Nemea Appart Hotel Cannes Palais

We left after only two hours, and the elevator incident on the way out made an already awful stay even worse. The lift stopped with us inside for over 30 minutes. We kept pressing the emergency alarm, which sounded loudly, until a technician arrived and another guest helped us get out. At reception, the same employee later insisted we'd never been trapped and said she'd heard no alarm, despite the technician being called. When we asked how to reach the parking garage by stairs, she didn't know where they were and told us to take the lift again. We refused. The night receptionist said they knew the route, then admitted they'd forgotten too. Earlier, we'd clearly explained why we wanted to leave and asked to discuss a refund for parking and tourist taxes for the following days, but the receptionist seemed unable to understand. This was meant to be the last stop on our road trip through the South of France, but it was the worst hotel we stayed in. We weren't greeted on arrival, even though we were sitting right in front of two receptionists. One seemed to be a trainee and spent more time on her phone than helping guests; the other was very unfriendly. Parking information was unclear, and nobody explained the spa or wellness area. Calling it a spa is generous: there was one sauna and a cold pool, with rusty, poorly maintained loungers. The room also looked neglected, with damaged skirting boards, a broken mirror, and other defects. We'd booked a room with a kitchen, but there was no proper table and chairs for eating. We'd requested two separate duvets in advance, but they weren't there. When we asked, staff handed us one in a plastic bag and an extra blanket instead of sorting it out professionally. The poor service, maintenance, safety, and dismissive attitude made this one of our most unpleasant hotel stays. It doesn't deserve its four-star rating, and I can't recommend it.

The beds weren't made when we arrived: there were no pillows or blankets on them, and everything was in a closet for guests to take out and set up themselves. We hadn't been clearly told about that before the stay. The apartment itself was extremely dirty, among the dirtiest places I've stayed. Floors, furniture, bathroom, and the general condition were all unacceptable. I took photos and will provide them as evidence. I wouldn't recommend the property unless hygiene, cleaning, and guest preparation improve significantly.

The corridor carpets had stains and a strange smell, and the towel drier had loose wiring. I told reception, but it wasn't fixed while we were there. You also have to clean the room and take out the rubbish yourself. We liked the underground private parking, shower facilities, pool, and small gym, which had a few decent machines. The location was very central for us, and breakfast was good overall. Our room with two single beds was okay. You have to pay €150 on arrival.

The pool wasn't heated, and you had to ask someone to switch on the sauna. There was no room cleaning, and no towels or cleaning products for the kitchen. Also, they required a €150 deposit on arrival and wouldn't give us the room without it, even though we were travelling with children.