Central Hotel Paris

The location was a highlight, with plenty of lovely cafes and restaurants around. For my three-day business trip, the price wasn't too high, and the room was acceptably clean, though not spotless. They said I could switch rooms anytime if I felt uncomfortable. There was construction going on. They said it was outside the hotel, but the workers had everything in the lobby, and the noise was really loud until 5-6 P.M. every day. Wi-Fi kept dropping and was very weak. Sometimes the water was cold. My AC didn't work, and with all the rain in Paris, I was cold enough to sleep in a jacket. Breakfast was very disappointing for 10€, with nothing warm to eat.

I booked on the hotel's website using the pay-at-property option. Ten minutes later, they tried to charge my card for the full amount, and my bank declined it. There was no 3DS security, which felt like an insecure way to handle the payment. A minute after that, the hotel called to say the card had been declined. I explained they weren't supposed to take the money, and the receptionist said it was only a pre-authorisation. That didn't sound right to me, and the whole thing felt deceitful. Then the receptionist suggested I put money in my bank account and raise my credit on the account. The service was deplorable. I'll report this practice and behavior to the authorities in France.

I was there for five nights, and both the room and breakfast were good. The room was clean and comfortable, and the hospitality felt professional. I don't speak French, but that wasn't a problem. Montparnasse station is only a three-minute walk away, with lots of cafes and a Monoprix (department store) right beside it.

The issue happened at 11:15 PM on June 21st. The front desk employee was an older, taller man with gray hair and glasses, who appeared to be in his 40s. I was told I couldn't receive both a printed receipt and an emailed one, which didn't match what had happened during my previous visit just three days earlier. From the start, he seemed frustrated and spoke disrespectfully. When I answered in the same tone, he got up and began threatening me, saying things like, "You don’t know who I am" and "Don’t mess with me, little man." His rudeness and behavior made me feel very unsafe, and he seemed incompetent. I strongly recommend the hotel address this so future guests aren't at risk. I had a very unpleasant stay.