WS - Opéra - Malesherbes

The room was very warm and small, and the price is reasonable, so you do get what you pay for. But when there’s a problem, the lack of staff is a real issue. Everything goes through WhatsApp, and I was told nobody could help until 11 the next morning when the safe in my room turned out to be locked before I’d even put my things in it. They kept saying to use my code, but that wouldn’t unlock a safe that was already locked. They said they’d contact a manager and get back to me, but meanwhile I was left with no solution and told it was my fault. They said there were cameras in the building and I had nothing to worry about. But if my things were stolen, would the footage get them back, or help me make my flight or deal with the police the next day? They offered no refund or other help, just reassurance. If everything goes smoothly during your trip, the stay may be fine. If it doesn’t, you’re on your own.

The convenient location was the one upside. I’d booked because of the good reviews, but the room made for an uncomfortable stay and I wouldn’t recommend the property. When we arrived, the sheets were visibly dirty and had someone else’s hair on them. The room itself didn’t feel clean, and I found a large cockroach in the bedroom. There was no toilet brush, and housekeeping only took out the kitchen rubbish. They didn’t replace the towels or empty the bathroom bin. One evening, another guest and I were stuck outside for around 20 minutes because the first-floor entrance door barely worked.

The room was tiny and very warm, even though it wasn’t particularly hot outside. There was no air conditioning, just a fan, and the window couldn’t be opened. The bed was poor, towels weren’t replaced, and the room wasn’t cleaned. Getting to the room meant using codes for several doors four times, and one time the room code didn’t work. The price felt really high for all this. They handled communication through WhatsApp but didn’t reply when I asked for help.

The room was small, but clean and well equipped, with most things you’d want for a short visit to Paris. It’s basic, self-service accommodation without staff, and the price is impressive for such a convenient, fancy area. Getting through four coded doors felt like a bit of a challenge, though I understand why they’re set up that way. I’d stay again if I needed to be in the 8th Arrondissement.