Warning! This is not your typical Parisian escape. If you’re looking for a charming, romantic getaway, steer clear of the Concorde Hotel. My experience was an utter disaster from the very beginning, and I’m here to share my nightmare so you can avoid it.
A Troubled Start
The trouble began even before I arrived in Paris. Just hours before my scheduled check-in, the hotel called to inform me of a “mix-up.” My Concorde Executive Suite was no longer available, and I was downgraded to the Eiffel Room – a significant reduction from what I had booked three weeks earlier. I demanded a full refund, but they insisted it was a “double booking” by a new guest. After contacting Booking.com, they intervened, and I finally got the suite I had paid for. However, this was just the tip of the iceberg.
An Unwelcoming Arrival
Upon arriving in Paris, I struggled to find the hotel – which, shockingly, turned out to be a collection of apartments rather than a traditional hotel. The code I was given was incorrect, leaving me stranded outside for two long hours, as they wouldn’t answer the phone. When I finally gained access, the place was a far cry from the glamorous photos I had seen online. It was dark, dirty, and utterly depressing.
I was told I couldn’t check in immediately but could leave my luggage and return later. A cleaner gave me a phone to call the manager. To my disbelief, he laughed upon hearing my complaint about the room being occupied. My frustration mounted as I realized he found the situation amusing.
A Disgraceful Reception
When I returned for check-in, the owner was sitting in the “reception” area. He was unfriendly and arrogant, and showed us to the suite, which was tiny, dark, and completely unlike the pictures. The walls were stained, and the door was damaged. I demanded a refund and said I wouldn’t stay there, but he laughed me off, saying I should go stay at the Four Seasons. He made it abundantly clear that I wouldn’t be getting my money back.
This hotel was nothing short of a nightmare. Avoid it at all costs!
A Mixed Experience: The Ibis Sacre Coeur
The Ibis Sacre Coeur offers a mixed bag. While it has some positive aspects, like a friendly receptionist, a good location, and decent breakfast, the hotel is outdated, rundown, and in need of some serious TLC.
A Warm Welcome, But…
The highlight of our stay was the receptionist who greeted us upon arrival. He was welcoming and helpful, even pointing us towards nearby restaurants. The hotel’s location was also a plus. Despite the ongoing metro strikes, the area was bustling with activity. There were shops, restaurants, and even a Metro station within easy walking distance. However, walking to the Moulin Rouge took us through a rather seedy area, and the hotel’s two tiny lifts – one with a creaky door straight out of a horror film – weren’t for the claustrophobic.
Disappointing Rooms and Service
The rooms were our main disappointment. They were small, as expected, but the pictures online didn’t do justice to their worn-down appearance. The bathroom door in one room was broken and the hairdryer malfunctioned. The air conditioning units were filthy, and the shower cubicles were incredibly small. The breakfast, although continental, was decent. However, the staff serving breakfast were unresponsive and even rude at times. The reception staff also left much to be desired, with one constantly on their phone and another unhelpful when we asked for assistance booking a taxi.
A Dated and Disappointing Experience
Overall, the Ibis Sacre Coeur is tired and in need of an update. While the location is good, the poor condition of the rooms, the subpar service, and the dated decor make it hard to recommend. Maybe we were just unlucky with our rooms, but the overall experience was far from ideal.
A Delightful Stay at the Hotel Bercy Village
If you are looking for a positive Parisian experience, look no further than the Hotel Bercy Village. This charming hotel offers a fantastic location, friendly service, and comfortable rooms with modern amenities.
A Parisian Gem
The Hotel Bercy Village is perfectly situated in a lively and well-lit area near the Bercy Village shopping and dining complex. The metro station is just a stone’s throw away, making it easy to explore the city. We arrived via a convenient taxi from the airport, which was a pleasant change from the hassle of navigating public transportation. The staff was helpful and accommodating, ensuring we had two rooms next to each other for our family.
Comfort, Convenience, and Amenities
Our room featured a balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower, which was a truly magical experience, especially at night when the tower twinkled with lights. The hotel offers delicious and varied breakfast with both continental and hot options. The staff went above and beyond to ensure we had a comfortable stay, even booking our return taxi and printing out our boarding passes and attraction tickets.
A Highly Recommend Hotel
This was my second stay at the Hotel Bercy Village, and it was just as wonderful as I remembered it from ten years ago. I would wholeheartedly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a memorable and enjoyable Parisian experience.
