Prepare yourself for a tale of travel chaos and utter disappointment. My Parisian escapade turned into a nightmare thanks to the Ibis Sacre Coeur hotel. The horror started before I even arrived when the hotel changed my room at the last minute without notifying me. My dream of staying in the Concorde Executive Suite was cruelly replaced with the Eiffel Room, a downsized, downgraded version of what I had booked weeks earlier.
A Disaster from the Start
After a frantic call to booking.com and a tense two-hour wait, the hotel finally agreed to honor my original reservation. But my troubles were far from over. Finding the hotel was a challenge, and the access code I was given was wrong. Two hours later, I finally managed to enter the building. The place looked nothing like the pictures. It was dark, dingy, and utterly depressing.
A Rude Awakening
To my dismay, I was informed that I could not check in immediately but could leave my luggage and return later. While I was waiting, a cleaner took me to a phone and connected me with the manager. I explained the situation, but he just laughed. The room I booked was already occupied! The “manager’s” callous laughter only added to my frustration.
An Unacceptable Suite
When I returned to check in, I was met by the owner, a pompous and rude individual. He took us to the “suite,” which was a small, dark room, a far cry from the luxurious accommodations advertised. It was clear the room had been neglected for years: marks on the walls, a damaged door, and an overall grimy feel.
The Final Straw
When I expressed my outrage and demanded a refund, the owner sarcastically suggested I stay at the Four Seasons and dismissed my request with a contemptuous sneer. He left me stranded in Paris with no accommodation and £1100 down the drain.
This hotel deserves to be avoided at all costs. The experience was truly atrocious, and I wouldn’t recommend it to my worst enemy. Homeless people begging outside only added to the sense of despair and disappointment.
A Façade of Hospitality
Despite the terrible start to our Parisian adventure, there were a few glimmers of hope. We were greeted warmly by the receptionist on our arrival. He was polite and helpful, directing us to a nearby eatery. The location was convenient, with easy access to shops and restaurants.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
The hotel itself, however, was a different story. The rooms were tiny, outdated, and lacking in basic amenities. The sliding door in the bathroom was broken, the hairdryer was temperamental, and the air conditioning unit was filthy.
A Lackluster Breakfast
The breakfast was basic and mediocre. The service was inconsistent. The lady serving the breakfast was surly and uninterested. While the gluten-free bread was good, it took her twenty minutes to fetch it!
A Dismissive Staff
The staff at the reception was equally disappointing. One was glued to his phone, either chatting or watching videos, while the other was unhelpful and uninterested in helping us book a taxi.
Overall, the hotel was a disappointment. The poor condition of the rooms, the lackluster service, and the general lack of care made for an unpleasant stay. Ibis Sacre Coeur is a far cry from the charming Parisian experience I had hoped for.
