Hôtel des Nations St-Germain — Hotel in Paris

Worst Experience Ever: I live in Barcelona and travel to Paris once or twice every month for work. So I stay between 25%-50% of my time in Paris and I always stay to different Hotels. Over time, I have stayed in numerous hotels in the area and have never felt compelled to write a review until now. Unfortunately, the recent experience I had at this particular hotel was nothing short of abysmal, and I feel obligated to warn others against staying here.

Upon my late-night arrival, exhausted from a long journey, I proceeded to check-in at the hotel, fully expecting a smooth and hassle-free process. After all, I had made a reservation and provided my credit card details well in advance. The hotel staff was unable to process my payment (I always pay using the contactless feature on my mobile phone, and the machine was not detecting my phone properly).

Instead of displaying any empathy or attempting to find a practical solution, the hotel staff decided to kick me out and they had the audacity to tell me that they will charge me for the first night because I didn't cancel on time. Obviously I didn't cancel! I was there!!!

Just imagine the situation. It was 1am, I was to a foreign city, all the hotels were full, the banks were clossed, I had an important meeting the day after at 9am. They were saying that they will charge my the first night but they wouldn't let me sleep there even the first night!! Even the night that they will charge me afterwards!!! Astonishing.

In a desperate attempt to solve the problem, I proposed numerous alternatives: pay by bank transfer, pay through the website, sleep only the first night (which I would be charged for anyway) and go the next day to withdraw money from the bank to pay the rest. Surprisingly, they rejected all my suggestions, it was like talking to a wall. I was thrown out into the dark night, alone, with all my luggage and no alternative but to sleep on the street.

Let me clarify that I had more than enough funds available, and I even showed the receptionist my bank account to prove it. Nonetheless, they forced me to leave. This incident, without a doubt, marks the first time in my extensive travels throughout Europe that I have encountered such unprofessionalism and heartlessness.

In a desperate state, I reached out to several hotels in the area, only to discover that they were fully booked. However, they were astonished upon hearing about my situation and how the Hotel Des Nations treated me. Finally, I found a hotel, the Hotel Saint Christophe, that listened to my situation and literally saved me from being on the street. They were super nice, offered me a better price with breakfast included and the rooms are fantastic. The staff at the Hotel Saint Christophe was very friendly, it was a big difference compared with Hotel des Nations. Ah and I was able to pay!! So the problem was not on me...

I am still struggling to come to terms with this unbelievable experience. I will never return to this particular hotel, and I strongly urge anyone planning a trip to Paris to seek alternative accommodations. There are numerous superior options in the area that will undoubtedly provide a far more pleasant and accommodating experience.

Best,

PS: I give them 1 start because it is the minimum, if I could I would give them...

Terrible customer service experience. I chose the hotel as the first stop for my honeymoon in early December. In the beginning ladies at reception looked really friendly- we were checked in after 2 pm and were told we have a breakfast after 7 am tomorrow. Surprised, I asked whether the lady is sure that breakfast is included and she said yes. I know from friends that some hotels upgrade your room or give complimentary food or drinks when they have honeymooners so I thought they were just being nice. What a mistake... The morning after we went to check out as we had an early train to catch for our next stop. I gave my card back which is the time when people normally tell you if you need to pay anything extra- nothing. The man just switched on the lights for breakfast. We grabbed two croissants and we went for the suitcases. Surprisingly, the same man stopped us and said we own him something like 27-28 euros. Then I said he might have had a mistake because everything is booked and paid through Expedia. However, he said we had breakfast to pay for. I was shocked and I honestly thought he was kidding. There was absolutely no label at reception breakfast comes at an extra cost, neither I was told at any point that two croissants will cost me almost 30 euros. I explained to him that the day before when we checked in, a lady told us we have breakfast and when I asked her whether it is included, she confirmed. Of course, he said that this is not possible. His behaviour became very arrogant- pretty much saying it is my problem, not his. He showed me a paper written in French which of course I could not understand. I thought it is quite rude from him to behave like that. I do not know whether it was a misunderstanding between the receptionists, whether it is a language barrier as neither of them spoke good English but the result was obvious- we were lied, used and made to pay 30 euros for two croassants. Trust me I regret going to this hotel and I would NEVER EVER RECOMMEND it to anyone who want to enjoy there time in Paris. I am leaving this review not because 30 euros are a big thing, but because they ruined my time in Paris, the start of my honeymoon and my overall impression of French people. How could you mislead people like that- no labels, no signs, nothing (not even at check out)? They wait until last minute when you are at the door to give you that extra bill. And by being arrogant, they make you feel uncomfortable. JUST AVOID. The money are not worth, the nerves either. I have been to many places and hotels around the world and I have never ever felt like that before....

Hotel is located close to everything and easily accessible. Staff are warm and welcoming. I would probably stay here again only if a few things are changed and updated. A few things that would take the hotel to the next level.

We travelled internationally and throughout our stay the wi-fi was down and has been down the entire stay due to a system upgrade. The only place that had wi-fi was the small lobby where guests were constantly in and out with no privacy to work or check in with family abroad. Would have been extremely helpful if management posted such on their website to give those on business the opportunity to choose another hotel where wi-fi was of utmost importance. Management also did not follow-up with guests daily on the wi-fi status unless guests asked. Eventually management advised they were working diligently with internet provider and had no confirmation of an ETA. Our room had a running toilet the entire time. There was mold between the bathroom tiles not cleaned properly. Difficult to communicate with the cleaning staff who did not speak English. The TV only caters to French and no English captions so for the entire stay we looked at a TV not understanding anything being said. Also did not help that we could not use our phones in the room to talk to anyone, connect with our families, watch a movie or use laptop for work because there was no wi-fi service.

The male staff at the front desk were all great including Thomas the manager. The female staff at the front desk was not welcoming when we arrived several hours before check in. She took our bags but never offered coffee/tea or refreshments while we waited in the lobby over 5 hours. It was later that night that we were told by another staff that we should have been offered refreshments.

Those handling the breakfast should wear gloves and not handle pastries with their bear hands. I was appalled when I saw this and asked the female at the front desk to speak to the workers. She instead moved the pastries from the lobby view and took to the restaurant where I am sure she continued to use here hands as opposed to gloves. Rest assured we did not eat anything that day. This is not sanitary especially during these...