This is a cautionary tale about a disastrous hotel experience, and it’s a must-read for anyone planning a trip to Paris. I was utterly shocked and disappointed by the service and conditions at the Concorde Hotel. From the moment I booked my room, things went downhill quickly. The hotel’s miscommunication and lack of professionalism left me feeling frustrated and deceived.
I had booked a luxurious “Concorde Executive Suite” three weeks in advance, but the night before my arrival, the hotel contacted me at 10:30 pm to inform me that they had a “mix-up” and I would be staying in a downgraded “Eiffel room.” I immediately requested a full refund, as this was not what I had booked. They claimed it was a “double booking” by a new employee. After contacting Booking.com and getting the manager involved, they finally relented and confirmed my original booking. However, this rocky start set the tone for the rest of my trip.
A Nightmarish Arrival
Upon arriving in Paris, I struggled to find the hotel, which turned out to be a run-down apartment complex. The access code I had been given was incorrect, and I ended up waiting outside for two long hours. The staff couldn’t be reached by phone, and the place looked nothing like the photos online. It was dark, dirty, and simply unpleasant. I was told I couldn’t check in yet but could leave my luggage and return at 3 pm. While waiting, I spoke with the cleaner who was handling the situation. He put me on the phone with the manager, who laughed upon hearing my name and claimed that someone else had already checked into my booked room! I was appalled by his lack of empathy.
When I returned at 3 pm, the owner was sitting at the reception, looking arrogant and dismissive. He led us to the “suite,” which was nothing more than a small, dark room that had nothing in common with the pictures online. The walls were stained, and the door was damaged. I made it clear that I was unhappy with the room and wanted my money back, but he arrogantly told me to go stay at the Four Seasons and that I wouldn’t be getting a refund. He then showed us the door. I was left in the middle of Paris, £1100 down and having to find a new hotel. It was an utterly appalling experience. I would never recommend this hotel to anyone.
A Mixed Bag: The Ibis Sacre Coeur
The Ibis Sacre Coeur offered a mixed bag of experiences, with some positives and negatives that made my stay memorable, but not necessarily for the right reasons.
The hotel staff were welcoming and friendly upon our arrival, providing helpful directions to local restaurants. The location was fairly good, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and the Louvre. However, the area surrounding the hotel was quite seedy, and the Metro strike made getting around more challenging. The hotel also had two tiny lifts that were not for the claustrophobic. One had a very noisy door that was reminiscent of a horror movie, but it could easily be fixed with some lubrication.
Disappointing Rooms and Unreliable Service
The two rooms we booked did not match the photos online. They were small, which we expected, but they felt dirty and worn. The bathroom door in one room was broken and difficult to close, and the hairdryer in another room was faulty. The air conditioning units were filthy, and the paper on the walls was peeling off. The shower cubicles were cramped.
While the continental breakfast was decent, the service was inconsistent. Some staff members were unhelpful and inattentive, leaving us waiting for long periods when basic items like orange juice ran out. One staff member seemed more interested in using his phone than helping guests, while another was unable to assist with booking a taxi due to the strikes. We had to find a taxi ourselves, which was a frustrating experience.
Overall, the hotel was dated and in need of some major renovations. While our rooms were not representative of the advertised photos, the overall experience was lackluster. It’s possible we just had bad luck with the rooms we booked, but the overall experience was not great.
A Positive Stay at the Hotel de Bercy
The Hotel de Bercy offered a much more positive experience, providing a comfortable and convenient stay with excellent service. Located in a pleasant and well-lit area with easy access to shops, restaurants, and the metro, the hotel was an ideal base for exploring the city.
The staff was helpful and accommodating, ensuring our family rooms were located together. The room with a balcony offered stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, especially at night when it was illuminated. The included breakfast was excellent, with a variety of hot and cold options to suit everyone. The hotel also went above and beyond by booking our return taxi, printing boarding passes and attraction tickets without extra charge.
Overall, the Hotel de Bercy provided a great experience, exceeding our expectations. It was a comfortable and convenient hotel with friendly staff and excellent amenities. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a pleasant stay in Paris.
