the city. But my excitement quickly evaporated as I struggled to locate the hotel. It turned out to be hidden amongst a cluster of apartments, a far cry from the luxurious establishment I had envisioned.
Armed with the wrong code, I found myself stranded outside for two hours. My calls went unanswered. This wasn’t a hotel; it was a nightmare.
Finally, I gained access, only to be greeted by a scene straight out of a horror movie. The place was dark, dirty, and utterly unwelcoming.
“You can’t check in yet,” a cleaner informed me, “but you can leave your luggage and return at 3 PM.”
As I reluctantly handed over my bags, she handed me a phone. It was the manager.
“Who is this?” he asked, a mocking laugh escaping his lips. “The room you booked? Someone else is already in it.”
This wasn’t funny. This was infuriating! He was clearly laughing at my misfortune.
A Rude Awakening: The Suite That Wasn’t
At 3 PM, I returned to the hotel, only to be met by the owner. He was a flamboyant man, radiating arrogance and rudeness. He led us to the “suite,” which was nothing more than a small, dingy room. The pictures were a blatant lie.
The walls were scarred, the door was damaged. I was appalled.
“I want my money back,” I demanded, “I don’t want to stay here!”
His response was cold and callous. “Go stay at the Four Seasons,” he sneered, “You’re not getting your money back!”
He then proceeded to unceremoniously “see me out,” leaving me stranded on the streets of Paris with £1100 down the drain and nowhere to go.
Homeless people begged for spare change outside. This was a depressing reminder of the stark contrast between the luxury I had hoped for and the reality of my situation.
This hotel was a disgrace. I would advise anyone to stay far, far away.
A Glimpse of Paris: Finding Solace in the City
Despite the disastrous start to my trip, Paris still held its allure. I managed to find a charming hotel in a different area, and I slowly began to enjoy the city’s magic.
Walking along the Seine, visiting the Louvre, and getting lost in the charming side streets, I discovered the beauty that had initially eluded me. Paris is a city of contrasts, with its grandeur and elegance often masking its darker underbelly.
However, my experience with the Concorde Hotel was a stark reminder of the importance of thorough research and careful planning.
A Different Perspective: A Mixed Bag at the Ibis Sacre Coeur
A friend of mine recently stayed at the Ibis Sacre Coeur in Paris, and his experience was a mixed bag. He described the hotel as dated and in need of renovation, but he was also impressed by the warm welcome he received from the staff.
“The receptionist was incredibly friendly and helpful,” he said. “He even gave us directions to a great local restaurant.”
He also praised the hotel’s location, which was close to the Metro station, although it was unfortunately out of service due to a strike.
However, he did express disappointment with the rooms, which he found small and lacking in the charm suggested by the online photos. He also mentioned that the air conditioning units were filthy and the sliding bathroom door was broken.
He was particularly frustrated with the staff’s lack of assistance in booking a taxi to the airport.
“It was a frustrating experience,” he said, “but overall, I’d say the hotel was just okay.”
A Positive Review: The Hotel Duquesne, a Gem in Paris
My sister recently stayed at the Hotel Duquesne in Paris and couldn’t stop raving about it.
“The hotel is in a fantastic location,” she said. “Just a short walk from the metro station, and there are shops and restaurants just around the corner.”
She particularly loved the friendly and helpful staff who went above and beyond to make her stay enjoyable.
“They even arranged a taxi for me to the airport,” she said, “and they were happy to help me print out my boarding passes.”
She also appreciated the delicious breakfast buffet which offered a variety of options to suit every taste.
“I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone traveling to Paris,” she said. “It was clean, comfortable, and in a great location.”
It seems that when it comes to hotels in Paris, finding a gem can be a matter of luck. While some hotels live up to their promises and exceed expectations, others leave a lot to be desired. It’s crucial to do your research, read reviews, and carefully consider your options before booking your stay. After all, a hotel can either make or break your trip.
