East Side Hotel Paris Gare de l’Est, a member of Radisson Individuals

Before we arrived, I tried contacting the hotel for three days. Nobody answered the phone or replied to my emails, which is unacceptable for a property under an international brand. During the stay, the front desk staff were polite and tried to help, but the whole response felt disorganized and unprofessional. I'm now trying to get back at least the points I used for the booking. The building is run-down and poorly maintained, with dirty areas and an unpleasant smell in parts of it. The room didn't meet basic cleanliness standards. We also had what seemed to be a bed bug problem, which made the stay stressful and uncomfortable. Then, while using the lobby restroom before checkout, the handle came off in my hand as I was closing the door. I couldn't get out until someone else came in to help. That's a serious maintenance and safety failure. I can't understand how a hotel in this condition operates under the Radisson umbrella. To me, it reflects badly on the whole group. I strongly recommend choosing somewhere else. Last year I stayed at a hotel in the 14th arrondissement that was a little less central, but very clean, well managed, and staffed by genuinely professional, friendly people. The difference was significant. I'm extremely frustrated and disappointed. This fell well below a reasonable standard of hospitality.

The rooms are small, so be prepared for that. Madické at the desk was exceptionally helpful and kind, though. I watched him calmly and professionally handle what I suspect was an imagined problem from another guest. They came in angry and left happy.

The location near Paris Est is great, and breakfast was just right. We had a lovely short stay, and I can thoroughly recommend the place.

A couple of things in the rooms were quirky. The shower doors didn't shut properly, so water spilled into the rest of the bathroom. The staff, though, were friendly and helpful.