Sweetome Aparthotel

The apartment was relatively clean, and we were less than 100m from Lille Flandres station. But getting in felt like an escape room: there’s no reception, everything happens online, and you need three codes plus key boxes to reach the accommodation. The phone service wasn’t much help either. It seemed to be an overseas platform with a robotic woman who mostly just said, “Yes sir, okay sir,” when I asked questions. It all gave the impression that the setup is designed to maximize profit. Booking is complicated, with payment split into several installments. I had to help a friend who hadn’t finished the process and lost a night, even though they were charged for the stay. You also have to pay an extra fee for the security deposit, and they offer extra insurance to improve your chances of not being charged against it. This place is only for people who are resourceful and don’t mind dealing with nobody in person.

The apartment is nicely decorated, the bedding is comfortable, and it has what you need for a pleasant stay, as long as you can actually use the equipment. We couldn’t get the cooktop working despite following the manual and trying everything. The 24/7 hotline didn’t answer or call us back. We got a text saying it worked perfectly only after the mandatory checkout time. The wooden stairs are very noisy, so you hear other guests coming home late, and you can hear people downstairs when they get back to their apartment. Rugs would help. The service really leaves a lot to be desired, although it seemed like the one person responsible for everything around the clock had far too much on their plate, practically an impossible job. Our first impression was already mixed: we found dirty underwear and socks in the wardrobe, and got just €10 off a €115 bill. In the bathroom, there were half-empty shower gel bottles from the previous guest and only one small bar of soap for two people. The person in charge came to replace the supplies and collect the dirty laundry.

My wife spent a dreadful night here. Although we had paid through Booking.com, the owner had no record of the reservation. The heating was off, and about half the bulbs didn't work. The owner wouldn't answer our repeated calls. At midnight, five men threatened my wife and tried to force her out. I would avoid this place completely.

We were left out in the rain for 45 minutes, then turned away without even an apology. I was lucky to find another hotel, but in peak season I might have ended up sleeping outside. There’s no reception, and this establishment uses booking platforms such as Booking.com to attract customers. In my experience, they then try to shift reservations to direct bookings to avoid commissions, citing a credit card authorization problem and telling guests to contact them. Even if you book through the original site, they may cancel after you arrive. Avoid.