Residence Residis Les Portes d'Espagne

We picked this secluded place because we needed parking, and the parking was good. The apartment itself was dirty, from the dishes to the sheets, and some things were broken. When we raised the stained sheets with the contact, we said it was unpleasant to sleep on them without knowing what the stains were. After a long conversation they offered no solution, saying, “They're not dirty, they're stained.” The sheets were never changed. At 12:30 PM we were told the cleaner would be there until 3:00 PM and that we could ask for fresh sheets. We were on vacation and would likely have already gone out to see the area, with no way to get back before 3:00 PM. A message the night before would have let us plan, but this was handled badly. They charge €60 if guests don't leave clean dishes and take out the trash, which feels unfair given the condition of the apartment when it's handed over.

The manager seemed not at all concerned about the state of this dirty, run-down place or the lack of respect shown to residents and customers. The room smelled of bedbugs and wasn't sanitary, and there was no air conditioning even in summer. The common areas were dirty, the washing machine didn't work properly, and there was a bad smell. There was also lots of noise and problems with alcohol and drugs. I wouldn't recommend it for women and children. There are new cameras, but if anything happens, they don't seem to be there for guests. They just give the manager and housekeeper a good eyeful.

The bed was only average, and it didn't convert into a sofa. Even so, I enjoyed my stay in December 2022, when I had just moved to Perpignan for a new job. The room was a standard size, with a clever layout and lots of useful storage. Sound and thermal insulation were surprisingly good, so my nights were peaceful and comfortable. The reception staff stood out. They handled the formalities quickly and professionally, which made settling in much easier. The modern laundry room was clean and had good quality washers and dryers. It was also reasonably priced, cheaper than traditional laundromats, and made my stay more convenient. I recommend the residence for its cleanliness, capable staff, and good value.

The bathroom fixtures were tiny, and the price wasn't a bargain, so I'd pay a little more to feel sure about the stay. The open folding bed broke as soon as we sat on it, and its legs had been patched with duct tape. There was only a sheet and a blanket, both with other people's hair on them. I've done the Camino de Santiago and stayed in much better hostels. A painful, sad experience I won't recommend.