Le Marceau Bastille Hotel

UTTER DISAPPOINTMENT. Let’s start with the claim of a 4 star hotel. While the rating criteria may differ from one country or region to another, generally speaking, a 4 star hotel is regarded as a high-quality accommodation that offers an array of amenities and services. The guest rooms ought to be roomy, tastefully decorated, and furnished with premium furniture and appliances. A cozy bed with superior quality bedding is also essential.

The room was more gloomy than roomy. We decided it was “not hideous” when viewed under dim artificial light, rather than in daylight that is completely unforgiving of the many flaws: old, worn and stained carpet, chipped paint, poorly-fitted electrical, and a cracked sink basin. And then there was the bizarre placement of a mirror INSIDE of the tub/shower… how tacky.

The hotel is indeed “ideally located” near the Bastille Metro station, but it is also a neighbor to crazy homeless people who talk loudly with each other, if not scream, throughout the night. The view from our window included rubbish strewn for several feet outside of an overflowing dumpster.

The hotel website also boasts a “clever blend of contemporary comfort and the artistic atmosphere of a vast Gallery area”. The “Art Gallery” is simply a display of a single artist’s rather pedestrian and overpriced paintings. As an accomplished artist and designer visiting a city full of amazing art, I am not impressed.

On our trip we stayed at all “4 star” hotels in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich and Vienna. This hotel was more like 2 stars – 3 at best.