Hôtel Mercure Paris La Sorbonne Saint-Germain-des-Prés — Hotel in Paris

BAD HOTEL.

We were a part of a 10 person group with 4 separate rooms. Despite the 4 star rating and price, this hotel was horrible. DO NOT STAY HERE.

Having traveled many times in Europe and specifically Paris, we were severely disappointed in the standards, service and overall experience in this hotel. We were assured that at some point during our stay the hotel director would speak with us to address concerns, but that never happened.

The issues: -No soap in shower dispensers or in hand soap containers upon arrival -No full size towels some days - given bath mats to dry off in lieu. They had more towels downstairs, but we had to insist they check. -Room locks do NOT work, any random guest can gain access to our room. Keys were universal to other guest rooms. At first they claimed they might have programmed master keys, had to return to reception 3 times before they came upstairs to address the issue beyond “reprogramming us keys”. Once they fixed the door, the lock cover kept falling off whenever I closed the door. -Most of the Doors do not shut properly, often doors do not lock as a result. Need to really tug the door closed. -Shower floods (poor design) during and after a shower. -room is small, shower in same area as bed (whole room gets humid when taking a shower) -Dirty rooms with poor/inadequate cleaning between clients. Staff claimed dirt was just a “Rusty toilet” despite recent renovation…. It was urine and toilet grime all around the seat hinges. -Safe not unlocked upon arrival. Evidence of poor turnover cleaning -Elevators do not work on 4th floor, told one day it is being fixed tomorrow, then next day they didn’t know about the issue then following day they said they know it’s just the 4th floor and to just walk down…. Reception Played dumb. No signage. No attempt to help with luggage upon departure.

-very poor communication about bottled water…. Every night/morning when we asked for water from the front desk (while questioning staff directly if it’s complimentary) we were given bottles and told it is free, then they tried to charge us on day 4/5.

-musty smelling and dusty in hallways. Obvious there was no cleaning after recent renovation other the a light dusting. -wifi was slow and unreliable -breakfast was not very good. Watery eggs and lacked meats (bacon or sausage) some days.

The only positive thing about this hotel is...

Given how many options there are to stay in Paris, I was terribly confused for days, but decided to go for a 'safe' hotel chain option and I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed! It's conveniently located in a relatively quiet alley in the Latin Quarters area within a 10-12 min or less walk to Notre Dame, Pantheon, the Conciergerie etc, so excellent in that regard. There don't have a restaurant for lunch and dinner, but are a several cafes and pizzerias within a 5 min walking distance. There are two train stations very close by too (Saint Michel and Odeon). The staff were all very courteous and helpful and I especially liked the lady and gentleman serving breakfast- excellent variety in breakfast items freshly made, great coffee and a friendly demeanour from the the couple making the atmosphere quite cosy and homely. The breakfast room is small as some reviews mentioned, but in the 4 days that we stayed, we never had to wait for a table- so no complaints. Our double bed room wasn't large (but that's Paris for you), but had all the amenities (or I promptly received an iron and board on request) and the bathroom was very spacious- I loved it best about the room. There was an odd odour in the bathroom that I mentioned at the reception but it wasn't a deal breaker. It was more expensive (I think it was close to £1200 for 4 nights with breakfast) compared to some of the other hotels and BnBs I had seen, but well worth given the location and great quality of breakfast served. I'd put up here again! There was no view from the windows, except buildings all around- in...

I have been coming to Paris for almost 35 years; this was my first time at this hotel but I can confidently say that THIS is the hotel I will book again for my next trip!! I loved it!! Its location is perfect for both first timers, who require access to sights, transportation, helpful staff and amenities, and repeat visitors - that already know their way around. I know ALL of Paris has incredible history and architecture but this hotel is a 10 min walk (or less depending on how fast you walk) from Ile de la Cité (Notre-Dame), 5 mins to Le Panthéon, 10 mins to St-Germain des Près, steps from Cluny Museum (Roman Bath ruins), steps from the Latin Quarter, 5 mins from Luxembourg Gardens, and ACROSS THE STREET from La Sorbonne University!!! If you like History (& ghost hunting), THIS is where you want to stay! Oh, and the Métro and RER stations are also only 5 mins away! Now, to the staff... Awesome! AWESOME! I have to mention Maeliss and Kenza and there was a third super sweet and helpful brunette whose name tag I never read but she was equally friendly and helpful to my mom and I! So thank you to you, too! The hotel and the rooms were beautifully decorated (there was brocade fabric on the walls), a beautiful and comfortable lobby and reception area, my room had a view of the Eiffel Tower (the top of its neck, but still), and the breakfast staff and the breakfast itself were also amazing! Oh, and the mint and citrus water was such a great touch! I really cannot say enough about this hotel! I cannot wait to return! À...