This review is a cautionary tale for anyone considering a stay at the Concorde Hotel in Paris. My journey began with a misleading booking confirmation and an awful customer service experience. I was originally booked into the luxurious “Concorde Executive Suite” but 10.30 PM the night before my arrival, I received a call informing me of a “mix-up” and my room had been downgraded to the “Eiffel room.”
It felt like a bait-and-switch tactic. I demanded a full refund, but the hotel insisted it was a double booking error. Fortunately, Booking.com intervened and after a two-hour back and forth, the hotel finally agreed to honor my original booking. This was just the beginning of a disastrous stay.
A Hotel that Wasn’t
Finding the “hotel” was a challenge in itself. The address led me to a building that looked more like an apartment complex than a hotel. The access code I was given didn’t work, leaving me stranded outside for two hours. The staff was unresponsive, ignoring my calls. When I finally gained access, I was greeted by a dismal sight. The place looked nothing like the appealing photos on the website. It was dark, dirty, and frankly, horrible.
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, who laughed when I explained the situation, claiming someone else had already checked into my room. His callous laughter was extremely offensive, especially given the stress I was already under.
A Rude Awakening
When I returned at 3 pm, the owner was sitting at the reception desk, his demeanor as unpleasant as the hotel itself. He was arrogant and dismissive. The “suite” he showed us was a small, dark room, a far cry from the spacious, luxurious accommodation I had booked. The walls were marked, the door was damaged, and the overall atmosphere was depressing.
I made it clear that I was unhappy and wanted a refund. His response was infuriating: “Go stay at the Four Seasons,” he said, “You’re not getting your money back, and now get out!” I was left stranded in Paris, with no room and £1100 down the drain.
Begging for a Decent Stay
I’m adding a final note to this review, as I’ve read some positive reviews about this hotel. It’s possible my experience was an anomaly, but the blatant dishonesty, poor customer service, and the state of the room were unacceptable. The location was also problematic, with homeless people begging outside.
Please, avoid this place at all costs.
A Mixed Bag: The Ibis Sacre Coeur
This hotel offered a mixed experience. It had its positives, but the negatives were significant and unfortunately outweighed the good.
The staff was friendly and helpful upon our arrival. The receptionist was welcoming, providing recommendations for restaurants. The location was convenient, with easy access to the Metro station (when it was operating). There were shops and restaurants nearby and the Louvre was a 30-minute walk.
However, the hotel’s appearance and amenities were disappointing. The rooms were small, not as they appeared in the booking photos. The cleanliness was questionable, with a grubby feel. The bathroom door was broken, the hairdryer was faulty, and the air conditioning units were dirty.
Breakfast was adequate, but service was inconsistent. The lady serving breakfast was sometimes rude and unresponsive, while the other staff members seemed more interested in their phones than attending to guests.
Overall, the hotel was dated and in need of renovation. While we might have been unlucky with our rooms, the entire experience was not enjoyable. The Ibis Sacre Coeur is not a place I would recommend.
A Positive Experience at the Hôtel du Temps
This hotel in Bercy Village provided a pleasant and comfortable stay. It is situated in a lovely area of Paris, with shops and restaurants nearby. The Metro station is just a short walk away, and the neighborhood is well-lit and safe.
The staff was helpful and accommodating. We arrived at lunchtime after a morning flight, and our family rooms were arranged together. The hotel had already booked our taxi from the airport and provided a set rate for the transfer.
The rooms were comfortable and well-maintained. I had booked a room with a balcony, which offered a lovely view of the Eiffel Tower, especially at night. The breakfast was delicious, with a wide variety of hot and cold options.
The hotel provided excellent customer service. They booked our return taxi, printed out our boarding passes and attraction tickets without any additional charge, and offered good WiFi reception throughout the hotel. This was my second stay at this hotel, and it lived up to my expectations. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Paris.
