My Address In Paris - Monceau Malesherbes

Our balcony was fabulous, wrapping almost all the way around the room, and we were randomly upgraded to a better room. We only stayed one night and wished we’d stayed longer. Even though we arrived late in the evening, Adrian at the front desk was really helpful and told us to get to the shops before they closed in case we needed anything.

I don’t understand the fuss in some of these reviews. We had a lovely, clean room with plenty of space, and the service was fantastic. Breakfast in the morning was very good and available early. Everyone at reception was nice and helpful. This is a wonderful hotel, and I highly recommend it.

Our stay at Hotel Pavillon Monceau was a big disappointment. The room smelled strongly of cigarette smoke, and it was much smaller, darker, and older than the photos online. The walls were so thin we could hear people using the bathroom next door, and loud pipes kept us from getting much sleep. At check-in, the staff member told us it was his second day and seemed to have no training or grasp of basic guest service. There wasn’t a real concierge, despite it being listed as a main facility. The advertised “piano bar” wasn’t there either. Management later acknowledged the lobby piano was only decorative and said they would update the website to prevent confusion. We raised the misleading descriptions with management. They apologized and admitted some parts of the site were misleading, but refused a refund or compensation, offering only a discount on a future stay. We would never return, so that was pointless. Given the condition, comfort, and service, I find it hard to understand the four-star rating. It felt closer to a two-star property. We’re sharing this so future guests can make an informed choice. Paris has many good hotels, but this isn’t one of them.

The rooms were comically small, like trying to sleep in a lift. They were a fraction of the size shown in the online photos, and even a hobbit would feel claustrophobic. The bathroom was about the size of a phone box. Aside from that, things were quite nice: good shower pressure and amenities, two small balconies, and a nice guy at reception. Booking rates it as a four-star hotel, but with rooms this tiny I can’t see it as more than three stars. Americans should definitely avoid it.