Villa Médicis Puteaux

We found this place on Hotels and expected better based on the ratings, but it didn’t feel like a hotel or an Airbnb. Basic things were a struggle, even toilet paper, and they said they’d clean our room once but never did. They didn’t provide cleaning supplies either, not even a sponge. The gym listed on the profile was a dark, scary room where nothing worked, and the pool wasn’t working at all. When we raised how uncomfortable we were, they offered us a €3 coffee. You could find somewhere much nicer for less. We won’t be coming back.

We especially appreciated having a kitchenette, since we cooked most of our meals during our Paris stay. The apartment was quite warm even though it was cold outside, because the air conditioning is centralized. We had to keep opening the windows, and reception said the temperature couldn’t be changed. There was no hairdryer in the apartment either. Reception said they were looking for one, but it never turned up. The building is in a quiet area where we felt safe. A grocery store is right across the street, with a laundromat and a boulangerie within walking distance. The train station is about ten minutes away on foot, but we preferred the bus. Its stop is three minutes from the building, and it takes you to La Defense for the metro and shopping centre.

The city centre is well connected from here, which was the only real advantage. The price is low, but don’t expect much. There was a terrible smell when we arrived. The carpets seemed like they hadn’t been vacuumed in years, and the walls, doors, and handles were dirty. At first glance the room looked fine, but the sofa bed was old, squeaky, stained, and uncomfortable. The pillows had yellow sweat marks, the sheets were stained, and we found someone’s underwear on the balcony and behind the dresser. The bathroom was falling apart, and the shower curtain had mold all along the bottom. The kitchen was poorly equipped, and the fridge and dishwasher both smelled awful. Bring your own towels and toilet paper. We were given just one roll for four people, and when we asked for more, they told us to buy it ourselves.

Across the street there’s a wonderful supermarket, and on Saturday morning a farmers market sets up next door. Charlotte, Inez and Michel were extremely helpful, and everyone was friendly. Our apartment was quiet, with a bright, clean room and three sets of glass French doors opening onto terraces that faced the courtyard. A brighter light above the bathroom sink and another mirror in the apartment would help. My husband and I would definitely stay at Villa Medicis again.