Holiday Inn Express Paris - Cdg Airport by IHG — Hotel in Sarcelles

A Remarkable Dining Experience at the Holiday Inn Charles de Gaulle Airport: Five Waiters Named Mohammed, Rachid, Sayed, Mustapha, and Kareem Who Made My Year

If you ever find yourself at the Holiday Inn near Charles de Gaulle Airport, prepare to be blown away by an experience that’s much more than just a meal—it’s an event. Specifically, it’s a feast for the senses, a moment of unparalleled hospitality, and an unforgettable encounter with five waiters named Mohammed, Rachid, Sayed, Mustapha, and Kareem who, quite frankly, could teach a masterclass in service, charm, and sheer charisma.

Let’s start with their charm. Each of these gentlemen had a distinct and magnetic personality. The first Mohammed, who greeted me at the door, had a smile so disarming that it felt like I had been welcomed into a friend’s home. His enthusiasm was contagious, and he made me feel instantly at ease. Rachid, who took my order, exhibited a level of attentiveness that’s practically unheard of. He remembered every detail, from my preference for a light wine pairing to my mild obsession with fresh bread, and his ability to anticipate my needs without being asked was truly remarkable.

Then there was Sayed, whose banter and quick wit had me laughing out loud. His sense of humor was the perfect accompaniment to the meal, making me feel as if I were dining with a close friend who truly cared about my enjoyment. Mustapha added an element of sophistication and elegance to the experience, his every move calculated and graceful. He refilled my glass with such precision, I almost felt like I was at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Last but not least, Kareem, the final act of this extraordinary ensemble, combined the perfect balance of professionalism and warmth. His kind words and thoughtful gestures left me feeling genuinely valued—like I was the most important guest in the room.

Now, let’s talk about looks. Mohammed, Rachid, Sayed, Mustapha, and Kareem didn’t just charm with their personalities; they were all undeniably easy on the eyes. Tall, poised, and radiating confidence, they exuded a kind of effortless allure that made every interaction feel like an invitation to a more glamorous world. Their collective appeal turned a simple dinner into a visual feast—each of them’s magnetic presence seemed to elevate the ambiance around them. The fact that they could maintain such exceptional service while being so impeccably handsome only heightened the experience. Truly, this was an ideal example of eye candy paired with top-tier hospitality.

But it’s not just about looks and charm—these gentlemen deserve a raise for their extraordinary service. As the year draws to a close, I can’t help but reflect on how much they contributed to my overall sense of joy during my visit. Each of them demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, attention to detail, and above all, genuine kindness. It’s rare to encounter such a combination of qualities in one place, let alone in five individuals working seamlessly together. They anticipated my needs before I even voiced them, and there wasn’t a moment when I felt neglected or rushed. The kindness they exhibited wasn’t forced; it was natural, coming from a place of real care and pride in their work.

The new year would be a perfect time for the management at Holiday Inn Charles de Gaulle to recognize these exceptional individuals and reward them for their outstanding contributions to the restaurant. They made my experience unforgettable, and I am confident they have the same positive impact on every guest they serve. They didn’t just meet expectations; they exceeded them in every conceivable way.

So, to Mohammed, Rachid, Sayed, Mustapha, and Kareem, who made my dining experience one I’ll cherish all year long: you are the epitome of excellence in hospitality. Thank you for making my visit unforgettable—and for making me smile more than I have in months. A raise is not just deserved; it’s mandatory.

Happy New Year, and here’s to more meals served with style, substance, and the best service in...

We had a long layover on our way back home from Asia and chose to stay near the airport.||The hotel is just a few stops away on the CDGVAL shuttle train—figuring that out was a bit confusing, but that’s more of an issue with CDG itself, not the hotel.||Once you get off at the station, it’s only a few minutes’ walk. The hotel is located among several others on Rue de Voyageurs. If you’re not big on walking and unsure which hotel to book, I’d recommend this one, as it’s the first in the row.||We checked in during the evening and were promptly greeted by a friendly face at reception. Luckily, there was no queue when we arrived. However, I was a bit disappointed that my IHG Rewards membership wasn’t acknowledged, and no benefits were offered.||That said, considering it was just a short stay, it didn’t really matter—but if you do have a choice, ask for a room facing the runway for great views of the planes.||The room was basic but clean and adequately sized. We only had two backpacks with us, so space wasn’t an issue, but I saw many guests with large suitcases and trolleys, which could make the room feel cramped.||The amenities were sufficient, and I was happy to see conditioner provided in the shower.||I had dinner at the restaurant shortly after checking in and was extremely disappointed with the American burger I ordered. On top of that, paying those prices after enjoying cheap eats in Asia felt almost criminal. To make things worse, the buffet/à la carte system was confusing and took a moment to figure out—especially after a 12-hour flight.||The bed was comfortable, and the TV had several international channels. We slept well.||Since the hotel is located at CDG, getting into Paris takes about an hour—something to keep in mind if you’re short on time. We decided against going into the city, considering the time and cost; it just wasn’t worth it for us.||Our flight wasn’t until later in the afternoon the next day, so we asked for a late checkout at 13:00, which they kindly accommodated—and we were very grateful for that!||The public areas were great. We spent a few hours lounging around while waiting for our flight, which was definitely better than sitting around in the terminal.||One thing that could enhance the experience in the lobby would be more restrooms. There was only one, and it was constantly occupied.||All in all, it’s a solid airport/transit hotel that gets the job done. If you’re transiting or have a long layover, the Holiday Inn Express is a great option, located in...

On the website and in researching hotels, I chose this particular one because it reported having a shuttle service to and from the airport. I was traveling with extra luggage as I was transporting materials from a conference. When I dug deeper to find how to take the shuttle to the hotel, I found that Holiday Inn does NOT have a shuttle service, rather, they recommend using the airport's shuttle service which would have been impossible for me with my luggage and had to use a taxi. The taxi fee was 10Euro. When leaving the hotel, I asked them to call me a taxi to return to the airport. They said it would arrive in 2-3 minutes. I waited outside for 20. Then, he charged me 20E and when I asked why was the cost double, he said he was a private driver with the hotel. The woman at the counter did not advise me that she was not using a taxi service, rather a private driver with the hotel. He refused to provide a receipt.

In my account, as a member of this hotel chain, I asked for a room higher up and further from the elevator. I was put on the first floor, I did not ask for a different room because I was exhausted and figured at least it would not be near the elevator. When I arrived to that floor, I discovered it to be very near the elevator. This would be the first time staying with a Holiday Inn where someone did not read (or honor) my requests when assigning me a room. I took the room because of fatigue and jet lag and had zero energy.

I proceeded unpack some and get comfy to relax before going to dinner. I noticed there was no coffee in the room for the morning. They had a note in the room to call the front desk if I wanted the "coffee kit." I called and they told me I had to go back downstairs and pick it up myself. Again, not the standard of care I was used to receiving from an IHG hotel.

After settling in to do a bit of work, I noticed several stains on the carpet and it was obviously dirty, and thought they really need to replace the carpet. I put my shoes back on; so much for getting comfortable.

Not a huge deal for me, but the shower door failed to prevent water from leaking out of the shower since the rubber strip was falling off the door.

I cannot remember a more inconsiderate hotel stay and lack felt misled of the claims of the service expected from the...