Hôtel Terminus Montparnasse

On my third stay at Hôtel Terminus Montparnasse, I loved having a bathtub to soak in. The staff are friendly, it’s quiet, and the neighborhood is enjoyable. It’s also ideally placed for exploring Paris. I highly recommend it.

It’s in a decent spot, near cafes and places to eat, and most major sights are about a 40-minute walk away. The room was clean and the staff friendly, but I had two issues: there was no shower curtain, so the washroom got messy, and every 10-15 minutes we could hear and feel noise from what might have been a train or a plane. If you’re a light sleeper, it can make sleeping difficult.

I was in Paris for Fashion Week and found Hôtel Terminus Montparnasse really convenient. The train station is right outside, and local shops are close by. The receptionists were always helpful with directions and tips for getting around by taxi or train. The staff were kind and polite, and the breakfast was pretty basic. One thing to know if you’re carrying heavy bags: there’s no lift, so you’ll have to take them up the stairs.

I stayed two nights. The room and bathroom were clean, but I left completely dissatisfied with the service. At check-in I was told breakfast was included, regardless of whether I chose the vegetarian option. At checkout, a different staff member wanted to charge me extra. The two breakfasts for one person came to around €26, which wasn’t really the issue. What upset me was that nobody would check with the original receptionist or resolve the mix-up. When I raised it with the manager, she spoke and laughed with the reception staff, then walked away as if it didn’t matter. I waited for the original receptionist to return so I could discuss it with her, but the hotel wouldn’t give me her name, even though I asked after she came back from holiday two days later. The other receptionists had the same attitude, as if their only job was to check people in and send them away. I’d thought I’d found a place to recommend to friends and family in London, but I wouldn’t want anyone treated this way. Hotels should take care of their guests as best they can. I’ve had a really bad experience. People may visit Paris and leave, but experiences like this leave a mark.