Hotel Acapulco

The clean room had spotless sheets and a comfy bed, and the coffee was hot and free. It’s a little tired, but most places have taken a battering from the downturn caused by Covid. There’s a tranquil, bamboo-lined walled garden, secured at night, which gives the place a safe feel. The stairs may put some people off, but I’d certainly stay again. A little oasis.

What stood out most was the friendly reception staff, the strong free WiFi, and a decent view toward the former Saint-Charles Hospital. The building has charm, but the condition inside let it down. There was a huge crack on the room doc, worn chairs, and closet doors that were extremely loose. The decor felt thrown together, from mismatched curtains and a cartoon elephant bed cover to a yellow kitchen and patterned floor tiles that looked dirty even when clean. The furniture seemed second hand and battered, so the place didn’t feel clean. The bathroom was quite small, many lights were too dim, and sound carried easily. We could hear neighbours talking and watching TV.

I checked into room 12 on July 13 and was meant to leave tomorrow morning, though after tonight I’d rather go now. The air conditioning in my room was broken, and the two fans they gave me barely did anything. It’s around 85°F (30°C) in here, and the shower with no fan makes the room feel like a sauna. There’s no toilet in my room, and I think the other rooms are the same. Everyone on the floor shares one toilet, which still won’t flush despite my telling the front desk twice. The first time, the receptionist said a plumber told her I needed to press the button all the way down. I tried again with my full weight, and it still didn’t work. There’s no soap in the shared bathroom either. You’re given three keys and a code. The keys all look alike, even though each opens a different door. Then, around 8 p.m., a receptionist unlocked my room and walked in without knocking or warning. I was barely dressed because of the heat. She made eye contact, shut the door, and tried to lock it again. I’d thought another guest had the wrong key at first, so I didn’t react. As a woman travelling alone, I felt deeply violated. When I went downstairs to ask why she’d entered and whether I could get a discount or refund, she said she wasn’t the boss and couldn’t help. She also said what she’d done “wasn’t a crime.” I understand that, but it felt dismissive, and I don’t feel safe staying here tonight. I’m looking for somewhere else. I chose this because booking through Hostelworld was more convenient than getting an air b n b. I expected a hotel to be cleaner and more professional than the hostels I’d been staying in. I was very wrong. Don’t stay here at all costs.

The hotel is in a nice spot for reaching the city centre, and the staff were kind and very helpful. Our room was clean, if a little old, and the air conditioning worked really well. There’s also an agreement with a nearby parking lot, which is handy if you’re driving. Just arrange it before you arrive.