Le Méridien Nice — Hotel in Nice

Let me tell you about my latest adventure at a hotel that charged me more than a black market kidney for a stay. I've bunkered down in more comfortable airport benches

Upon arrival, they sent me to a room that was already occupied. I half expected to be part of an episode of "Undercover Boss." After that little mix-up, they relocated me to a room that looked like it had been the site of a crime scene. Stains on the linen, marks on the walls - it was like a scene from a B-grade movie.

I tried to get a refund faster than a Navy SEAL can assemble a rifle, but they clung to their "customer-last" policy like a barnacle on a ship's hull.

And let's not forget about the staff, led by their manager, Oliver. If you ever need a reference for what "disgruntled" looks like, just take a peek at Le Meridien's employee of the month photo. Even for French standards, they've set a new low.

Honestly, I would've traded my room for a bench at the Bangkok airport. At least then I wouldn't have had to deal with the symphony of buzzing from the air conditioning units on the roof. It was like trying to sleep in a beehive.

So, if you're ever considering a stay at Le Meridien, I'd recommend a war-torn foxhole or airport bench instead. At least then, the stains on the wall would be less concerning.

In response to Stephane

Dear Stephane,

I appreciate your response, though it strikes me as somewhat akin to asking an inmate how his jail cell is, expecting a cheery, truthful reply without fear of things escalating further.

You mentioned that your Executive Housekeeper ventured to my room after reading my review. Interesting. It's akin to a detective arriving at the crime scene after the crime has been committed.

As for my supposed happiness with the room and service - perhaps there was a miscommunication. Possibly a mix-up in translation? You see, I was aiming for 'resigned acceptance' as I was already deep in the trenches, so to speak.

Regarding the refund and the matter of the third-party agent, they called you TWICE and said you REFUSED and said to the agent who reached out “Management is holding to our no-refund policy.”. Had you simply said yes, they would have released the funds immediately and I would have rebooked at another property and this review would not be setting a record of views.

So, Stephane, while your response is noted, I'd recommend a tour of the trenches - or in this case, the guest rooms - before asking the troops how the war is going and maybe create a customer first policy as yours is clearly putting customers...

I always take negative reviews with a grain of salt, but I should have taken the positive reviews for this hotel with a grain of salt. I would highly advise anyone travelling to Nice to avoid this hotel at all costs, but if you are looking for a quiet, comfortable hotel, I would particularly urge you to book elsewhere.

Despite asking for a quiet room at check-in, we were placed in a connecting room and we could very clearly hear every word of the guest's phone conversation next door. It was literally as if we were sharing the room with strangers.

The front desk acknowledged that the connecting rooms can be loud and switched us rooms, but we were moved to a room right next to the ice machine/water fountain, which meant that loud guests were just outside our door at all hours of the day and night.

There was also drilling/construction in the courtyard that woke us up daily around 7-8:30 a.m. (video attached, you can hear it for yourself).

Our TV also didn't work and we had to follow up multiple times before we were finally told it could not be fixed immediately and we had to switch rooms for a third time.

It was very shocking how rude and unhelpful the front desk staff were. Despite being very kind and co-operative and not making a fuss over having to switch rooms 3 times, we couldn't get so much as an apology or mere acknowledgement of the issues we were experiencing. We did receive a knock on the door from housekeeping who delivered a card from the hotel with two water bottles and mini cookies. At first we were happy that the hotel was at least making some gesture to acknowledge how terrible and exhausting our stay had been. Once we looked at the card, we realized it was given to us mistakenly and was actually addressed to another guest, Mr. Takahara. If you are Mr. Takahara and stayed at Le Meridien on June 30th, sorry we accidentally received your little gift.

The hallways smell like sewage which unfortunately was the least of our problems. I did overhear other guests in the halls also complaining about the sewage smell.

Our stay was incredibly stressful and exhausting. The property itself is absolutely not worthy of marketing itself as a 4 star Marriott Bonvoy property, but the terrible customer service was by far the worst thing about this hotel. We are easygoing travellers, all we look for is a clean, comfortable place to sleep so it takes a lot for us to complain. Save yourself the money, stress and headache and...

I would add to many of the issues others had experienced. For a hotel that charges what they do, more is certainly expected. This seems like a hotel that, at one point, was very nice but has not been updated well. Yes, I understand that this is the French Riviera. But let me also give you a comparison. One could, and I have, stayed at the Four Seasons on the Big Island of Hawaii or Maui for nearly the same price. This hotel is like a Sheraton comparatively.

Rooms were a high 3-star hotel quality. Beds and pillows less quality than Embassy Suites. Needs renovation in many areas. Room size was on the smaller side but fine.

Banging in the hall at 7am with workers tearing down a random cupboard for several hours over two days. A special thanks to the German lady across the hall who had had enough and yelled at them to stop the 2nd day. Not the workers fault, though. Seriously, if you are going to bring in power equipment and hammer/smash things, maybe close off that part of the hotel.

Some people allowed to drink by the pool while others were not allowed. We were told, while literally pointing at someone drinking a glass of wine brought to them by staff by the pool, that having drinks by the pool wasn't allowed. So, if you're thinking of hanging by the pool with a cocktail in hand, think again. Unless, of course, you are a "special guest"?

The pool area and restaurant are a mess. There's a completely unnecessary glass divider that crams everyone in the pool area. That means that there is about 3 feet on the side of pool for lounging chairs AND for people to walk. If you want to lay out.......think again. It's unseasonably hot this year - so not much to ask for a table with an umbrella, correct? After all, there are about 20 tables that fit that criteria - yet no one allowed to sit there. Not reserved. Not under construction. Everyone asking why they can't have a drink while not baking at 36 deg C (95+ deg F) in direct sun.

Listen, the hotel is fine......but not at these prices. I expect 5-star for $700/night per room. This hotel could be much more.

On a positive note, the staff were fantastic. They were helpful and friendly. But let's be honest, that should be expected. Kudos to Le Meridien for getting that...