Holiday Inn Paris - Auteuil, an IHG Hotel

Unfortunately, this was not pleasant for many reasons. I'll start with the actual hotel itself:

Room: Walls are cardboard. Heard a French woman above until 1:00am coughing and speaking on her phone. Kept pillow over head with ear plugs, but still no luck with sleep.

Mini Bar: The "see through" fridge had a light to illuminate the glass frame -- of course, this stayed on all night long, and I had to drape 2 towels to block the light.

No Ice: Had to go across the street to obtain ice, as there is not a single cube available anywhere on the property.

Area: Not really what I consider a great neighborhood - it wasn't bad, but it really wasn't that great either. On the outskirts of Paris near the end of the #9 line. I was a single female traveler. It took over 30 minutes to access Montmarte, 3 transfers.

No Recognition: As a GOLD member, I felt like I was just another American pain in the rear. I was thanked at check in for my loyalty, and that was the end. GSA requested my AAA card at check in. Told her it was still in California in the glove compartment, as I did not think to bring it across the Atlantic. In order to honor my rate, I had to email my partner in San Diego to request the card information. Eve, the evening GSA later informed me that in fact obtaining this information was not really necessary. Eve was most helpful, and the only employee that seemed happy to assist. I did realize shortly after check in, and the no ice, and the neighborhood, and the AAA card request, it was in my best interest to explore an early check out. I was so blessed to be able to arrive a day sooner at my next hotel, near the Eiffel Tower, same district, at Trocadero.

Eve confirmed an early departure would not be a problem.

At check out, I asked the GSA on duty if she could verify if the HI at CDG had a shuttle service available (staying here my last night in Paris). She "did not understand my question." I asked another way: "Does the hotel offer a pick up service at the CDG airport?" She still did not understand. She asked my form of payment, I replied 'cash', paid my bill and no further words were exchanged.

There was no "merci", or a "bon voyage" or even a copy of my receipt offered at my departure. We just looked at each other in silence. Perhaps we were both sleep deprived this morning. However, a thank you would have been an appropriate send off, particularly since I am the guest,....or so I thought...... My next hotel was absolutely divinely heavenly wonderfully superb. I'm glad I had such a bad experience here, because it only made the next 3 nights an absolutely amazing experience. I wish I could state the hotel's name, but it is not affiliated with IHG, so I will refrain. So, that's my story. Take what you like --